The Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke is preparing to turn 100 later this year. In a new interview, Van Dyke and his wife Arlene Silver, 53, are speaking out to reveal the “curse” of living to 100.
‘Curse’ Of Living To 100
Van Dyke and Silver recently took part in a Q&A at the Dick & Arlene Van Dyke Present Vandy Camp event in Malibu, California. There, they revealed that Van Dyke and his longtime friend Ed Asner of The Mary Tyler Moore Show fame were set to appear in a remake of the classic comedy The Odd Couple. Sadly, Asner ended up passing away in August of 2021 at the age of 91 before this could happen.
“That would’ve been such fun, and we lost it. I’ve lost a lot of friends,” Van Dyke lamented.
“He’s outlived everybody,” Silver explained. “That’s the curse of living to almost 100.”
Van Dyke Is ‘Still So Positive’
Despite having lost so many of his close friends and former co-stars, Silver made sure to add that Van Dyke is “still so positive.”
“Well, life’s been good to me,” Van Dyke simply responded. “I can’t complain.”
Though Van Dyke is now 99, he still loves to perform. Indeed, at this Malibu event, he took the stage to perform with his barbershop quartet, The Vantastix.
When asked why he still performs onstage instead of opting to relax in retirement, Van Dyke had an easy answer ready.
“I’m a ham,” Van Dyke told People Magazine. “I love it. I get a jolt of energy from an audience.”
Related: Dick Van Dyke Reveals His Secrets To Living A Happy Life As He Prepares To Turn 100
Van Dyke Reflects On His Career
Van Dyke then took the time to reflect on his decades-long career in entertainment. Out of everything he’s done, it’s his portrayal of Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway from April of 1960 to October of 1961 that Van Dyke singled out as his favorite.
“[It’s] the one that got me off the ground,” he recalled. “It was the biggest thrill. And I got a Tony [Award] later.”
Van Dyke went on to play Albert in the film version of Bye Bye Birdie in 1963. At the time, he was also starring in the hugely popular The Dick Van Dyke Show, which ran from 1961 until 1966.
During that same time-period, Van Dyke starred in 1964’s Mary Poppins alongside Julie Andrews, 89. He’s never forgotten working with Andrews, who was “as sweet as she could be and so patient with me.”
Andrews’ patience was especially important to Van Dyke, as he struggled with the singing required for his roles in the film.
“I’m not a real singer, so I tend to be under, fighting to get up there and sing on top of the note,” he explained. “Just took me forever in the recording.”
“But [Andrews] was just patient as could be and kept helping me, saying, ‘Think high. Think up there,'” he recounted. “And it turned out great. She was wonderful. We had a wonderful time together.”
Related: Dick Van Dyke Reveals What It Was Really Like Filming ‘Mary Poppins’ With Julie Andrews
Van Dyke Discusses His Longevity
Van Dyke is set to turn 100 on December 13, 2025. In July of last year, Van Dyke opened up about his incredible longevity.
“Attitude about life I think has a lot to do with it,” Van Dyke told Entertainment Tonight. “I’ve always looked at the good side, I guess, and expected good things to happen.”
That being said, Van Dyke isn’t quite sure how he made it to this advanced age.
“I’ve often tried to think what did I do to live this long?” he admitted. “And I can’t figure out. The only thing is I’ve always exercised. We still go to the gym three days a week and work out. And I believe that’s the secret.”
“Most people at 98 years old don’t really feel like working out and they seize up, you know?” Van Dyke continued. “You get stiff and I’m still, you know, move pretty well. And I think that must be the secret because I don’t really watch my diet or anything. Stayed skinny. That helps.”
Van Dyke is a true living legend, and there will never be another one like him. While we can certainly understand why it would be so hard to lose friends along the way, we’re glad that Van Dyke is still with us today!
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