Dick Van Dyke Reflects on Longevity

Dick Van Dyke, the beloved star known for his role in Mary Poppins, is set to turn 100 on December 13. Recently, he shared his thoughts on what he believes has contributed to his long life: giving up alcohol and smoking when he was in his 50s. He remarked that these decisions are likely why he’s “still here.”

This revelation came during the Vandy High Tea event held at his Malibu home on November 30. While reminiscing about his collaborations with Walt Disney, who passed away from lung cancer in 1966, Van Dyke noted that Disney “smoked too much.” He corrected a comment made about his son, Barry Van Dyke, stating that his son didn’t smoke much at all, and interjected that he himself had smoked quite a lot in his earlier years.

“I think it was probably in my 50s that I realized I had an addictive personality. If I liked something, I would overdo it,” Van Dyke noted. “So, I gave up booze and cigarettes and everything. That’s probably why I’m still here.”

The actor had spoken openly about his struggles with alcoholism, revealing in 1972 that he was hospitalized due to the issue. He claimed that quitting smoking was “twice as hard” as stopping drinking, still grappling with his nicotine addiction as of 2023.

Despite his struggles, he expressed that while aging comes with its challenges, he feels youthful inside. In an essay for the Sunday Times published last month, he shared his frustrations about feeling “diminished” in the world, both physically and socially, as his loved ones often need to come to him instead of traveling.

Van Dyke described his current state: “Like the characters of old, I am now an outsider, a limping, unsteady person.” He mentioned his foot problems, often lying down to rest whenever possible, and humorously remarked on his vision issues, saying, “Now my eyesight is so bad that I can’t even do origami.” He also expressed difficulties following conversations, joking about his hearing aids.

Yet, he remains optimistic. Van Dyke emphasized that he has managed to reach 99 by refusing to let negative experiences define him. He reflected, “I don’t let them define me. Instead, for years I’ve had what can only be described as a total bear hug experience of living. Living is doing life. It’s more like a giant playground than a job.”