The Hollywood legend (and Mix fan-favorite!) Dick Van Dyke is preparing to turn 99 in December. Just two months away from this landmark birthday, Van Dyke is opening up about how he wants to be remembered during his time on Earth.

Van Dyke Wants To Be Remembered For One Thing

On Saturday night, Van Dyke won an award for outstanding variety special at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards for his 2023 birthday special, Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic. Afterwards, he was asked by reporters what he would like to be remembered for. Van Dyke did not hesitate with his response.

“For laughter,” he replied. “I hope for making people laugh for 75 years.”

“I’ve been in the business 75 years,” he added. “I can’t believe that I’m still here and performing.”

That being said, Van Dyke made it clear that he isn’t done yet! After a pause, he said with a laugh, “I’m looking for work if anybody has.”

Later in the press conference, Van Dyke was asked what advice he would give to young performers.

“You have to stick with it,” he responded. “You’re gonna go through hard times and a lot of auditions … but you have to stay with it. Be patient if you’ve got the confidence in yourself, and it’s very important to believe that you can do it.”

Related: Dick Van Dyke, 98, Speaks Out On His Incredible Longevity – ‘I Can’t Figure It Out…’

Van Dyke Wins Creative Arts Emmy

With his win on Saturday night, Van Dyke tied for the oldest recipient of a Creative Arts Emmy alongside the late Norman Lear, who won at age 98 in 2020. As he accepted the award, Van Dyke was joined onstage by his 52 year-old wife Arlene Silver, who produced his birthday special.

“Thank you! That reception, I cannot tell you what it means,” he told the adoring crowd.

Referring to his wife, Van Dyke added, “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.”

Silver then spoke up to thank the crowd before addressing her husband directly.

“Thank you so much,” she said. “It is a honor to spend my life with you… We got four nominations that put love, heart and soul into the show. To honor you, you’ve created endless joy and playfulness for generations to come.”

Related: Dick Van Dyke Reveals The One Thing Still On His Bucket List At 98

Van Dyke Makes Daytime Emmy History

This comes months after Van Dyke became the oldest winner of a Daytime Emmy ever. He took home the award for best guest performer in a daytime drama series for his role as Timothy Robicheaux on the soap opera Days of Our Lives.

“This is a very different honor for me; I seldom get recognized for dramatic or straight acting – comedy and musicals are my specialty after all,” he told People Magazine at the time. “I’m so honored and it will be a fun night celebrating with the entire daytime television community.”

As he gets ready to celebrate his 99th birthday, Van Dyke still has big plans for the future. Earlier this year, he said that he is hoping to do a one-man show about his incredible life and career.  

“I was thinking of doing — 80 years in the business, I have a lot of stories to tell. I thought I’d just do a one-man show, like this,” he said. “Just sit and talk to the audience.”

Van Dyke is a true living legend, and there will never be another one like him. Please join us in wishing him a happy birthday when he turns 99 on December 13!

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