Dick Van Dyke Reflects on His Longevity and Lifestyle Changes

Dick Van Dyke, the beloved star of “Mary Poppins,” recently shared insights on his long life as he approaches his 100th birthday on December 13. Van Dyke believes that significant changes in his lifestyle, particularly giving up drinking and smoking, have played a crucial role in his longevity.

“I quit booze and cigarettes a long time ago, and I think that’s probably why I’m still around,” he remarked at a recent high tea event at his Malibu home.

The 99-year-old actor acknowledged his past struggles with addiction, admitting he was quite the smoker. He recognized his tendency to indulge excessively, particularly in his 50s. “Once I liked something, I would just overdo it,” he noted.

Van Dyke reminisced about meeting Walt Disney in the 1960s, recalling that the iconic animator, who passed away from lung cancer at 65, had also struggled with smoking. “He was a really great guy, but he smoked too much,” he said.

After entering a hospital to address his alcoholism in 1972, Van Dyke decided it was vital to speak openly about his challenges. “I knew plenty of people who couldn’t overcome it,” he reflected. “I found myself in a neighborhood where drinking was common at parties, and I got pulled into it before I realized how addicted I had become.” His experience with smoking mirrored this struggle.

Today, Van Dyke says he only drinks “socially” and never before acting. He described how alcohol changed his demeanor, saying, “An alcoholic can easily shift from a happy drunk to a bitter one, and I didn’t like who I was becoming.” However, he candidly shared that quitting smoking proved to be an even steeper challenge.

On a podcast, he emphasized that giving up cigarettes was “twice as hard” as overcoming alcohol. He’s dedicated to staying active, exercising three times a week, and finding joy in dancing. “I don’t really know why I still want to do this, but I do,” he admitted. If he skips the gym for too long, he can feel the stiffness creeping in, and that’s something he wants to avoid.

When it comes to working out, he enjoys circuit training, moving from one machine to another with minimal breaks. “I engage all parts of my body, focusing on my legs especially,” he explained. But where he finds the most satisfaction is in blending music and movement. “Most of my singing happens while I move between machines—I can’t help it, I’m dancing!” he laughed, adding that he sometimes channels his inner Broadway star while doing so.

While physical fitness has helped his body, it’s love that keeps his spirits high. Van Dyke credits his wife, Arlene, as a major influence in his life. “She’s my soulmate,” he expressed fondly, noting their 2012 marriage. At 54, she brings youthful energy that he appreciates, stating that she makes him feel much younger than his years. “Her support lifts me up and keeps me optimistic,” he said.

Van Dyke encapsulated his philosophy of life simply: “Fun comes from being in love, doing what you enjoy, and having a good laugh often.” He even described how he and Arlene often turn to music and dance at home to lighten his mood.

As he thinks about aging, his key piece of advice is surprisingly straightforward. “Don’t take yourself too seriously,” he said. “Life can be a comedy of errors, and if you can’t laugh at yourself, you might be missing the point.”