The 98-year-old actor shares his thoughts on his successful career and the secret to his longevity
In a recent interview, legendary actor Dick Van Dyke discussed his illustrious career and the key to his success – having fun. Van Dyke, known for his roles in classics like “Mary Poppins” and “Bye Bye Birdie,” as well as his television work on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “Diagnosis: Murder,” is being honored with a two-hour tribute special titled “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic” on CBS.
During the interview, Van Dyke humbly admitted to his laziness, stating, “I’m pretty lazy, really. When I’m having fun, all right, but I’m a lazy person.” However, he acknowledged his luck and gratitude for being able to make a living doing what he loves. “It’s such a blessing to find a way of making a living that you love, that you’d do for nothing,” he said.
The actor emphasized the importance of enjoyment in his career, saying, “That’s my whole career has depended on that. If I’m not enjoying myself, I’m really bad.” Van Dyke also expressed sympathy for those who dislike their jobs, stating that he looks forward to going to work every morning.
Van Dyke, who is now in his “third generation” of fans, revealed that he receives more mail from young children now than during the peak of his career. He finds joy in knowing that his movies are watched repeatedly by youngsters.
Reflecting on the recent loss of his close friends Carl Reiner and Jerry Van Dyke, the actor admitted that their passing has been difficult. “Everybody I knew and worked with, there’s no one left,” he said. To cope with the loss, Van Dyke focuses on making new friends and staying busy with various activities.
When asked about the secret to his longevity, Van Dyke humorously responded, “If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.” He credits his wife, Arlene Silver, for keeping him active and going to the gym three days a week.
As Dick Van Dyke celebrates his 98th birthday, he continues to embody his motto of “Just keep moving.” With an impressive career spanning decades and a positive outlook on life, Van Dyke is an inspiration to us all.