He made it! The legendary Dick Van Dyke stuck around this blue marble long enough to see his 100th birthday. While countless people have enjoyed the brilliant work he has brought to the screen and stage, I found there is still plenty to learn about a lovely man who has been alive for a century.
Here are 19 facts about Dick Van Dyke that will 100% make you love him more:
7.
Of all of Van Dyke’s showstopping numbers, one that sticks out is “Me ‘Ol Bam-Boo” in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968). The chaotic dance scene involving bamboo sticks took a whopping 23 takes to perfect the final product featured in the film. He made the “not-knowing-the-choreography” choreography look so natural!
13.
Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene Silver, are avid Halloween lovers and even host an annual Halloween yard haunt featuring spooky decor and advanced animatronics from the legendary Halloween manufacturing company Distortions Unlimited. The yard haunts feature live entertainment, dancing, music, and plenty of candy!
15.
Van Dyke has been nominated for nine Emmy Awards (won four), nominated for one Grammy Award (won one), and nominated for one Tony Award (won one). There are fewer than 100 actors in the world who are one short of finishing an “EGOT” (winning all those and an Oscar), and Van Dyke is in that company.
19.
And lastly, Van Dyke received his high school diploma at age 80. Because of his military service, he never had the chance to earn his diploma. That changed in 2005! He consistently proves that you are never too old to set goals and follow your dreams. It’s never too late.
What’s your favorite work of Dick Van Dyke’s? Comment below!