Dick Van Dyke celebrates his 100th birthday with a lifetime of joy, resilience, and iconic performances

13 December 2025

Dick Van Dyke / Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

On December 13, 2025, Dick Van Dyke, the beloved American actor, comedian, singer and dancer whose career has spanned more than seven decades, celebrated his 100th birthday, a milestone that caps a life filled with infectious charm, joyful creativity and a profound impact on popular culture. Van Dyke’s journey from a small-town boy in West Plains, Missouri to one of Hollywood’s most cherished figures reflects not just his towering talent but also his enduring optimism and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. His legacy includes unforgettable roles in classic television and film that have delighted generations of audiences and helped define the entertainment landscape of the twentieth century and beyond.

Born Richard Wayne Van Dyke on December 13, 1925, he rose to prominence in the early years of television and film with a blend of physical comedy, warmth and musical flair that made him a natural star. Long before he became a centenarian sensation, Van Dyke first made audiences laugh and cheer on The Dick Van Dyke Show, where his portrayal of TV comedy writer Rob Petrie won him three Primetime Emmy Awards and secured his place in television history. His talent was not confined to comedy alone. In film musicals such as Bye Bye Birdie and later in family classics like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Van Dyke brought a unique combination of energy, musicality and mischief that became his trademark.

His performance as Bert, the cockney chimney sweep in Mary Poppins, remains one of the most idolised parts of his career. Though his attempt at a cockney accent was once met with gentle mockery, it has since become inseparable from the magical charm of the film itself, and its joyous sequences with dancing penguins and chimney sweeps continue to captivate new audiences. Beyond that, his work in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang further showcased his versatility, blending whimsical fantasy with robust dance and song in a film that endures as a staple of family entertainment.

Reaching 100 years of age has not slowed Van Dyke’s spirit. In interviews marking his centenary he has candidly reflected on both the joys and the inevitable physical limitations that come with age, yet his enthusiasm for life remains undimmed. Speaking about his long life, he has said publicly that “100 years is not enough” and that he still looks forward to new experiences and opportunities to perform and entertain. His zest for life, he has explained, has been sustained by a playful attitude, a commitment to staying active and engaged, and a lifelong love of performance and laughter.

In celebration of this rare milestone, a documentary titled Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration was released in theatres on and around his birthday, chronicling his remarkable career through rare footage, interviews and reflections by peers and admirers. The film showcases the arc of his work, from his early beginnings with the Armed Forces Radio Service during World War II to his Broadway triumphs and television successes, illustrating the breadth of his contribution to entertainment. In addition, PBS honoured him with American Masters: Starring Dick Van Dyke, a special that highlighted his long and varied career and underscored the affection felt for him across generations.

Van Dyke’s life has not been without obstacles. In the 1970s he faced and overcame alcoholism, a struggle he has spoken about openly, noting how confronting and surmounting that challenge helped shape his outlook and strength. More recently, he has experienced the health hurdles that typically come with advanced age, including arthritis, vision and hearing loss and the natural frailties of the body. Through it all, his positive spirit and supportive relationships, particularly with his wife Arlene Silver, whom he married in 2012 and credits for much of his ongoing happiness and vigour, have been central to his remarkable longevity.

Van Dyke’s approach to life has often been reflected in his creative output. He has maintained a playful routine involving singing, dancing and even physical workouts that keep his mind and body engaged, habits he attributes to helping him thrive into his centennial years. His book, 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life, offers readers a glimpse into the philosophies that have guided him: stay active, stay curious, embrace joy, and cherish connection with others. These principles echo themes found throughout his work, where laughter and warmth are constant companions.

Despite the challenges of aging, Van Dyke continues to surprise and delight audiences. In recent years he made an appearance on The Masked Singer, participated in a Coldplay music video and even recorded and performed songs that hark back to his roots in musical comedy and song. These appearances are more than nostalgic callbacks; they are affirmations of an artist who has never fully retired from the joys of performance and who relishes sharing his talents and warmth with others.

Reflecting on a career that has spanned nearly a century, Dick Van Dyke stands as a rare bridge between the early days of Hollywood musicals, the golden era of television, and the contemporary landscape of entertainment. His joyful influence, his exuberant performances and his capacity to make people laugh and smile have kept him relevant across generations. As tributes and celebrations of his centennial continue, his life and work remain a testament to the enduring power of laughter, resilience and heartfelt creativity.