Dick Van Dyke, the legendary performer, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, revealing some of his favourite memories from his iconic role in the 1964 classic, Mary Poppins. As he gears up to celebrate his 100th birthday on December 13, Van Dyke reflects on the cherished moments he experienced while working on the beloved film.
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In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, Van Dyke shared his affection for the first song in Mary Poppins, where he fondly recalled the fantasy sequence singing, “Ain’t it a beautiful day? Day? Brighter the moment in May. I feel like I could fly.” The actor expressed how enjoyable it was to perform that song, especially alongside the talented dancers in the film.
Van Dyke also reminisced about the camaraderie he had with his co-stars on the set of Mary Poppins. He shared delightful anecdotes about working with Matthew Garber, who played Michael Banks, and Karen Dotrice, who portrayed Jane Banks. Van Dyke chuckled as he recalled Garber playfully biting him on the butt during long lighting setups.
The actor praised Julie Andrews, who played the titular character, Mary Poppins, in the film. Van Dyke admitted to facing challenges during the pre-recording sessions due to his lack of singing experience, especially when trying to match Andrews’ beautiful soprano voice. Despite the difficulties, Van Dyke recollected that Andrews was a joy to work with, and their on-screen chemistry shines through in the film.
Van Dyke’s casting in Mary Poppins was serendipitous, as Walt Disney personally selected him after hearing a comment he made in an interview regarding the need for quality children’s entertainment. The actor fondly recalled Disney showing him watercolor paintings of various scenes and playing the score for him, leaving Van Dyke walking on air with excitement about the project.
Reflecting on the overall experience of filming Mary Poppins, Van Dyke expressed his gratitude for being part of such a special production. He noted that from the beginning, everyone involved knew they were creating something exceptional, which added to the magic of the filmmaking process. Despite some hiccups, such as being forgotten on the ceiling during a lunch break scene, Van Dyke fondly remembers the joy and camaraderie that permeated the set.
As Van Dyke prepares to mark his milestone 100th birthday, he also releases a new book titled “100 Reasons for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to Life.” The book offers insights and reflections from the actor’s remarkable journey, providing readers with a glimpse into his positive outlook on life.
In conclusion, Dick Van Dyke’s revelations about his time on the set of Mary Poppins offer a heartwarming glimpse into the magic behind the beloved classic. As fans celebrate the actor’s upcoming centennial birthday, his stories serve as a reminder of the joy and lasting impact of timeless films like Mary Poppins.