Dick Van Dyke at 99: Wife Calls Long Life a 'Curse,' Yet Star Shines On
Sarah Johnson
May 28, 2025
Brief
Dick Van Dyke, nearing 100, reflects on outliving peers and a missed Odd Couple remake, staying positive and active, as shared by wife Arlene Silver.
At 99, Dick Van Dyke is still stealing the spotlight, but his wife, Arlene Silver, calls his long life a bittersweet "curse." Speaking at the "Dick & Arlene Van Dyke Present Vandy Camp" event in Malibu, California, the Mary Poppins legend reflected on a missed opportunity to remake The Odd Couple with his late friend Ed Asner, who passed away in 2021 at 91. "That would’ve been such fun, and we lost it," Van Dyke said, his voice carrying the weight of outliving so many peers.
Arlene, 53, noted that despite losing countless friends and co-stars, Van Dyke remains remarkably upbeat. "He’s outlived everybody," she said, adding that his positivity shines through the grief. The actor, who turns 100 in December 2025, isn’t slowing down. "I’m a ham," he admitted with a grin. "I love it. I get a jolt of energy from an audience."
The proposed Odd Couple remake would have revisited the iconic story of Felix, the neat freak, and Oscar, the slob, whose clashing personalities fuel comedy gold in a New York City apartment. The original 1965 Broadway play spawned a 1968 film with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, followed by a 1970s TV series starring Jack Klugman and Tony Randall.
Van Dyke’s career is a tapestry of triumphs, from headlining The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966) as the lovable Rob Petrie to dancing through Mary Poppins alongside Julie Andrews in 1964. He shared fond memories of Andrews, now 89, who patiently coached him through his singing struggles. "She was as sweet as could be," he recalled, chuckling about his off-key battles. "I’m not a real singer, but she kept saying, ‘Think high.’ And it worked."
In December 2024, Van Dyke starred in Coldplay’s All My Love music video, filmed at his Malibu home. The video weaves nostalgic clips of his career with tender family moments, showcasing a man at peace with his legacy. "I’m acutely aware that I could go any day now, but I’m not afraid," he said, radiating calm. "I got to do what I love—play and act silly."
Van Dyke’s zest for life and performance defies age, proving that even a "curse" can’t dim his spark.
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Editor's Comments
Dick Van Dyke’s still tap-dancing through life at 99, while most of us are winded just watching! Arlene calls it a curse, but outliving your pals and still stealing the show? That’s less a curse and more a cosmic encore. Wonder if he and Ed Asner planned to argue over who gets the messier half of the Odd Couple’s couch in that remake. Bet Dick’s still got the better pratfall.
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