Dick Van Dyke, 99, shares rare insight into 'curse' of living until almost 100
Dick Van Dyke has opened up about the 'curse' of living until 100, as he prepares for his milestone birthday.
The legendary actor is set to turn 100 in December, and has shown no signs of slowing down just yet.
During an appearance at a Q&A session in Malibu beside his wife, Arlene Van Dyke, the 99-year-old reflected on his decades-long career as one of the biggest names in Hollywood.
Shedding light on projects that didn't see the light of day, the Mary Poppins icon touched on the downside of aging.
According to People Magazine, he explained that he was set to team up with Ed Asher for a remake of beloved sitcom The Odd Couple before his pal's death in 2021, at the age of 91.
'That would've been such fun, and we lost it. I've lost a lot of friends,' he told the crowd at the Dick and Arlene Van Dyke Present Vandy Camp event.
'He's outlived everybody,' Arlene, 53, interjected. 'That's the curse of living to almost 100.'
Although the star, who has also appeared in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Diagnosis Murder, has lost so many loved ones over the years, Arlene shared that he has kept a 'positive' outlook on life.
'Well, life's been good to me,' he noted. 'I can't complain.'
Speaking to People Magazine at the event, Dick touched on why he has shunned the idea of a quiet retirement and some much-deserved rest.
'I'm a ham,' he added of his reign in the spotlight. 'I love it. I get a jolt of energy from an audience.'
Dick began his career in the late 1940s and has never looked back – he landed a string of roles on the small screen before going on to make his Broadway debut in 1959 with a stint in The Girls Against The Boys.
He starred in both the stage and film adaptations of Bye Bye Birdie in the early 60s, while also helming his own CBS series, the Dick Van Dyke show – which won a string of Emmys.
The superstar stole the show as chimney sweep Bert in Mary Poppins, in 1964, and delighted fans when he popped up in the 2018 remake sequel Mary Poppins Returns, beside Emily Blunt, Ben Whishaw, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Dame Julie Walters.
Throughout his impressive career, he has been celebrated a number of times, winning big at the Golden Globes and claiming a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He also has a Tony Award and a Grammy in his trophy cabinet – meaning he is only an Oscar away from landing the coveted EGOT status. More Trending
Just last year, Dick made history by becoming the oldest Daytime Emmy winner ever at 98, after taking home the gong for his guest spot on Days of Our Lives.
In a brief stint in the long-running soap opera, he played amnesiac Timothy Robicheaux – but only agreed to appear after a friend suggested he should take part.
'I said great and it snowballed into this,' the star quipped at the award ceremony, while performing a jig with his newly acquired hardware.
'I'm 98 years old. Can you believe it?'
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Elizabeth Hurley and Billy Ray Cyrus look loved-up during first outing as couple
MORE: Demi Lovato marries boyfriend Jordan Lutes in fairytale wedding after 'waiting whole life for him'
MORE: Chrissy Teigen shocks fans with photo of bandaged face after undergoing cosmetic procedure
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
Race Across The World fans moved as episode honours Sam Gardiner
Race Across the World fans have shared how moved they were after last night's episode memorialised the late Sam Gardiner. Gardiner, 24,died after a car crash on the A34 in Gatley, Greater Manchester, on Monday, May 26 2025. The landscape gardener appeared on series 2 of the show, where he travelled across Mexico and Argentina with his mother, Jo. Ultimately, the pair placed fourth in the race after being forced to drop out when they exhausted their travel budget. At the end of last night's episode, the first to air since the former contestant's death, the programme paid tribute to him with a memorial card shown after the credits had rolled. The card showed Sam in his Race Across The World gear and a caption that read 'In loving memory of Sam Gardiner. 2000-2025.' Following the tribute, fans flocked to social media to share their feelings. @traceywalker82 wrote on X, 'Lovely tribute to Sam at the end.' @kevwgs added, 'Rest in peace to Sam Gardiner, who took part in series 2 with his Mum, Jo, back in 2020.' Meanwhile, on the Race Across The World section of Reddit, miss-mercatale wrote, 'Poignant moment with the tribute at the end to Sam.' Plenty of other fans shared crying and sad emoji faces. Greater Manchester police confirmed Gardiner's car was involved in a 'single vehicle collision' which resulted in his car leaving the road and rolling over before landing on its side. Emergency services attended the scene where it was discovered Sam had suffered serious head injuries and he was taken to hospital for treatment. Sadly, Sam later died of his injuries on May 29. After his son's death, Sam's father, Andrew, paid tribute to his son in a statement. 'We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident. 'Sam left us far too soon, and whilst words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special. 'Sam was adored by his family. As a son, brother and nephew, he was loyal, funny and fiercely protective.' Race Across The World fans were devastated by the news when it broke, with many offering the Gardiner family their condolences. More Trending 'Absolutely heartbreaking! A wonderful mother and son duo…. Thinking of Jo right now. Rest easy Sam,' wrote @RachelW86529886 on X. @DavideMahomes added, 'Terrible news, I thought they were a great pairing in the series'. I loved watching his and Jo's race and their story and relationship develop 'as the series progressed. Thinking of Jo and the rest of Sam's family', @nickh1000 wrote. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Former BBC studios where EastEnders was filmed riddled with asbestos MORE: Violent Doctor Who scene 'put show at risk of being cancelled before it started' MORE: Legendary TV star 'busy' as he joins Casualty
NBC News
9 hours ago
- NBC News
‘ Wicked: For Good' trailer welcomes back Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande
Spoilers ahead for the ending of the first 'Wicked' movie and the Broadway musical. The witches of Oz are back — this time, for good. The 'Wicked' storyline continues, as the trailer for the long-awaited second movie dropped Wednesday, giving fans a glimpse into how Glinda and Elphaba's story ultimately plays out. The 'Wicked: For Good' trailer brings back the film's beloved and star-studded cast, including an update on Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba and Ariana Grande's Glinda friendship, as well as the love triangle dynamic between Jonathan Bailey's Prince Fiyero. Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard are also seen in the first look, showcasing the power they have over Oz. Fans can also get excited as they hear teases of songs featured in the sequel, including 'No Good Deed' and 'For Good.' 'Wicked: For Good' is set to hit theaters Nov. 21. Unlike the first half, which matches the soundtrack to Act 1 of the Broadway musical, the second 'Wicked' film features two new songs, composer Stephen Schwartz previously told The title for the second half of the story comes from the heart-wrenching ballad between Glinda and Elphaba, 'For Good,' which is historically sung at the end of the stage show. Though the detailed plot line for the next 'Wicked' movie has not yet been fully revealed, it's expected to follow the musical — similar to the initial release.
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Hugh Jackman, 56, larks around with his much younger co-star, 25, after eyebrows are raised over their racy sex scenes in new play
is currently starring in a play with 25-year-old Ella Beatty and on Wednesday the pair were seen larking it up during rehearsals. The Wolverine actor, 56, shared some photos to social media which captured him and Ella hamming it up during a break. Hugh had his arm wrapped around the budding actress, who is the daughter of Hollywood legend Warren Beatty, and he beamed from ear to ear as he gave the camera a thumbs up. Meanwhile, Ella was all smiles as she pointed to the logo on her shirt, which read: 'New York's Real Aussie Embassy.' Hugh captioned the photos with some amusing words: 'Ella agrees!' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. It follows reports that Hugh is turning up the heat on stage - as he continues to date his new girlfriend, Broadway actress Sutton Foster. In the intense play Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes, Jackman plays Jon, a three-time divorced, middle-aged college professor and novelist who dives into a forbidden relationship with his 19-year-old student Annie, played by Ella Beatty. The Wolverine star doesn't hold back in the provocative off-Broadway show — swearing up a storm, getting graphic about sex, and locking lips in multiple steamy make-out scenes with Ella. Foster, 50, even made a backstage appearance this week, trying to quiet whispers that their new relationship has been on shaky ground since going public in January. But the show's raunchy moments can't be easy to watch for Foster, as Hugh and Ella frequently kiss — at one point making out on a desk as a scantily clad Ella wraps her legs around him. Adding more fuel to the gossip mill, fresh photos of the pair holding hands during the curtain call have sent tongues wagging. The two beamed with pride, looking completely at ease with the intimate gesture. It's not just the steamy make-out scenes turning up the heat — Hugh also unleashes a barrage of expletives, including blunt, graphic lines about a college cheerleader 'sucking his c***' It follows reports that Hugh is turning up the heat onstage - as he continues to date his new girlfriend, Broadway actress Sutton Foster The play digs into messy questions of consent and power, with Annie, a smitten student hooked on Jon's steamy novels, chasing his attention, while Jon battles temptation, a failing marriage, and the fallout of getting involved with a student. Offstage, Hugh's own split from Deborra-Lee Furness seems to mirror the emotional storm. The actor, who has only been married once, announced his split from Deborra-Lee Furness, 69, in September 2023 after 27 years of marriage. In a joint statement at the time, they said they were 'shifting' and had decided to 'separate to pursue our individual growth.' The couple share two adopted children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19. Hugh and Sutton's relationship reportedly overlapped with the end of his marriage. The two had been friends for years in the same theatre circles but only went public after they were photographed holding hands earlier this year.
