At Nearly 99, Dick Van Dyke Credits Joy For His Storied Career
Dick Van Dyke, who will turn 99 in December, remains as passionate as ever about his career. During a conversation with Deadline, the legendary actor attributes his success to a simple philosophy: enjoying himself. “It was just a matter of enjoying myself. I always loved what I was doing. If it had felt like work, I probably would have stopped a long time ago,” he said.
Dick has had a storied career spanning over seven decades, filled with memorable roles from his Broadway debut in Bye Bye Birdie to his recent appearance on The Masked Singer. However, he doesn’t view his career in the traditional sense. “I call it my play,” he said, reflecting his joyful approach to his work.
Last year, in honor of his 98th birthday, Dick was treated to a special surprise at a CBS studio. Expecting a regular press day, he was instead celebrated with a two-hour tribute featuring archival footage and live performances of his career highlights.
Speaking with PEOPLE, he said, “It’s difficult to say how I felt.”
“I came home, and I said, ‘You know something? It’s going to be a couple of days before this actually sinks in that it happened.’ I never expected that kind of recognition. My whole life went before me. I didn’t realize I had done so many things while I was 75 years in show business,” he stated.
“I was positive they wouldn’t be able to guess who I was. And I was right!” he added.
In 2023, Dick ticked off another item on his bucket list by competing on The Masked Singer. He joined the show after thinking it looked like fun and was delighted when the judges couldn’t guess his identity.
“I was positive they wouldn’t be able to guess who I was. And I was right!” he told PEOPLE, adding that he was particularly flattered when they mistook him for Tony Bennett.
This year, Dick continued to make history by becoming the oldest person ever to earn a Daytime Emmy nomination. He was nominated for best guest performer in a daytime drama series for his role as Timothy Robicheaux on Days of Our Lives, marking his first foray into soap operas.
To prepare for the role, he sought advice from his longtime friend, Carol Burnett, who told him, “Make sure you know all your lines, because they don’t do retakes.”
Reflecting on his long and varied career, Dick remains humble and grateful. “My whole life went before me. I didn’t realize I had done so many things while I was 75 years in show business,” he said. Even at nearly 99, he continues to follow his passions and enjoys every moment of it.
