Dick Van Dyke celebrates 100 years with humor
Dick Van Dyke turns 100 this December with a new book, a theater tribute and his signature humor.
- Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke is celebrating his 100th birthday on December 13.
- Van Dyke recently shared details about his close friendship with the late Walt Disney.
Happy birthday, Dick Van Dyke!
The legendary actor and comedian is celebrating his 100th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 13. He has starred in films and shows across nine decades since first becoming a household name in the early 1960s.
While the “Mary Poppins” star might be Missouri-born, he has ties to Florida, particularly through his friendship with the theme park icon, Walt Disney. Van Dyke spoke earlier this month about his relationship with Disney.
What did Dick Van Dyke say about working with Walt Disney?
According to People Magazine, Van Dyke claimed at a Vandy High Tea charity event on Dec. 6 to be the last person alive who knew the “real” Walt Disney. The two met in the 1960s, before Van Dyke auditioned for “Mary Poppins.”
“I got to know Walt, I’m probably the last person alive who did. I got to know Walt pretty well, and we just got along,” he said. “We decided that emotionally we were both 13 years old and that’s why we love to do children’s entertainment.
“He was a big kid, just so full of enthusiasm, and I just loved him.”
While Van Dyke noted that they “were kind of on opposite sides of the political fence,” he said they “didn’t let that get in the way” of their relationship. He also cracked a joke that Disney smoked “too much! Doggone!”
How many Disney movies, shows has Dick Van Dyke been in?
According to the Disney Fandom Wiki, Van Dyke has appeared in numerous roles in Disney movies and shows. Some of his key roles include:
- Mary Poppins (1964): Bert the Chimney Sweeper, Mr. Dawkins Sr.
- Lt. Robin Crusoe U.S.N. (1966): Lt. Robin Crusoe
- Never a Dull Moment (1968): Jack Albany
- Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (2014): The voice of Captain Goof-Beard (Goofy’s grandfather)
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (2014): Himself
- Mary Poppins Returns (2018): Mr. Dawes Jr.
Is Dick Van Dyke featured on any Disney rides?
Not anymore.
Hollywood Studios’ former attraction “The Great Movie Ride” featured a scene from Mary Poppins, including an animatronic of Van Dyke and co-star Julie Andrews. The attraction closed in 2017 after nearly 30 years in operation.
What has Dick Van Vyke said about his 100th birthday
Earlier this year, the Tony Award winner cracked a dark joke about failing to reach age 100 while speaking at a Vandy High Tea event in Malibu, California, on Oct. 5.
“I’m not officially a hundred until December,” he noted, per People magazine. “Two months. Two months. It’d be funny if I didn’t make it.”
The event, which Van Dyke attended with his wife, Arlene, raised money for the Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and Dick Van Dyke Museum.
The Sunday Times piece was extracted from the actor’s new memoir titled, “100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life.”
“Now here we are many decades later. I turn 100 on December 13; as old if not older than Mr Dawes, Origami Guy or Ludwig. I’m not playing a super-old any more. I am a super-old,” he wrote referencing his iconic characters.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.floridatoday.com ’
