Dick Van Dyke has entertained audiences for many years. A new documentary marking the iconic actor’s 100th birthday reveals not just his successes but also the challenges he faced away from the spotlight.
“American Masters – Starring Dick Van Dyke” premiered on PBS, detailing the 80-year career of the beloved star. Director John Scheinfeld pointed out the film addresses Van Dyke’s struggles with alcoholism, which he referred to as his “drunken personal demons” during his peak fame.
In a pre-release interview, Scheinfeld mentioned that, while many celebrities have both admirers and detractors, no one had negative comments about Van Dyke throughout the lengthy production process. “He’s the same guy off-screen as he is on-screen,” he explained.
However, Scheinfeld felt it was crucial for the documentary to highlight Van Dyke’s battle with alcoholism—a part of his life that isn’t very well-known. “We cover a lot, but primarily focus on his struggles during the ’60s and ’70s,” he said. “He spoke about it, but it’s not something everyone is aware of.”
A particularly eye-opening segment includes a recreation of Van Dyke’s candid discussion about his addiction on “The Dick Cavett Show” in 1974. “He shared his fight with remarkable honesty,” Scheinfeld noted, suggesting this illustrates a deeper understanding of who Van Dyke is as a person.
During that show, Van Dyke characterized alcoholism as a “physical disease,” asserting that it isn’t merely an issue of maturity or willpower. “This is a real addiction, similar to heroin addiction,” he remarked then.
In a later chat with Oprah Winfrey, Van Dyke revealed that his alcohol use started as a way to cope with shyness. “I struggled to interact with unfamiliar people,” he shared. “Drinking helped me relax and eliminated barriers.” He acknowledged it took a long time to overcome that habit.
The new PBS documentary also revisits Van Dyke’s compelling role in the 1974 TV movie “The Morning After,” where he portrayed a businessman grappling with alcoholism. This role significantly diverged from his usual family-friendly persona.
“It was a key part of the story,” Scheinfeld said. “It surprised fans who knew him for his singing and dancing. He earned an Emmy nomination for this performance but then seemed to vanish.”
For the first time since it aired, the documentary includes previously thought-lost clips from “The Morning After.” Scheinfeld explained, “We included excerpts that showcase Dick’s dramatic acting skills and his personal struggles with alcohol.”
Now, over 50 years sober, Van Dyke said he has no regrets about giving up alcohol. “I enjoy life without it,” he stated last year. “I’m completely alcohol-free and have no cravings.”
In discussing Van Dyke in relation to “American Masters,” Scheinfeld shared what he believes contributes to the actor’s longevity as he nears his 100th year. He cited a book titled “Keep Moving,” highlighting Van Dyke’s active lifestyle, both in work and personal engagements.
“He hasn’t retired to play golf or anything,” Scheinfeld laughed. “He’s always engaged, and that keeps him vibrant and relevant.”
Additionally, Scheinfeld noted Van Dyke’s infectious enthusiasm for life. “He finds joy in everything,” he remarked. “That’s something really special.”
The documentary serves as a heartfelt tribute to Van Dyke, celebrating his storied journey as he approaches this monumental birthday.
“Dick, my team and I have spent the last 10 months crafting a love letter to you and your career. We hope you enjoy it,” he expressed in a touching note to the beloved entertainer.
“In a world filled with chaos, working alongside him has brought us joy, laughter, and smiles,” Scheinfeld concluded. “And don’t we all need more of that these days?”
“American Masters – Starring Dick Van Dyke” will air on PBS and become available for streaming on Friday, December 12th at 9 PM ET.
