Opinion
The legendary Hollywood star Dick Van Dyke will be turning 98 on December 13, and CBS is preparing to honor him with a special to mark this occasion.
Van Dyke’s Birthday Special
Variety reported that “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic” is set to air on CBS at 9pm on December 13. Van Dyke himself will produce the special with his wife Arlene Silver along with White Label Productions. The special will be executive produced by Craig and Clara Plestis of Smart Dog Media, and by Deena Katz, who will also cast it. The showrunner of the special is Ashley Edens.
“I started with CBS under contract in 1955 with the CBS morning show, then ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ and ‘Diagnosis Murder,’” Van Dyke said. “I’ve been with the CBS family for almost 70 years, and I couldn’t be prouder. I’m incredibly honored that CBS will be throwing a 98th birthday special for me. Can’t wait to be part of the show!”
The special will be filmed on the legendary set of “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” and it will feature archival footage from Van Dyke’s career, including scenes from Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and more.
Related: Dick Van Dyke Endorses Bernie Sanders, Says Trump Re-Election Would Mean the End of Democracy
Van Dyke’s Secrets To Aging
Earlier this year, Van Dyke revealed his secrets to making it to such an advanced age.
“Genes, I guess, for one thing,” Van Dyke told Yahoo! Entertainment. “Having a beautiful young wife half my age to take care of me — that works! My positive attitude, I get that from my wife.”
“I wrote a book called ‘Keep Moving‘: I still go to the gym three days a week and work out,” he continued. “And I advise everybody to do that, because that’s what ages people — it’s just a stiffening up and not exercising their muscles and their lungs. Exercise is the answer.”
After a lifetime of performing, Van Dyke still can’t believe how successful his career has been.
“When I was young, I really was hoping to make a living. What happened to me was such a surprise,” he said. “The successes I’ve had, I still can’t get over it.”
Van Dyke Wants To Make It To 100
Daily Express reported that Van Dyke is looking forward to making it to his 100th birthday.
“I’m looking forward to 100,” he previously stated. “George Burns made it, and I’m gonna do it too.”
“Keep moving is the main thing. I think I reiterate three or four times in the book,” he continued while also suggesting that people “going down the stairs sideways,” as while it may feel good on the knees “it throws the hips out and the back starts to go out.”
“The next thing you know, you’ve fallen down and broken your hip,” he explained. “So even if it hurts a little, go down the stairs front-ways.”
Van Dyke believes that his optimistic attitude plays a huge role in his longevity.
“It’s more in my nature to be optimistic, I think. I’m one of those people who gets up on the right side of the bed in the morning,” he said. “I get up and have a cup of coffee and go to the gym before I talk myself out of it because I will, as anybody will.”
Van Dyke is a true living legend, and there will never be another one like him. We would like to wish him a very happy birthday, and we hope he has many more to come!
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