Dick Van Dyke, the beloved comedian and actor, recently celebrated his 100th birthday on December 13, 2023. Known for his vibrant personality and extensive career, Van Dyke has delighted audiences for decades, becoming a household name since his breakout role in the CBS sitcom, “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” The series, which aired in the 1960s, earned an impressive 15 Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, solidifying his status in entertainment history.
Van Dyke’s legacy includes iconic performances in films such as “Mary Poppins” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” His career also features a Tony Award win in 1961 for his role in the Broadway musical “Bye Bye Birdie.” As he reflects on his century-long life, Van Dyke shares valuable insights on maintaining longevity and a positive outlook.
In a recent appearance on actor Ted Danson‘s podcast, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” Van Dyke discussed his dedication to fitness. “I’ve always exercised,” he stated, revealing that he maintains a workout routine several times a week. Danson recalled witnessing Van Dyke’s unique approach to fitness, where he would dance between weight machines at the gym. “You literally danced to the next machine,” Danson remarked, highlighting Van Dyke’s energetic spirit.
These days, Van Dyke incorporates more stretching and yoga into his regimen. He credits his physical activity as a key factor in his longevity. In his new book, “100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life,” he humorously notes that while his short-term memory may not be as sharp as it once was, he still has “his marbles.” He attributes his cognitive health to mental exercises, stating, “I used to do the crossword religiously for years, and now it’s ‘Jeopardy!’ that keeps me sharp.”
Van Dyke’s personal life has also played a significant role in his happiness. He married Arlene Silver in 2012, and their partnership brings him joy and support. Reflecting on his career, he writes about the importance of memorization in his work as an entertainer. “For my whole career, I had to memorize pages and pages of lines and a ton of songs,” he explained, sharing that he can still learn new material with a bit more effort than before.
Another aspect of Van Dyke’s health is his decision to eliminate alcohol from his diet, which he believes contributes to his good brain health. He candidly addresses the challenges of aging, noting, “It’s frustrating to feel diminished in the world, physically and socially.” Despite these challenges, he maintains a steadfast belief in the power of positivity.
“I’ve made it to one hundred, in no small part, because I have stubbornly refused to give in to the bad stuff in life,” he remarked. Van Dyke emphasizes that happiness comes from embracing life fully, describing it as “a full-on bear hug with the experience of living.” His philosophy encourages others to approach life with joy and enthusiasm, seeing it as a playground rather than a job.
As Dick Van Dyke enters his second century, he continues to inspire many through his humor, resilience, and zest for life. His journey serves as a testament to the impact of a positive mindset and healthy habits, making him a cherished figure in both the entertainment industry and the hearts of fans around the world.