Dick Van Dyke at 100: Secrets to a Long, Joyful Life

As legendary actor Dick Van Dyke approaches his 100th birthday on December 13, 2025, the entertainment icon continues to defy expectations with his boundless energy and infectious optimism. At 99, Van Dyke is not just reflecting on a remarkable 75-year career—he's actively sharing wisdom about living a vibrant, fulfilling life through his new book, "100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life."

A Century of Joy on Stage and Screen

Born in 1925, Van Dyke's journey began on Broadway where he learned to sing and dance alongside Chita Rivera in "Bye Bye Birdie," a performance that earned him a Tony Award and catapulted him to fame. This breakthrough led to the iconic sitcom "The Dick Van Dyke Show," where his portrayal of writer Rob Petrie won him three Emmys and cemented his status as a household name.

His filmography includes unforgettable roles like Bert the chimney sweep in Disney's Mary Poppins, where his cockney-accented performance and "Jolly Holiday" dance sequence remain cinematic treasures. Decades later, he would star in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and continue captivating audiences, even appearing in Coldplay's 2024 music video "All My Love."

The Secrets Behind His Longevity

When asked about his secret to nearly a century of vitality, Van Dyke credits movement and connection. "I think keeping moving," he shares, emphasizing his refusal to sit still. He regularly dances with his wife, Arlene Silver—who is 54 years his younger—citing their duets as a fountain of youth.

"She keeps me young because we sing and we dance, and she just keeps me a teenager," Van Dyke quips. Their relationship, which began when Silver was his makeup artist at the SAG Awards in 2006, is central to his philosophy. "Arlene is my partner in love, life, and logistics," he writes, noting how she schedules performances and social events that nourish his spirit. "I would absolutely be origami guy if she didn't have me singing and dancing."

Life Lessons at 99

His new distills decades of wisdom into practical optimism. Van Dyke dismisses the idea that happiness comes from circumstances, instead asserting: "I've decided people are born with a certain personality and a certain outlook... I tend to look on the good side of things."

Reflecting on his career, he admits two regrets: turning down the role of James Bond after Sean Connery and declining a film offer from Cary Grant. "I regret that every day of my life. I turned Cary Grant down," he laments. Yet these missed opportunities haven't dimmed his gratitude for his path. "I'm speaking from an advantageous position—I got to do for a living what I would have done for nothing," he notes.

Plans for the Century Mark

Even as a centenarian, Van Dyke shows no signs of retiring. "I don't want to," he insists. "It's my hobby. It's my life. I love it." He's currently seeking new roles and dreams of playing Scrooge. "I always wanted to play 'Scrooge.' I could do it," he jokes.

As he approaches this milestone, Van Dyke hopes his legacy transcends his performances. "I care about the survival of what I've shared with the world: humor, compassion, a zest for living, a love of music," he writes. "For as long as children are proudly belting out their ne..."

Iconic Moments Through the Decades

Beyond his personal life, Van Dyke's career milestones continue to inspire:

• Learning to dance from Chita Rivera in his Broadway debut
• Rehearsing the "Jolly Holiday" scene with invisible penguins in Mary Poppins
• Forming the a cappella group Dick Van Dyke and The Vantastix in his 70s
• Appearing in Coldplay's emotional 2024 video "All My Love"

A Legacy of Optimism

With nearly a century of experience, Van Dyke's message remains simple: stay active, cherish love, and find joy in everyday moments. Whether dancing with his wife, reminiscing about his iconic roles, or planning his next project, he embodies the very optimism he preaches.

As fans worldwide prepare to celebrate his 100th birthday, Van Dyke offers a final thought: "When you love somebody the way we love each other, age is just the last thing that matters."