A century. One hundred years. Dick Van Dyke, a name synonymous with joy and timeless entertainment, reached this incredible milestone on December 13th – a feat achieved by a mere fraction of the population.
But this isn’t a story of simply *reaching* 100; it’s a story of a life vibrantly *lived*. Van Dyke hasn’t slowed down, continuing to grace screens and stages with an energy that defies his years. He appeared in films at 93 and even charmed audiences on *The Masked Singer* in 2024.
His career began in 1955, a whirlwind of television hosting that launched a legacy spanning seven decades. He became a fixture in American homes, his characters resonating with each new generation, a testament to his enduring appeal.
Perhaps his most iconic role is Bert, the chimney sweep in *Mary Poppins*. Over sixty years later, that performance remains beloved, even as his playfully disastrous cockney accent is still playfully mocked. It’s a testament to his charisma that a “horrific” accent couldn’t diminish the character’s charm.
Van Dyke himself doesn’t dwell on being remembered, but on the lasting power of the art he created. “It’s the music,” he once said, “For as long as children are proudly belting out ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,’ the most important part of me will always be alive.”
His humility is striking. Rather than defending his accent, he’s repeatedly apologized with self-deprecating humor. At a BAFTA awards ceremony, over 50 years after *Mary Poppins* debuted, he joked about inflicting “the most atrocious cockney accent in the history of cinema” upon the British audience.
He once quipped that his accent originated in a “little shire in the north where most of the people were from Ohio.” This willingness to laugh at himself only deepened his connection with audiences.
Van Dyke’s career is a remarkable tapestry of talent. From early television hosting to the beloved *Dick Van Dyke Show*, where he played a comedy writer navigating life’s absurdities, he consistently delivered laughter and warmth.
He captivated audiences in films like *Bye Bye Birdie* and *Chitty Chitty Bang Bang*, cementing his status as a cinematic icon. His return to the *Mary Poppins* universe in *Mary Poppins Returns* – in disguise as Mr. Dawes Jr., a role he’d played in the original – was a delightful surprise for fans.
Later in his career, *Diagnosis: Murder* became a cornerstone, running for seven seasons and providing a platform to work alongside his son, Barry. This familial connection added another layer of warmth to his already beloved persona.
As he approached his 100th birthday, Van Dyke reflected on his longevity. “I feel really good for 100,” he shared, adding with a youthful spirit, “Sometimes I have more energy than others — but I never wake up in a bad mood.”
He attributes his positive outlook to avoiding anger and hate, believing they are corrosive forces. “I’ve always thought that anger is one thing that eats up a person’s insides,” he explained, recalling his father’s struggles with negativity.
A pivotal moment came when he recognized his own tendency towards excess. He quit smoking and drinking in his 50s, a decision he credits with extending his life. “I smoked a lot… I got rid of booze and cigarettes and all that stuff, which is probably why I’m still here.”
Now, facing the future with grace, Van Dyke admits he holds no fear of death. “When you expire, you expire,” he says, content with a life “wonderfully full and exciting.” It’s a sentiment that encapsulates the spirit of a man who has spent a century bringing joy to the world.
