Dick Van Dyke'S 100Th Birthday: A Celebration Of Timeless Joy And Legacy

The Centenarian with a Child's Spirit

Dick Van Dyke is officially in the triple digits, and he's as cheerful as ever! Celebrating his 100th birthday, the beloved entertainer continues to charm the world with his infectious energy. His wife, Arlene Silver, playfully notes that, "He is a little slower, but I mean, man, he's still got it!"

Van Dyke himself confesses to feeling like a teenager at heart, despite occasionally forgetting mundane details like what he had for breakfast. Yet, remembering lyrics to his favorite show tunes? "I don’t know why but I just do," he shares with a grin. It's this blend of youthful spirit and enduring talent that has made him a household name across generations.

“I think of how rare it is that a person gets to do for a living, what they love to do," Van Dyke muses. "Most people have to go sit in an office. I never forgot that I look forward to getting up every morning and going to work, because it's what I would've done for nothing. It was such fun.”

A Legacy That Lives On

The magic of Dick Van Dyke's performances in classics like "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "Mary Poppins," and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" has cemented his status as a national treasure. Arlene Silver is quick to remind him of his impact, though he humbly underplays it. "I tell him all the time, but I still don't think he understands," says Silver, "It's not just that you've been around a long time. You're in people's blood. In people's hearts and souls."

Such is his influence that fan mail still pours in, including from a 4-year-old who adores "The Dick Van Dyke Show." Silver fondly describes their connection, "I got to connect him with his fans that he never really did before, and that's a whole, beautiful thing."

A Partnership of Joy and Gratitude

Reflecting on nearly two decades together, Silver cherishes the lessons learned from her eternally optimistic husband. "He made me feel like you're never too old to do anything," she reflects, acknowledging how her life transformed after meeting him.

Their love story began at the 2006 SAG Awards, and Silver has embraced being part of Van Dyke's world. "I'm honored to be his wife and take care of him, make him as happy as he deserves to be," she says. "I, in turn, get so many blessings and rewards." As they celebrate this milestone, Silver is simply grateful for their journey together, adding, "He's totally with it. I just love that I'm part of this joyful movement."