Dick Van Dyke has been a staple of film and TV for most of our lives, and now, as he reaches his 99th birthday, he plans to celebrate in style.
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As he teeters on the edge of a century, Dick Van Dyke has released a heartfelt video. Filmed at his home in Malibu, it runs through some of the fonder memories he has. There is no doubt he has lived a full life, marked by classic films, big TV spots, and a loving family.
Assisted by Chris Martin of Coldplay fame, Van Dyke looks back over his success. Shots of his time with Mary Poppins come to the screen. Shots and screens from The Dick Van Dyke Show appear, along with many other memories. His 99 years on earth have not been spent frugally.
This heartfelt memoir is both a celebration of this huge milestone, but also a kind of farewell. Dick Van Dyke is aware of his age, and although appearing to be in good health, he knows his time is limited.
Dick Van Dyke Is Aware of His Own Mortality
Van Dyke is under no illusions that he will live forever. However, his time on this earth hasn't been a bad one. Speaking in the video, he says "I'm acutely aware that I could go any day now. But I don't know why, it doesn't concern me." He looks back on his life with joy, saying "I'm not afraid of it. I have that feeling totally against anything intellectual I have that I'm gonna be alright. I think I'm one of those lucky people who got to do for a living what I would've done anyway. When you think how lucky I am — I got to do what I do, play and act silly."
On his 99th birthday, Dick Van Dyke plans to spend time with his family. Despite playing alongside Chris Martin for the announcement, this anniversary is for his loved ones. Not that he doesn't love Martin too, I am sure.
He talks about his love for his family in the video, mentioning how much comfort he gets from them all. It's clear that he is proud of his personal achievements, but none more than the family he has surrounded himself with.
