Dick Van Dyke, 99, Says He Wants to Work More and Finally Win an Oscar: ‘I Love What I Do’ (Exclusive)

Dick Van Dyke, a legendary actor at the age of 99, is showing no signs of slowing down as he expresses his desire to work more and even win an Oscar. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at Dick & Arlene Van Dyke Present Vandy Camp on Sunday, April 20, Van Dyke shared his passion for his work, stating, “Yeah. I love what I do for a living.” His wife, Arlene Silver, also chimed in, revealing how dedicated Van Dyke is to his craft, always ready to seize new opportunities that come his way.

Despite his age, Van Dyke remains enthusiastic about continuing his career, with his wife mentioning how he is always eager to take on new projects. However, Van Dyke admits that traveling can be challenging at this stage in his life, acknowledging, “Yeah. I’m too old to travel and all that.” The actor also discussed the possibility of starring in different shows, showing his openness to exploring diverse roles within the entertainment industry.

Van Dyke’s wife, Arlene, highlighted the support they have for fellow actor Ted Danson and his show, indicating the couple’s strong connections within the industry. Van Dyke expressed his desire to add an Oscar to his accolades, noting how he has achieved success in various other prestigious awards such as the Tony. With his wife affirming his potential to receive an honorary Oscar, Van Dyke aims to join the exclusive group of EGOT winners before his upcoming 100th birthday on December 13.

Van Dyke’s remarkable journey in the entertainment world includes his enduring love for acting and performing, a passion that has kept him going for decades. Despite the challenges that come with age, Van Dyke remains sharp and motivated, continuing to pursue his dreams with unwavering determination. His positive attitude and dedication to his craft serve as an inspiration to many aspiring actors and artists in the industry.

The iconic actor also fondly reminisced about his friendship with legendary figures like Stan Laurel and expressed his admiration for their accomplishments. Reflecting on his own career, Van Dyke emphasised the importance of recognition and validation in the form of prestigious awards like the Oscar, a milestone he hopes to achieve in the near future. Encouraged by his wife’s unwavering belief in his abilities, Van Dyke remains focused on his goal of expanding his already impressive list of achievements.

Van Dyke’s remarkable career trajectory and his enduring commitment to his craft exemplify the timeless spirit of creativity and resilience in the entertainment industry. As he continues to make strides in his career, Van Dyke’s story serves as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence at any age. His dedication to his work and his unwavering determination to keep pushing boundaries underscore the essence of true artistry and cement his status as a beloved and respected figure in the world of entertainment.