This December 13th, Dick Van Dyke will celebrate a remarkable milestone—his 100th birthday. Over the years, he has truly lived a rich and diverse life.
Born Richard Wayne Van Dyke on December 13, 1925, in West Plains, Missouri, he had a younger brother, Jerry, who also pursued a career in entertainment until his passing in 2018.
Rising to Fame with Bye Bye Birdie
Dick Van Dyke married Margie Willett in 1948, and they had four children together: Christian, Barry, Stacey, and Carrie Beth. After their divorce in 1984, Van Dyke entered a long-term relationship with Michelle Triola Marvin until her death in 2009. He later married his current wife, Arlene Silver, in 2012, when he was 86, and they share seven grandchildren.
Van Dyke first captured attention through Broadway shows, particularly *Bye Bye Birdie*, where he really honed his singing and dancing skills. He mentioned the kindness of Chita Rivera, who helped him with both dance and singing since he was quite new to both. “I had to learn a lot quickly,” he recalled.
Iconic Roles and Rediscovery
One of his standout performances came in 1964 when he portrayed Bert, the Cockney chimney sweep, in *Mary Poppins*, alongside Julie Andrews. He also starred as Rob Petrie in *The Dick Van Dyke Show*, which debuted in 1961. Interestingly, he reprised his role from *Mary Poppins* in the 2018 sequel, *Mary Poppins Returns*. His IMDb profile lists an impressive 83 acting credits dating back to 1956.
As he nears his 100th birthday, it’s hard not to ponder his feelings about this milestone. He expressed surprise about reaching such a high age, saying, “I never thought I’d be over 80 at most. The funny thing is, I don’t know what I did right. I have no idea.”
Staying Active and Passionate
Van Dyke remains committed to an active lifestyle and often dances with Arlene. “I’ve always loved old, soft shoes. It just flows,” he shared. Singing continues to be a big part of his life. During a recent interview, when asked why he was still active at his age, he confidently stated, “Singing is the best thing you can do for yourself. I always wake up with old songs playing in my head.”
Reflecting on Legacy
When considering his legacy, he mentioned, “Movies and TV shows speak for me. I think it’s an attitude towards life, looking on the bright side.”
Happy 100th birthday, Dick Van Dyke! Wishing you health and joy as you celebrate this incredible milestone. Keep on singing!
