Comedy icon Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday, reaching a significant milestone six decades after his memorable performances in classics like 'Mary Poppins' and his self-titled sitcom.
In an interview with ABC News at his Malibu home, Van Dyke shared, The funniest thing is, it’s not enough. A hundred years is not enough. You want to live more, which I plan to.”
Van Dyke rose to fame with 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', which aired from 1961-66 on CBS. He dazzled audiences alongside Julie Andrews as a chimney sweep in the 1964 Disney hit 'Mary Poppins', and in his later years, he portrayed a medical sleuth in 'Diagnosis: Murder'.
A Broadway star, Van Dyke has received numerous accolades including a Tony Award for 'Bye Bye Birdie', a Grammy, and four Primetime Emmys. He starred in the film adaptation of 'Bye Bye Birdie' in 1963.
Van Dyke recently became the oldest winner of a Daytime Emmy for a guest appearance on 'Days of Our Lives' last year.
He overcame alcoholism in the 1970s, speaking publicly about his journey during a time when it was rare to do so.
Commemorating his 100th birthday, Van Dyke reflected on his past portrayals of elderly characters, remarking, I played old men a lot, and I always played them as angry and cantankerous. It’s not really that way. I don’t know any other 100-year-olds, but I can speak for myself.
In his book, '100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life', he emphasizes the importance of companionship, crediting his 54-year-old wife, Arlene Silver, for keeping him youthful and vibrant.
Born in West Plains, Missouri in 1925, Van Dyke grew up as a class clown in Danville, Illinois, taking inspiration from silent film comedians. He reminisced about his first acting role at age four in a Christmas pageant, where his humor brought laughter to the congregation. Reflecting on aging, he mentioned, I miss movement. I’ve got one game leg from I don’t know what, but added with a grin, I still try to dance.
