Dick Van Dyke, 98, makes mortality admission in candid conversation: ‘Could go any day’
Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke showcased his trademark humour about ageing during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday, as he approaches his 99th birthday.
The Mary Poppins star didn’t shy away from poking fun at his impressive age, quipping that he’s “old enough to be Joe Biden’s father” – a playful jab at the 82-year-old US president.
Van Dyke, who turns 99 on December 13, appeared alongside Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to discuss their recent collaboration on the band’s All My Love music video.
The veteran entertainer demonstrated his enduring wit and charm throughout the interview, making light of his advancing years whilst reflecting on his remarkable seven-decade career.
During the show, Chris Martin shared an endearing moment from the video shoot at Van Dyke’s home, involving the actor’s 73-year-old son Barry.
Martin recalled how Barry had approached his father asking, “Dad, can I turn the pool slide on?”
“It was so sweet because it was like a son and his dad,” Martin told the audience. “But they’re collectively 176 [years old],” he added with a laugh.
The host highlighted that Van Dyke’s other children are equally impressive in age, with son Christian at 74, and daughters Stacy and Carrie aged 68 and 63 respectively.
Van Dyke addressed his experience with dementia during the show with characteristic good humour.
“Like, right now, I think I’m on the Jimmy Kimmel Show,” he joked, prompting Kimmel to reassure him with “Happens to me too.”
The host shared an earlier encounter with Van Dyke from the same day, when he had asked the actor how he was doing.
Van Dyke’s response was characteristically succinct: “Very old.”
Despite the challenges that come with age, the veteran performer maintains his ability to find humour in his circumstances, much to the delight of the studio audience.
Van Dyke’s continued vitality was highlighted by his recent Emmy win at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards for his birthday special, “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic.”
After accepting the award, he reflected on his lengthy career with characteristic humility.
“I’ve been in the business 75 years. I can’t believe that I’m still here and performing,” he told reporters, before adding with a laugh, “I’m looking for work if anybody has.”
His recent achievements also include becoming the oldest Daytime Emmy winner for his role as Timothy Robicheaux on Days of Our Lives in June.
The accolades demonstrate Van Dyke’s enduring presence in the entertainment industry, even as he approaches his centenary.
Van Dyke spoke candidly about one of the unexpected challenges of reaching his nineties – outliving many of his closest friends in the industry.
The recent loss of Norman Lear, who died at 101 in December 2023, added to a growing list of departed colleagues.
“I had a bunch of friends there to say nice things, but Mary Tyler Moore, Morey [Amsterdam] and Rosie [Rose Marie], Carl Reiner, Norman Lear, all the people that I always loved and associated with are gone, so I’m having to make new friends,” he reflected.
Despite this, Van Dyke maintains an optimistic outlook.
“I’m happy to say people come to me,” he added. “I don’t have to go out looking.”
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Van Dyke’s approach to daily life remains remarkably upbeat, as evidenced by his comments about his home life with wife Arlene Silver, 53.
“My wife brings me a cup of coffee in the morning. I get it in bed. I get treated like a king around here,” he told People.
The actor maintains that he finds joy and gratitude in each day, rather than focusing on special occasions.
“I’m not much on traditions, I don’t think,” he explained, noting that he prefers to celebrate life daily.
As Van Dyke prepares to mark his 99th birthday on December 13, he continues to exemplify the art of ageing with grace and humour.