Few names in show business evoke as much warmth and nostalgia as Dick Van Dyke. For generations, he’s been the embodiment of joy, wit, and boundless energy—dancing across rooftops in Mary Poppins, tripping over ottomans in The Dick Van Dyke Show, and charming audiences well into his nineties.
So, when news broke that the 99-year-old legend had to cancel a much-anticipated appearance at the last minute due to illness, it’s no wonder fans worldwide felt a collective pang of concern.
The event in question was Vandy Camp, a musical fundraising celebration close to Van Dyke’s heart, held at the Arlene & Dick Van Dyke Theater at Malibu High School.
Dick was to host alongside his wife, Arlene Silver, but as the crowd gathered, Arlene took the stage with an unexpected announcement.
‘I’m not the Van Dyke you’re expecting,’ she began, gently breaking the news that her husband was unwell and unable to attend.
‘When you’re 99-and-a-half years old, you have good days and bad days. Unfortunately, today is not a good day for him, and he’s sick that he can’t be here.’
While the room’s disappointment was palpable, Arlene’s candour and warmth helped soften the blow.
She reassured everyone that Dick was having an off day and expressed confidence that he’d be back for the next Vandy Camp event.
In a small but meaningful gesture, Dick even managed to make a brief appearance via live stream, waving to his fans and sending his love.
The realities of reaching 99
Dick Van Dyke’s absence reminds us of the realities of reaching such a remarkable age. Just last month, the star spoke candidly about the ‘curse’ of living to nearly 100: outliving so many friends and loved ones.
I’ve lost a lot of friends,’ he reflected, recalling how he and his late friend Ed Asner had once planned to remake The Odd Couple.
‘That would’ve been such fun, and we lost it.’
His wife, Arlene, 46 years his junior, echoed the sentiment: ‘He’s outlived everybody. That’s the curse of living to almost 100.’
Yet, despite the losses, Dick’s outlook remains remarkably positive. When asked about his secret to staying upbeat, he replied, ‘Well, life’s been good to me. I can’t complain.’
If there’s one thing that’s kept Dick Van Dyke going, it’s his love for performing. ‘I’m a ham. I love it. I get a jolt of energy from an audience,’ he admitted recently.
Even as he approaches his centenary, he continues to sing, dance, and entertain—often alongside Arlene and their a cappella group, The Vantastix.
Arlene, who has been married to Dick for 13 years, spoke movingly about how much he means to her, both as a husband and as a creative partner.
‘Being around him just as a human being has made me a better person,’ she said, admitting that standing in front of the crowd without him was well outside her comfort zone.
‘But I have to wear my big girl pants and hold the reins without Dick here as the safety net that he’s always been for me.’
A celebration of shared memories
Vandy Camp, as Arlene explained, is more than just a tribute to Dick Van Dyke—it’s a celebration of the music and memories that have shaped so many childhoods.
‘It is a celebration of your childhood, all of our childhoods, the music that’s in the fabric of all of us, [and] Dick Van Dyke is a big part of that.’
For those in attendance, and fans everywhere, the event was a reminder of the enduring impact Dick has had on popular culture.
Arlene said his supporters are ‘the greatest human beings I’ve ever known’, and the gatherings allow fans to connect and share their love for the man who’s brought so much joy to their lives.
Dick Van Dyke’s remarkable longevity has often been a topic of fascination. He credits his positive attitude, a love of laughter, and staying active—both mentally and physically—for his good health. He famously said that ‘laughter is the best medicine.’
Of course, reaching such an age isn’t without its challenges. As Dick himself has acknowledged, there are good days and bad days. But his resilience, optimism, and zest for life continue to inspire fans of all ages.
We’d love to hear from you: Have you ever had to adjust your plans due to health or age-related challenges? What keeps you feeling young at heart? And do you have a favourite Dick Van Dyke memory or performance that still makes you smile?
Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below—let’s celebrate the spirit of resilience and joy that Dick Van Dyke embodies so well.
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He’s 99 I reckon he deserves a break