Dick Van Dyke, 98, was surprisingly absent from the Emmy Awards when they took place on Sunday night. This was particularly shocking, given the fact that Van Dyke had been announced as a presenter just a few days before.

Van Dyke Absent From The Emmys

The official Emmy Awards website had confirmed on September 9 that Van Dyke would be presenting at the ceremony. Van Dyke ended up being the only scheduled presenter who did not make the show.

At the time of this writing, no official reason for Van Dyke’s absence have been given. His reps have declined to comment when contacted by reporters.

Van Dyke was last seen in public on September 7 at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys. There, his CBS special, Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic, took home the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special.

“Thank you, that reception, I cannot tell you what it means,” Van Dyke said as he accepted the award on the behalf of those who made the special.

“I’m 99 next month,” he added.

Van Dyke also praised his 52 year-old wife Arlene Silver, who produced the special.

“The young lady who got this award, you may think of the word nepotism and I would understand it, but this lady got the job all by herself as producer of the Dick Van Dyke special because she knows me inside and out, and knows how I work, and don’t take no sass from anybody. Arlene Van Dyke!”  he gushed.

Afterwards, Van Dyke told reporters that he would like to be remembered “for laughter.”

“Hopefully for making people laugh for 75 years,” he continued. “I’ve been in the business for 75 years, I can’t believe it that I’m still here and performing! I’m looking for work if anyone’s interested.”

Full Story: Dick Van Dyke Tells Fans How He Wants To Be Remembered As He Prepares To Turn 99

Van Dyke Makes History

Though he’s about to turn 99, Van Dyke’s acting career isn’t slowing down in any way. Back in June, he made history when he became the oldest Daytime Emmy winner ever. Indeed, Van Dyke took home the award for best guest performance in a daytime drama series for his portrayal of amnesiac Timothy Robicheaux on the beloved soap opera Days of Our Lives.

“I don’t believe this. I feel like a spy from nighttime television,” he said at the ceremony. “I’m 98 years old. Can you believe it? This really tops off a lifetime of 80 years in the business. If I had known I would have lived this long I would’ve taken better care of myself.”

Van Dyke was later surprised to learn that he was the oldest winner ever.

“Am I really the oldest?” Van Dyke told Entertainment Tonight. “I’ll be darned. I think I’m the last of my generation. I’m 98. I have — almost — all my marbles. I can’t remember what I had for breakfast.”

Related: Dick Van Dyke, 98, Reveals Surprising Way He Stays Young With His 52-Year-Old Wife

Van Dyke Has No Plans To Retire

Van Dyke went on to make it clear that retirement isn’t in the cards for him.

“It isn’t work, it’s play,” he said. “Actors are so lucky. I’ve had such a good time.” 

In the future, Van Dyke is hoping to star in a one-man show about his life. We can only hope that his absence from the Emmys isn’t due to any serious health issue, and that he’s able to continue his incredible career.

Please join us in saying a prayer for Van Dyke!

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