Dick Van Dyke Reportedly Sparking Fears Of Not Becoming A Centenarian

Dick Van Dyke's health continues to be a cause for concern as his 100th birthday draws closer.

The Hollywood veteran has reportedly lost his passionate vibe at 99, with a source claiming he could no longer showcase the zest for life he once had. Given his recent fragile appearances, they noted that the actor becoming a centenarian in December might not happen.

Dick Van Dyke is one of the entertainment industry's most resilient stars, who has been acting since Hollywood's Golden Age. He first sparked fears for his health in June when he cancelled a public appearance last minute.

Those around Van Dyke are reportedly worried about his health despite how "sprightly" he is at 99. A source labeled the "Mary Poppins" star, "a freak of nature" for standing the test of time; however, they claimed his signature zeal had recently declined.

"He's slowing down. One day he'll be feeling great and wanting to get out and see people, and the next, he'll feel weak and out of sorts," the source explained. "Some events he simply can't do. He used to be a regular fixture at the gym, but he doesn't go so much anymore."

They added that Van Dyke could no longer go out to see his friends, noting they were only allowed to visit him at his residence whenever he was up for it. "Everybody desperately hopes he can make it to 100 and beyond, but there are fears he won't," the source alleged, per RadarOnline.

According to sources, the signs of Van Dyke's frail health first appeared last December during the Franklin Fire. The TV personality was forced to flee Malibu alongside thousands of others as the disaster threatened their safety.

Van Dyke reportedly attempted to stop the raging flames from consuming his home with a water hose. However, his efforts depleted his strength and left him severely exhausted. "I was trying to crawl to the car," the entertainer revealed at the time.

Fortunately, Van Dyke's neighbors noticed he was struggling to escape and promptly got him to safety. Sources noted his inability to escape on his own "was an indication of his frailty." Months later, in June 2025, he sparked concern about his health after canceling a public appearance last minute.

The legendary actor was scheduled to attend his musical fundraising event, Vandy Camp, in June, but could not participate due to his health. The Blast covered the story, reporting that his wife, Arlene Silver, broke the news to the audience during her speech at the event.

"When you're 99-and-a-half years old, you have good days and bad days," she shared. "And unfortunately, today is not a good day for him, and he's sick that he can't be here," Silver explained. Although he could not be there in person, Van Dyke made a virtual appearance via a livestream.

Fans sent their prayers and well wishes to the Broadway icon, hailing him as a "true national treasure." Many hoped he would bounce back as soon as possible, while others reflected on his years-long impacts on stage and the big screen.

During a Q&A session with fans at the "Dick & Arlene Van Dyke Present Vandy Camp" event, the Disney legend reflected on his life at 99. The Blast reported that he noted it was both a blessing and a curse because he lost some of his best pals, like Ed Asner.

Van Dyke and Asner, who starred together on "The Odd Couple," planned to remake the movie before the actor's tragic passing in 2021. Van Dyke revealed he regretted losing that opportunity, telling fans: "That would've been such fun, and we lost it. I've lost a lot of friends."

His wife echoed similar sentiments about the cons of living a long life, saying, "He's outlived everybody. That's the curse of living to almost 100." As for how Van Dyke remained positive through these emotional losses, he claimed he always focused on his good rather than the bad.

Van Dyke shocked fans last year following Donald Trump's return to the White House with a bold declaration. The Blast shared that he was highly disappointed by Kamala Harris' loss in the presidential elections and did not wish to live under Trump's reign.

"Fortunately, I won't be around to experience the four years," Van Dyke said after he was asked if he believed Trump could make America great again. The icon's disappointment was understandable, given his efforts to promote Harris' presidential campaign.

Van Dyke has been politically active for years, endorsing Bernie Sanders in the 2020 race and former president Joe Biden in the 2024 elections before he dropped out. While backing Harris, Van Dyke delivered the same speech he shared with Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964.

Can Dick Van Dyke become a centenarian in December?