Dick Van Dyke Shrugs Off 46-Year Age Gap, Says Love With Arlene Silver is Ageless

Dick Van Dyke has never been one to let convention stand in the way of happiness—especially when it comes to his heart. The legendary "Mary Poppins" actor, now 99, first met Arlene Silver back in 2006 while she was working as a makeup artist at the SAG Awards. Despite being 46 years her senior, Van Dyke was immediately drawn to Silver, recalling how he surprised even himself by saying hello to her backstage—something he admits he never did with strangers. Clearly, there was a little magic in the air that night.

As their friendship blossomed into something deeper, Van Dyke began hiring Silver for more projects, and by 2012, the pair exchanged vows. The world may have raised eyebrows at their age difference, but Van Dyke says simply, "Everybody said it wouldn’t work." Yet, the couple insists their connection is undeniable, with Silver quipping, "People the same age don’t last." You can’t argue with that kind of logic—Hollywood relationships have a track record that makes Las Vegas odds look tame.

Their romance is refreshingly down-to-earth. For date nights, they prefer cozy evenings at home in Malibu, their favorite spot. Even after their house was damaged in the Franklin fire, the couple remains grateful, counting their blessings and focusing on the positives. Silver describes Van Dyke as "the most perfect human being," and says life with him is like living with a "happy pill." Not a bad endorsement!

Van Dyke once feared people would accuse Silver of being a gold digger, but says that never really happened. Instead, the couple bonds over a shared love for singing, dancing, and simply enjoying each other's company. Van Dyke, who’s written a book about aging, credits his longevity to staying active—hitting the gym, doing water aerobics, and even a little tap dancing when he finds himself on solid ground. His secret? "Good genes and not getting hit by a bus." Now, that’s some practical wisdom.

He’s also open about the regrets that come with age, mentioning he wishes he’d laid off the smoking and drinking when he was younger and maybe gotten some proper vocal training. Still, he’s not one to dwell on the past, choosing instead to keep moving, dancing, and singing alongside his wife.

Reflecting on their unusual relationship, Van Dyke calls it a "great experiment"—one that requires understanding and a little adjustment, but that’s part of the fun. With nearly a century of life under his belt and a love story that defies the numbers, Van Dyke proves that sometimes, the best way to stay young is to simply refuse to act your age.