Dick Van Dyke is opening up about the realities of living to nearly 100. The actor, who has been in the business for more than 3 decades, stated that at times, longevity can feel like “a curse.” The 99-year-old “Mary Poppins” star shared that as the years have passed, he has been forced to say goodbye to many friends and loved ones.
The legendary actor spoke candidly about the 2021 death of his longtime friend Ed Asner. The tragic death came before the pair could complete a long-anticipated remake of “The Odd Couple.”
‘The Odd Couple’
“That would’ve been such fun, and we lost it,” Van Dyke said at the Dick & Arlene Van Dyke Present Vandy Camp event. “I’ve lost a lot of friends.”
“The Odd Couple” originally premiered as a Broadway play by Neil Simon in 1965. It was followed by a 1967 film adaptation starring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon. Later, it was brought back as a popular TV series developed by Garry Marshall in 1970, which ran for five seasons.
Chiming in on her husband’s reflections, 53-year-old Arlene Silver noted, “He’s outlived everybody. That’s the curse of living to almost 100.”
Despite the emotional weight of his comments, Van Dyke remains remarkably upbeat. When asked how he manages to stay so positive, he responded simply, “Well, life’s been good to me. I can’t complain.”
The couple has been married since 2012 and often jokes about their 46-year age difference. “We get along so well. Everybody said it wouldn’t work,” Van Dyke said. Silver added, “We just care about each other so much.”
They met in 2006 at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, where Silver was working as a makeup artist. Since then, they’ve continued to defy expectations, frequently sharing that their age gap is “irrelevant” to the success of their relationship.
Still Going Strong!
Born on Dec. 13, 1925, Van Dyke has made an amazing name for himself, with work spanning on stage and screens. He has won several accolades, including a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, and a total of six Emmy Awards, and went on to star in timeless films like “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “Bye Bye Birdie,” earning a reputation as one of America’s most beloved entertainers. He also starred in his own CBS sitcom, “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” from 1961 to 1966, which earned him three Primetime Emmy Awards.
Even as he nears the century mark, Van Dyke maintains a rigorous fitness routine. Believe it or not, proving how strong he still is, he works out three times a week and practices yoga to stay limber and active.
Now at 99, Van Dyke continues to inspire fans with his humor, humility, and unmatched charm. The actor is a true testament to a life well-lived.
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Dick Van Dyke Gets Candid About Life at 99