US actor Dick Van Dyke is celebrating his 100th birthday, and to mark the occasion, we take a look at some of the Mary Poppins star’s secrets to staying so healthy
Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke is marking an incredible milestone today (December 13) as he turns 100. The beloved American entertainer, celebrated for his iconic roles in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, is commemorating this extraordinary achievement with intimate family celebrations, charitable functions, a fresh book launch, and tributes across film and television.
While fans remain amazed by Van Dyke’s incredible fitness and energy at such an advanced age, the Missouri-born legend revealed his formula for staying young last year. In a June 2024 interview with Forbes, joined by his wife Arlene Silver, 53, whom he married 12 years ago, Van Dyke discussed his passion for performing and the workout routine that keeps him nimble and robust well into his nineties.
“[Fitness] is getting more important,” he confessed. “I’m only about five months from 99, so I find it the legs I would tell everybody who’s getting old get your legs together. If you’re going to get around, you’re alright, and that’s what I’m working on.”
Van Dyke credits his enduring energy and long-lasting career to ‘keeping moving’, highlighting the importance of physical exercise and maintaining an active lifestyle.
“My mother lived within months of 96 everyone else went in their sixties and seventies,” he remembered. “I put a book out years ago called Keep Moving, so I still exercise everyday. We try to go to the gym and do a little bit of light weight training and everything. I believe that’s it keeping moving.”
He continued by expressing his profound appreciation for his wife, attributing his health and wellbeing to her care. “Oh my God! I don’t think I’d even be here, to tell you that truth,” he said when considering what life would be like without her.
“She keeps me in shape, feeds me and I love her more everyday. We’re just getting closer and close.”
Silver also discussed how Van Dyke has transformed her own existence, observing: “I was very cynical, I think, when I first met him. He’s such a great human being and he’s so pure in his thoughts and his heart, that it’s rubbed off on me. Just all the wholesome things of life that’s what he has and he’s just made me a better person.”
The story recently fascinated Reddit users, sparking discussions about the cherished performer. One user observed: “This actor is not just a legend. He shows us why it is important to stay fit and healthy into our golden years.”
Another replied: “A big part of it is getting in shape while you’re young(er) and to maintain it. Easier to keep things maintained than to fix problems.”
One more heartfelt admirer confessed: “He reminds me a lot of my late father who was a very smiley, friendly kind of guy, so I have a very special place in my heart for Dick Van Dyke.”
The accolades kept flowing, with another admirer adding: “Such a talented man.”
In a heartwarming story, one person revealed their personal experience, saying: “My friends worked at a deli in Cave Creek Az and they said he came in all the time. They said he was super cool.”
Van Dyke also discussed his wellbeing this year, revealing he makes certain to steer clear of two particular things – cigarettes and alcohol.
The star explained he smoked and drank more during his younger years, but recognised he needed to stop if he wanted to boost his health.
According to Unilad, he said: “I smoked a lot, actually! I think I was probably in my 50s before it dawned on me that I had an addictive personality.
“If I liked something, I was going to overdo it.
“So I got rid of booze and cigarettes and all that stuff, which is probably why I’m still here.”
Van Dyke entered hospital for alcoholism back in 1972, but quickly managed to become sober. He also succeeded in giving up smoking, though he admitted that kicking the cigarette habit proved far more challenging than abandoning alcohol.
The actor has urged supporters who wish to mark his birthday to make a contribution to the charity he backs, The Midnight Mission. This is a non-profit human services organisation situated in the centre of the Skid Row area in downtown Los Angeles.
Source: Mirror
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