Dick Van Dyke Bio, Age, Height, Spouse, Career, Salary, Net Worth, News
(Centenarian Showman • Emmy-Tony-Grammy Winner • Bert in “Mary Poppins” • TV’s Nicest Sitcom Husband)
On December 13, 2025, the world raised its top-hat and umbrella to Dick Van Dyke as he became the first entertainer to hit 100 years young while still singing, dancing and cracking self-deprecating jokes. From “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” to “Rob Petrie’s” legendary ottoman trip, Van Dyke’s eight-decade career is a master-class in charm, physical comedy and optimism on tap.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Richard Wayne Van Dyke |
| Profession | Actor • Singer • Dancer • Comedian • Writer • Producer |
| Birth Date | December 13, 1925 |
| Age (2025) | 100 |
| Birth Place | West Plains, Missouri, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | The Dick Van Dyke Show • Mary Poppins • Bye Bye Birdie • Diagnosis Murder |
| Ethnicity | Dutch-English |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg) 2024 estimate |
| Hair Color | Silver-White |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Qualification | Danville High School; U.S. Army Air Forces Radio Communications |
| Religion | Christian (nondenominational) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Arlene Silver (m. 2012) |
| Children | 4 (including Barry Van Dyke) |
| Hobbies | Gym workouts, a cappella singing, ukulele, graphic-doodle art |
| Years Active | 1947 – present |
| Net Worth (2025) | ≈ $55 million |
| Current Salary | Pension + residuals ≈ $2.5 M/year; book advance $1 M (2025) |
Early Life & Education
Raised in Danville, Illinois, “Dickie” was the class clown who copied Charlie Chaplin shorts at the local cinema. After Danville High he tried radio broadcasting but was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Forces (1944-46) where he hosted troop variety shows and discovered he could make GIs laugh even in fox-holes.
Career Journey
1947-1955: Radio & Nightclubs
Hosted “The Merry Mutes” a cappella morning show in Atlanta; honed pantomime & baritone harmonies that later became trademarks.
1955-1960: Broadway Breakthrough
CBS talent scout caught his comedy-variety act; cast as Albert Peterson in “Bye Bye Birdie” (1960). The role earned him Tony Award for Best Featured Actor and Hollywood’s attention.
1961-1966: The Dick Van Dyke Show
Created by Carl Reiner, the 5-season CBS sitcom won 4 Primetime Emmys for Van Dyke and invented the template for modern comedy writing. The 1964 ottoman gag is still used in director’s-editing classes.
1964-1968: Cinema Super-Stardom
- Mary Poppins – Bert the chimney sweep; Oscar nomination (Best Supporting Actor) despite infamous Cockney accent.
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – Caractacus Potts; introduced “Truly Scrumptious” to baby-boomers.
- Bye Bye Birdie (1963 film) – reprised stage role opposite Ann-Margret.
1971-1999: Variety Shows & Sitcom Comebacks
- “The New Dick Van Dyke Show” (1971-74) – ABC comedy.
- “Van Dyke and Company” (1976) – NBC variety; Emmy for writing.
- “Diagnosis Murder” (1993-2001) – Dr. Mark Sloan; 8 seasons of mystery-comedy and father-son on-screen chemistry with Barry Van Dyke.
2000-2025: Renaissance & Records
- Night at the Museum trilogy – Cecil the security guard.
- Mary Poppins Returns (2018) – Mr. Dawes Jr.; danced on a desk at 92.
- 2024 Daytime Emmy – Outstanding Guest Performer (Days of Our Lives); oldest Emmy winner in history .
- 2025 book – “100 Rules for Living to 100” (release Nov 2025) .
- 2025 documentary – “Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration” in theaters Dec 13-14 only .
Career Stats
- 7 Primetime Emmys (4 wins)
- 1 Tony Award (1 win)
- 1 Grammy Award (1964 children’s album)
- 1 Kennedy Center Honor (2020)
- 1 Disney Legend Award (1998)
- 80+ film & TV credits • 7 studio albums • 1 memoir
Personal Life
Married make-up artist Arlene Silver (b. 1971) in 2012; 46-year age gap makes headlines but Van Dyke calls her “the fountain of youth”. Four children from first marriage to Margie Willett (1948-1984); Barry Van Dyke co-starred in Diagnosis Murder. Still sings baritone with a cappella quartet “The Vantastix” and performs 3-song sets at charity galas.
Awards & Achievements
- 2024 Guinness World Record – Oldest Daytime Emmy Winner (98 yrs 175 days)
- 2020 Kennedy Center Honor – lifetime contribution to American culture
- 1999 TV Land Award – “The Dick Van Dyke Show” – Legend Award
- 1995 Television Hall of Fame inductee
- 1993 Hollywood Walk of Fame star
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
| Shoe Size | 11 (US) |
| Suit Size | 42 R |
| Hair | Silver-White |
| Eyes | Blue |
Quotes
- “If I had known I was gonna live this long, I would’ve taken better care of myself!”
— CBS Sunday Morning, 2020 - “Singing is the best thing you can do for yourself. I wake up with an old tune going through my head.”
— Today show, Nov 2025 - “A hundred years is not enough. You wanna live more—which I plan to.”
— ABC News, Dec 13 2025
Controversies
- 1964 “Mary Poppins” accent – Lambasted by UK critics; Van Dyke later joked “I should have been deported.”
- 1972 alcohol rehab – Three-week hospitalization; openly discussed addiction to help others .
- 1974 DUI arrest – Fined $125; became advocate for sober driving.
Favorites
| Category | Choice |
|---|---|
| Work-out | Gym 3× week (weights + treadmill) |
| Breakfast | Oatmeal, banana, black coffee |
| Karaoke song | “Put On a Happy Face” (Bye Bye Birdie) |
| Disney ride | Jungle Cruise (“I know every joke”) |
| Comfort show | The Dick Van Dyke Show (“I still laugh”) |
| Wife’s pet name | “The fountain of youth” |
Salary & Net Worth 2025
Peak 1960s salary: $7,500 per episode (The Dick Van Dyke Show). Residuals from syndication, streaming, DVD, Mary Poppins merch and Diagnosis Murder international sales generate ≈ $2.5 M annually. Book advance for “100 Rules” = $1 M . Real-estate holdings: Malibu ocean-view home (est. $12 M) + Desert hot-springs retreat. Estimated net worth: $55 million.
Interesting Facts
- Still drives his silver 2018 Lexus LS (automatic) to gym and coffee shop.
- Oldest celebrity to guest on “Days of Our Lives” (2024 Emmy win).
- Can still tap-dance a 32-bar time-step; demonstrates on Instagram Live.
- Keeps original ottoman from The Dick Van Dyke Show set—“I trip over it daily.”
- Voice cameo in 2026 animated film “Robbie the Robot”—recorded at 99.
Social Media Links (Active at 100!)
| Platform | Handle / URL |
|---|---|
| @officialdickvandyke | |
| TikTok | @thedickvandyke |
| facebook.com/DickVanDyke | |
| YouTube | “Vantastix” channel |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How old is Dick Van Dyke in 2025?
A: 100 years old (born Dec 13, 1925) .
Q2: Is Dick Van Dyke still alive?
A: Yes—he celebrated his centennial Dec 13, 2025 .
Q3: Who is Dick Van Dyke married to?
A: Arlene Silver (married 2012); she is 54 in 2025 .
Q4: What is Dick Van Dyke’s net worth?
A: ≈ $55 million (2025 estimate).
Q5: What is his secret to longevity?
A: Quit booze & cigarettes, gym 3× week, singing daily, wife’s support .
Conclusion
At 100, Dick Van Dyke is living proof that optimism, movement and melody can outrun time itself. Whether tap-dancing on a desk at 92 or dishing out 100 rules for a happy life, he reminds us that growing older is mandatory—growing up is optional.
Share this bio, watch the centennial documentary, and put on a happy face—Mr. Van Dyke certainly is.
: Fox News – longevity secrets
: PBS – centenarian interview
: CBS News – 100th birthday recap
: UNILAD – singing secret
