Dick Van Dyke Is ‘Praying’ He Makes It to His 99th Birthday

Dick Van Dyke was seen out in public in Malibu, California, after canceling an upcoming public appearance.

The legendary performer, 98, chatted with paparazzi throughout his newest outing on Monday, September 23, through which he was escorted by a helper to his automotive whereas strolling with a cane. When requested how he deliberate to rejoice his upcoming 99th birthday, he mentioned, “Simply praying that I make it,” within the video obtained by Page Six.

When requested how he was doing, he mentioned, “I’m fairly outdated.”

Dick was additionally requested about his determination to cancel his look at FanX in Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah. He remained mum on the topic. Earlier that day, FanX launched a press release on their web site saying that the Mary Poppins actor wouldn’t be making his scheduled look on the fan conference slated from September 26 to September 29.

“We’re sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke isn’t capable of journey to FanX right now,” the assertion mentioned. “He expresses his gratitude to all of those that proceed to assist him however, at nearly 99 years of age, touring and interacting with 1000’s of individuals is greater than he is ready to do right now.”

Dick was initially introduced as one of many presenters for the 2024 Emmys on September 15; nevertheless, he didn’t seem on the ceremony. He has not publicly spoken out about his absence from the occasion.

The Bye Bye Birdie actor did attend the 2024 Artistic Arts Emmy Awards on September 7 together with his spouse, Arlene Silver. He accepted the award for Excellent Selection Sequence for Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic on the ceremony.

Backstage, the long-lasting performer was requested how he desires to be remembered by the general public.

“I can’t consider that I’m nonetheless right here and performing,” he mentioned. “I’m in search of work if anyone is asking.”

He additionally opened up about considered one of his most memorable and favourite initiatives thus far — engaged on The Dick Van Dyke Present.

“The 5 years on The Dick Van Dyke Present was probably the most enjoyable I ever had. It was a pleasure to come back to work,” he mentioned. “It was that group: [costars] Mary [Tyler Moore], Morey [Amsterdam] and Rosie [Marie]. We simply had a ball each day. Half the present was ad-libbed. We did it in entrance of an viewers which most sitcoms don’t and it makes all of the distinction. You realize what? Our snicker monitor is now being rented to different sitcoms, which implies so much to me.”

In June, Dick grew to become the oldest Daytime Emmy winner when he received the award for Visitor Performer in a Daytime Drama Sequence for his function of Timothy Robicheaux on Peacock’s Days of Our Lives.

“I don’t consider this. I really feel like a spy from nighttime tv,” he mentioned whereas accepting the award. “I’m 98 years outdated. Are you able to consider it? This actually tops off a lifetime of 80 years within the enterprise. If I had recognized I’d have lived this lengthy I’d’ve taken higher care of myself.”