Dick Van Dyke Reveals What He Would Have Done Better If He Had Known He Would Live To 100 Years

Dick Van Dyke is two months away from clocking 100 years, yet his wit remains sharp as ever. 

The veteran actor and comedian spoke about being so close to becoming a centenarian, admitting that he would’ve made better life choices in his younger years if he had known he would live so long. 

Van Dyke rose to fame in the 1960s and has since then contributed significantly to the entertainment industry. He has received several recognitions for his work, including six Emmy Awards and a Tony. 

Dick Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene, were in attendance at the Vandy High Tea event at the Vandy Manor in Malibu, California, on Sunday.  During the event, the actor and spoke about his 100th birthday, which comes up on December 13. 

“That's right. I'm not officially a hundred until December. Two months. Two months…. It'd be funny if I didn't make it,” he joked, per PEOPLE Magazine.

Van Dyke reflected on his years, saying, “I brag sometimes about how I made it to a hundred, and the truth is, if I had known I was going to live this long, I would've taken better care of myself.” 

He also acknowledged that it’s a bit frustrating because he doesn’t know exactly what he did right to live to almost a 100. He heartwarmingly quipped that other than marrying his wife, Arlene, he “didn’t do anything right.” 

Last year, the 99-year-old actor became the oldest-ever Daytime Emmy winner when he won an award for being the best guest performer in a daytime drama series for his role in “Days of Our Lives.” 

In his acceptance speech, he noted that he hopes to be remembered for laughter, saying, “I hope for making people laugh for 75 years. I've been in the business 75 years. I can't believe that I'm still here and performing."

Van Dyke’s statements came a few months after his loved ones reportedly expressed concern for his deteriorating health. 

As The Blast reported, people close to the comedian revealed that his zeal and general zest for life have significantly declined amid health challenges. 

“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. 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,” a source shared. 

Insiders also revealed that Van Dyke only received friends at his residence as he could no longer go out to see them. The informant added that while people close to him are “desperately” hoping he can reach 100, they are also scared that he may not. 

Before Van Dyke’s close friends expressed concerns about his well-being, the entertainer was set to make an appearance at Vandy Camp in June. However, he was forced to cancel at the last minute due to illness. 

Van Dyke was scheduled to host the event with his wife, Arlene, but the 54-year-old producer and actress had to host without him. 

Arlene spoke about the circumstances surrounding her husband’s absence, explaining that he was sick and would not be able to celebrate with them. 

Van Dyke’s wife explained that at his age, the comedian often had “good days and bad days,” and unfortunately, that day was not a good day for him. 

When the news broke that Van Dyke was going to be absent from Vandy Camp, several fans extended well-wishes to the veteran actor and praised him for the impact he has made in the industry. 

One fan called him a “ray of sunshine in a gray world,” and another wrote, “What a true national treasure this man is to everyone.” 

“Best wishes to this wonderful person,” one user penned, according to The Blast. “Hope he’s okay!” another added. 

Fans can speak so lovingly about Van Dyke’s career because he has been a voice in the industry since the 1960s. 

The Tony Award winner rose to fame on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” which garnered a huge audience in the 60s, as reported by The Blast. He soon made his film debut in "Bye Bye Birdie” in 1963 and then starred in Disney’s “Mary Poppins” in 1964.

Van Dyke made several other unforgettable performances in classics such as “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” He also surprised fans with a cameo appearance in “Mary Poppins Returns” in 2018. 

The entertainer has never received an Academy Award nomination. However, he has won a Tony Award, a Grammy, and several Emmy Awards. He was named the recipient of the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2021.