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Dick Van Dyke jokes he’s ‘praying’ he makes it to 99th birthday

Dick Van Dyke is still in high spirits after missing the Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony earlier this month.

Fans are concerned about Van Dyke's health after the 98-year-old TV legend missed the awards ceremony despite being scheduled to present.

But in an exclusive video obtained by The Washington Post, the celebrity was all smiles as she left a Malibu pharmacy on Monday morning, even joking about her upcoming birthday.

Just shy of his 99th birthday, legendary actor Dick Van Dyke was asked about his plans for a birthday celebration on December 13th and said he hopes to live to see his 99th birthday. North Sunset / Backgrid
Dick Van Dyke was all smiles, laughing and joking on Monday, September 23, when asked how he was feeling following his absence from the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards. North Sunset / Backgrid

“I feel old,” Van Dyk said with a laugh and a broad smile when the photographer asked him how he was feeling.

As for whether the star, who will celebrate his 99th birthday in December, has any big plans, Van Dyke added with his trademark comedic timing: “I'm just praying that I survive.”

It was announced early Monday that Van Dyke will miss the three-day FanX event in Salt Lake City, Utah, from Sept. 26-28.

Dick Van Dyke recently raised concerns about his health after cancelling his appearance at the FanX event in Salt Lake City from September 26th to September 29th. North Sunset / Backgrid

“He has expressed his gratitude to all those who continue to support him, but at nearly 99 years old, travelling and interacting with thousands of people is something he is unable to do at this time.” The announcement stated:

Van Dyke was announced as a presenter at the Primetime Emmy Awards on September 9, but did not attend the ceremony.

Dick Van Dyke won the award for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Taped) for “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years Of Magic” at the 76th Annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theatre on September 7, 2024. Scott Kirkland/PictureGroup for FXX/Shutterstock
Award winner Dick Van Dyke poses during the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel on June 7, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images

But the Mary Poppins star attended the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on September 7, where she sat down and posed with the Emmy statuette after winning the award for best variety special for her life story, The Magic of '98, a CBS special. Though the show won a trophy, Van Dyke did not win because he was not a producer.

Looking back at his work, Van Dijk told reporters: At the awards ceremony, he said he wanted to be remembered for “laughter.”

Dick Van Dyke won the award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for “Days of Our Lives” at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on June 7, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images courtesy of NATAS
Dick Van Dyke walks with a cane after posing with American comedian and actress Carol Burnett during her handprint and footprint ceremony at the courtyard of the TCL Chinese Theatre on June 20, 2024 in Hollywood, California. AFP via Getty Images

“I want to thank everyone for making me laugh for the last 75 years,” he said. “I can't believe I've been in this business for 75 years and I'm still here acting! I'm open to work if anyone's interested.”

The “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” actor made Emmy history this year when he won a Daytime Emmy for his guest starring role on “Days of Our Lives,” making him the oldest person ever to win a Daytime Emmy.

“It's incredible. I feel like a spy on late-night TV,” he said at the awards ceremony in June. “I'm 98 years old. Can you believe it? This marks the completion of 80 years in this industry. If I'd known I'd live this long, I would have taken better care of my health.”

The Post has contacted Van Dyke's representatives for comment.

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