I Spent a Day With Dick Van Dyke Ahead of His 100th Birthday—and Looking Back, He Says He’d ‘Do It All Over Again’ (Exclusive)
In an intimate visit to his Malibu home, the legendary performer reflects on his life, career and surviving the L.A. wildfires
When the Palisades wildfires threatened the Los Angeles community in January, 99-year-old beloved entertainment icon Dick Van Dyke and his wife Arlene managed to avoid the fiery destruction that ravaged many of their Malibu neighbors. In the days following the fires, Arlene started broadcasting live on Instagram to share updates about the Van Dykes and their community.
As a lifelong fan of Dick, I have followed his social media accounts for years, but when I watched him on those live broadcasts, I became unexpectedly emotional. He had just survived his second major wildfire in less than a month, yet there he was, joyfully singing “Jolly Holiday” with his wife. I never dreamed that just a few months later, I would have the opportunity to meet him in person and discuss his legendary career.
While the Van Dyke home, known as Vandy Manor, received minimal damage from the Franklin and Palisades fires, large portions of Malibu experienced massive devastation. Determined to give back and help Malibu rebuild, the Van Dykes created a series of fundraising events called Vandy Camp, with proceeds benefitting Malibu’s Community Fire Brigade and local businesses that struggled after the wildfires.
Here, Dick opens up about his life and career, how he feels approaching his 100th birthday and more!
How Vandy Camp celebrates Dick Van Dyke’s legacy of joy and whimsy
In his new book 100 Rules for Living to 100, Dick describes Vandy Camp as “a regular family event featuring performances from us and [his a capella group] the Vantastix and a host of other talented entertainers, conversations with fans and all kinds of other, colorful fun.”
Full of visual and performing artists, Vandy Camp brings together not only fans of Dick Van Dyke, but also people who love the carnival-like atmosphere comprised of stilt walkers, magicians, artisan vendors and more. It celebrates everything Dick represents—love, joy, whimsy and creativity.
As soon as I heard about it, I was determined to go. The timing of the first two events didn’t work with my schedule, so I soaked in the magic from the videos and photos that followed. Dick appeared at both events, held in March and April at Aviator Nation Dreamland in Malibu, where he answered questions, told stories and sang songs alongside the Vantastix. It looked like a truly magical experience.
When the date of the third Vandy Camp was announced, I jumped at the opportunity. As I went to purchase my ticket, my jaw dropped. There was a VIP option that included a meet-and-greet! I immediately bought the ticket and made travel arrangements. Since Dick was 99 years old, I had mentally prepared myself for the possibility that plans could change.
Vandy Camp 3 was held at the Arlene and Dick Van Dyke Theatre at Malibu High School on June 28. On the day of the event, I arrived at the venue filled with excitement, nerves and anticipation. After checking in, I explored the vendors set up on the plaza. It was like walking through an Etsy shop dedicated to all things Dick Van Dyke. Then, I joined the meet-and-greet line and quickly befriended fellow fans.
I was especially touched by a mother and daughter who had dressed in their finest Mary Poppins costumes. Then came the first wave of unfortunate news: The meet-and-greet would not be happening. My heart sank, but I still held on to hope that I would at least get to see Dick on stage. When it was time for the show, we were treated to several musical performances from various acts, rare film footage from throughout Dick’s career and even a raffle where fans won autographed photographs.
When Dick’s wife, Arlene, had the unenviable duty of breaking the news to the audience that Dick was not feeling well and would not be appearing, fans were understandably disappointed. Still, the audience used the rest of the show to share their touching stories of gratitude for the Hollywood icon. Several fans had travelled from across the country and even around the world. Hearing how he impacted people of all generations was a beautiful celebration of his life and legacy. It was a unifying moment that represented the true spirit of Vandy Camp.
Then, fans joined Arlene and the Vantastix on stage for an uplifting performance of “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” from Mary Poppins.
As I left the event, I assumed that my chance to see Dick Van Dyke in person had passed. But what happened next came straight out of a Disney fairytale.
High tea at Vandy Manor with Poppins fans—and a ‘Star Trek’ star!
When Dick wasn’t able to attend Vandy Camp 3 in June, Arlene wanted to make it right for the people who had paid a premium for a VIP experience. She went above and beyond, offering an intimate encounter at their home. Fans who purchased VIP meet-and-greet tickets to Vandy Camp 3 were invited to a private high tea event at Vandy Manor.
The once-in-a-lifetime experience could only be described as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
It was Labor Day weekend when, once again, I traveled to Malibu full of nerves and anticipation. I met up with the other Vandy Campers, and I was thrilled to recognize several familiar faces from Vandy Camp 3, including the mother-daughter duo in their Mary Poppins costumes, actor Doug Jones (Star Trek: Discovery) and even fans who had made the return trip from overseas. A quick shuttle ride took us from our meetup location at Veritas Yoga to the gated community of the Van Dyke residence.
As I entered the back gate of Vandy Manor, I felt like I had jumped into one of the chalk drawings from Mary Poppins. I was greeted by volunteers who were beaming with joy as I walked through the backyard, along the poolside and then over to the patio where the event was taking place. I found my seat at a table next to a stunning carousel horse. The table was adorned with lavender decorations, a full tea place setting, sandwiches and sweets. I was trying to soak in the atmosphere, and then I saw him.
With a smile and a twinkle in his eye, Dick Van Dyke was seated at the head table, facing guests. My eyes welled up with tears as I realized it was really happening. I was getting to see Dick in person. The legendary entertainer turns 100 years old on December 13, and he is as vibrant and charming as ever.
For nearly an hour, Dick answered questions from guests, shared stories and sang songs. The phone-free event allowed attendees to be truly present, while the official event photographers and videographers captured every moment.
Dick Van Dyke reveals the secret to a successful TV Show
“If you could start a new project, like a TV show, play or movie, what would you want it to be?” I asked him. But I wasn’t prepared for his answer: he would relive it all. “I would do it all over again,” Dick said, referring to his incredible career, with movies like Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and even his own TV series, The Dick Van Dyke Show.
He continued talking about the importance of chemistry in a cast, and how blessed he was to work with so many incredible people who made his work on The Dick Van Dyke Show so fun. “I’d get the same group together and do the same show. Everybody was so great,” he said. “Everybody was professional and fast. I just loved it.”
Dick also attributed the show’s success to the camaraderie he had with his costars. “I think a great deal, besides the script, depends on the cast, not on their individual abilities, but how they work together.”
With decades of experience as a beloved actor, Dick still watches television with a critical eye.
“I can tell, watching a series, how the people relate to each other personally,” he said. “I just know it, and when it really works, they get along, and it works together. But some series look a little forced. Somebody’s trying too hard and I always want to go say, ‘Calm down,’” he laughed.
Looking ahead, Dick has pondered the possibility of adding directing responsibilities. “I wouldn’t mind directing,” Dick mused. “I’ve directed a couple.” His wife, Arlene, piped up, “You said you don’t like directing!” “I don’t—I hate telling people what to do,” Dick laughed. “I can’t do it.”
Always meet your heroes
At the end of the event, guests were invited to pose for a photograph with Dick. When it was my turn, I sat down next to him, and I was instantly mesmerized by his sparkling blue eyes, which, despite his age, showed immense clarity and a hint of mischief. He cheerfully asked, “How are you doing?”
I smiled as his voice immediately transported me to my childhood and all the times I’d listened to him on television. He didn’t sound like a centenarian. He sounded like a young guy having fun at a party. I told him how much I was enjoying everything and thanked him for having us.
Arlene has said they will not offer meet-and-greets with Dick going forward, but they do hope to surprise and delight fans with appearances when Dick is feeling up to it.
To make it easier for Dick, Arlene has started hosting ticketed events at their home. Similar to the original invitation-only High Tea events, guests will enjoy live entertainment, conversation, Q&A and more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Dick Van Dyke Museum, which is currently in development. Future events will be announced on the Vandy Camp Instagram and Facebook pages.
How to celebrate Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday
As noted, Dick Van Dyke turns 100 years old on December 13, and there are several ways fans can celebrate. Grab some popcorn and watch the two new documentaries about his life: American Masters – Starring Dick Van Dyke, premiering December 12 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS, and Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration, showing in movie theatres across the country on December 13 and 14. Wear your best Dick Van Dyke-inspired costume and head to the in-person events in Malibu (Vandy Days) and the fan meet-up at Disneyland on December 21.
But perhaps the best way to celebrate Dick’s milestone birthday is by supporting a charity he has championed for decades, The Midnight Mission in Los Angeles. The non-profit organization, which helps uplift people experiencing homelessness, has set up a special donation page in Dick’s honor.
Throughout the year leading up to his centennial celebration, Dick Van Dyke has been giving back to his community, but it has benefited him as well.
“Emotional proceeds have gone to me,” says Dick, in 100 Rules for Living to 100. “I’m nearly a hundred and feeling more loved and purposeful than ever.” Now that’s certainly something to celebrate.
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