Dick Van Dyke, the treasured actor and entertainer, just recently turned 96. Incredible, right? Save the date—he just turned 99 in December! Known for his vibrant performances and timeless charm, Van Dyke took time to reflect on his life with family ahead of this momentous occasion.
His work has recently been featured in the extended director’s cut of Coldplay’s “All My Love” music video. In this stellar foursome with lead singer Chris Martin, it was a raw and moving performance. This tragic loss not only showed Andre’s enduring talent but revealed his unique capacity to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Even after savoring such celebratory occasions, Van Dyke faced serious health issues. In effect, this meant that he could no longer participate in the Vandy Camp event—which he was supposed to co-host with his wife, Arlene Silver. We look forward to having the event create an exciting buzz throughout the beautiful Arlene & Dick Van Dyke Theater at Malibu High School. Looking forward to amazing performances from Van Dyke, Silver…and their super-star musical ensemble, Vantastix!
On stage at the event, Silver explained her husband’s absence to the crowd, saying he was under the weather. Attendees were beyond excited when Van Dyke joined them unexpectedly through a livestream. He gave everyone the gift of his tender observations about life and death, inspiring us all.
“I’m acutely aware that I’m, you know, can go any day now, but I don’t know why it doesn’t concern me,” Van Dyke candidly expressed. He added, “I’m not afraid of it. I have that feeling, totally against anything intellectual, that I’m going to be all right.”
The Vandy Camp event really flourished with the creative energy that was felt. Guests savored moving music, thrilling film montages, stimulating dialogue, and a cool interactive Q&A. Now at 99 and a half years young, Van Dyke released some of his most precious lessons about life. After over an hour of discussion, his passion for his art was infectious.
Reflecting on his career, he remarked, “I think I’m one of those lucky people who got to do for a living what I would have done anyway.” He continued on a philosophical note about happiness and fulfillment in life: “When you think how lucky I am, I got to do what I do — play and act silly.”
Van Dyke’s illustrious career includes notable achievements such as winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) for “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic.” His legacy continues to inspire many as he navigates this phase of life with grace and humor.
