Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke is celebrating a remarkable milestone today (December 13) as he reaches his 100th birthday.
The much-loved American performer, famed for his unforgettable performances in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, is celebrating the remarkable occasion through a mix of private family gatherings, charity events, the release of a new book, and public film/TV tributes.
Whilst admirers continue to be astonished by Van Dyke’s extraordinary fitness and vigour at such an age, the Missouri-born star shared his secrets to remaining youthful last year.
Speaking to Forbes in June 2024, alongside his wife Arlene Silver, 53, to whom he’s been wed for 12 years, Van Dyke spoke about his love for performing and the exercise regimen that maintains his agility and strength well into his nineties.
« [Fitness] is getting more important, » he admitted. « I’m only about five months from 99, so I find it the legs I would tell everybody who’s getting old get your legs together. If you’re going to get around, you’re alright, and that’s what I’m working on. »
Van Dyke attributes his sustained vitality and lengthy career to ‘keeping moving’, emphasising the significance of physical activity and an active way of life. « My mother lived within months of 96 everyone else went in their sixties and seventies, » he recalled.
« I put a book out years ago called Keep Moving, so I still exercise everyday. We try to go to the gym and do a little bit of light weight training and everything. I believe that’s it keeping moving. »
He went on to share his deep gratitude for his wife, crediting her with maintaining his health and happiness. « Oh my God! I don’t think I’d even be here, to tell you that truth, » he said when contemplating life without her.
« She keeps me in shape, feeds me and I love her more everyday. We’re just getting closer and close. »
Silver also spoke about how Van Dyke has enriched her own life, remarking: « I was very cynical, I think, when I first met him. He’s such a great human being and he’s so pure in his thoughts and his heart, that it’s rubbed off on me. Just all the wholesome things of life that’s what he has and he’s just made me a better person. »
The tale recently captured the imagination of Reddit users, prompting conversations about the beloved actor. One commenter noted: « This actor is not just a legend. He shows us why it is important to stay fit and healthy into our golden years. »
Another responded: « A big part of it is getting in shape while you’re young(er) and to maintain it. Easier to keep things maintained than to fix problems. »
Another sentimental fan admitted: « He reminds me a lot of my late father who was a very smiley, friendly kind of guy, so I have a very special place in my heart for Dick Van Dyke. »
The praise continued to pour in, with another fan chiming in: « Such a talented man. »
In a touching anecdote, one individual shared their personal encounter, stating: « My friends worked at a deli in Cave Creek Az and they said he came in all the time. They said he was super cool. »
Van Dyke also spoke about his health this year, saying he makes sure to avoid two things in particular – cigarettes and alcohol.
The actor said he smoked and drunk more when he was younger, but realised he should stop if he wanted to improve his health.
According to Unilad, he said: “I smoked a lot, actually! I think I was probably in my 50s before it dawned on me that I had an addictive personality.
« If I liked something, I was going to overdo it. »
« So I got rid of booze and cigarettes and all that stuff, which is probably why I’m still here. »
Van Dyke checked into hospital for alcoholism back in 1972, but soon managed to get sober. He also managed to quit smoking, but said that quitting smoking was much harder for him than quitting alcohol.
Van Dyke has encouraged fans who want to celebrate his birthday to make a donation to the charity he supports, The Midnight Mission. This is a non-profit human services organisation based in the heart of the Skid Row neighbourhood in downtown Los Angeles. It offers comprehensive support system aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives.
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