Dick Van Dyke has recently celebrated his 100th birthday in a heartwarming and joyful manner. The iconic actor marked this significant milestone on December 13th surrounded by his loved ones at a quaint gathering. PEOPLE had the privilege of attending this special event where musician Jon Batiste serenaded the guests with a captivating performance. Van Dyke, known for his wit and charm, delivered a birthday speech filled with his trademark humour. Quipping, “This is the biggest day of my life — and the longest,” he brought smiles and laughter to those present.
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Acknowledging the attention he received due to his age, Van Dyke amusingly shared, “I’ve done a lot of interviews because of my birthday. Every interviewer says the same thing: ‘So, what is it like being 100 years old?’ And I say, ‘It’s not enough.’” The event, organised by Chris Isaacson Presents, was a delightful affair with Van Dyke expressing his gratitude to all attendees. Reflecting on the musical tribute by Batiste, the centenarian enthusiastically expressed how much he enjoyed the performance. Batiste played some of Van Dyke’s classic songs on the piano, including favourites like “Put on a Happy Face” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee”.
Throughout the celebration, Van Dyke’s energy and enthusiasm were evident as he sang along to the tunes, creating a truly memorable moment. Reports suggest that the actor also planned to enjoy the Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration documentary with his family. Premiering recently, the documentary offers a glimpse into Van Dyke’s illustrious career, featuring unseen footage and untold stories. Speaking about his low-key birthday plans, Van Dyke’s wife, Arlene Silver, shared that the centenarian preferred a relaxed day watching ‘Jeopardy!’ reruns in his room.
Silver, a makeup artist, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and admiration directed towards her husband on his special day. The couple first crossed paths at the SAG Awards in 2006, eventually tying the knot in 2012. Reflecting on their relationship, Silver fondly remarked, “I’m so honoured to have him in my life, take care of him, and nurture this community that we’ve built, that he’s built over the years.” Van Dyke, known for his optimism and zest for life, revealed in an interview about reaching the century mark that he feels “really good for 100”. He attributed his positive outlook to Silver, emphasising how she keeps him happy every day.
Van Dyke’s enduring charm and timeless appeal have endeared him to generations of fans worldwide. As he celebrates this remarkable milestone, his contributions to the entertainment industry are celebrated in the Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration documentary, providing a retrospective on his incredible journey. With his infectious spirit and remarkable career, Dick Van Dyke continues to inspire and delight audiences, proving that age is truly just a number.