Dick Van Dyke Offers Fond Remembrance of His Younger Brother Jerry

Renowned Actor Dick Van Dyke Shares Heartfelt Memories of Late Brother Jerry

Veteran actor Dick Van Dyke recently took a poignant trip down memory lane as he fondly recalled his younger brother, Jerry Van Dyke. Jerry, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 86, was remembered by Dick for his exceptional talent in the world of comedy. Speaking at the Vandy High Tea event hosted at the Dick Van Dyke residence in Malibu, California on November 30, Dick expressed, “I have a lot of memories about Jerry.”

Dick, who is set to celebrate his 100th birthday on December 13, spoke passionately about his late brother’s natural flair for humor. He highlighted Jerry’s innate comedic abilities, contrasting them with his own proficiency in delivering scripted comedy. He reminisced about the charity event, which was organized to raise funds for The Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and the Dick Van Dyke Museum, currently in the works.

The audience at the event was captivated as Dick shared anecdotes from his shared past with Jerry. He described Jerry’s comedic streak from a young age, reminiscing, “Jerry was funny from the day he was born, he broke me up.” Dick also reflected on his efforts to secure a TV series for his brother, despite them not materializing as intended. The event, produced by Chris Isaacson Presents, provided a platform for Dick to share their cherished memories.

One particular memory that Dick vividly recounted was a humorous incident during their time spent surveying outdoors. In a moment of uncontrollable laughter brought on by Jerry’s wit, Dick reflected on how they struggled to maintain composure despite their frozen faces in the cold weather. The siblings’ camaraderie and shared laughter painted a picture of a bond that transcended time.

It was evident that Dick held a profound admiration for Jerry, considering him a source of constant joy and levity in his life. He acknowledged Jerry’s impact on his own sense of humor, recounting moments when Jerry’s comedic timing would leave him in fits of laughter. Their shared experiences, both personal and professional, had evidently shaped their relationship in profound ways.

As a gesture of support and collaboration, Dick notably cast Jerry in a guest appearance on ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ in 1962, marking a significant milestone in Jerry’s acting career. Jerry’s journey in showbiz included stand-up performances on military platforms, followed by appearances on prestigious TV shows like ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’ and ‘The Judy Garland Show.’ Jerry’s diverse talent shone through as he ventured into hosting game shows and featured in various sitcoms over the years.

Throughout his career, Jerry made impactful decisions, such as turning down the lead role in ‘Gilligan’s Island’ in 1964, to pursue a variety of roles that allowed him to showcase his comedic prowess. His distinct approach to comedy and his ability to entertain audiences worldwide left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

In conclusion, Dick Van Dyke’s affectionate tribute to his late brother, Jerry Van Dyke, offers a glimpse into the profound bond they shared. Their shared laughter, memories, and professional collaborations stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Van Dyke brothers in the world of entertainment. As Dick celebrates his milestone birthday, his reflections on Jerry serve as a touching reminder of the power of familial bonds and the enduring spirit of laughter in the face of life’s challenges.