I’ve been idling through a new autobiography by Dick Van Dyke, best known for his antics in Mary Poppins and other Disney productions. Dick received five Emmys, a Tony and a Grammy Award, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1995.
He starred with Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins in 1964, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968, and had two long- running television series, The Dick Van Dyke Show with Mary Tyler Moore and Carl Reiner and later Diagnosis Murder. That series began when he was 65.
The show’s originator approached Dick about starring in Diagnosis Murder, whose main character was introduced on an episode of the hit series Jake and the Fat Man. Dick wasn’t convinced he wanted to be involved in another series and had to be persuaded to do just one TV movie, then another, just one season, etc. After a decade he called a halt. The show featured his son Barry as Detective Steve Sloan, also his television son. He employed two of his grandsons and several other relatives during the series’ run.
What makes an actor continue working? He still made many appearances on television, one being a regular in the Night at the Museum film series. Incidentally his book is titled Keep Moving and Other Tips and Truths About Aging. The pages are filled with Dick’s day-to-day mode of living. Refuse to act your age. Keep active. Make people smile. Tell people you love them. Forgive and move on. Don’t worry.
How does he keep so fit? He has always been a singer and dancer and continues to be. It breaks out spontaneously at home or in the grocery store. Dick started an a cappella group in 2000, the Vantastix. The group has performed frequently, and received an award for barbershop singing.
Dick has been a performer all his adult life. Originally he considered becoming a minister, but changed direction in high school. However, he continues to find a passion to lift people’s spirits, touch their souls and make them smile.
He also continues to challenge himself. During the run of Diagnosis Murder, he pursued his enthusiasm for computer animation. Many of his 3-D effects were featured on the show. In his later years he began memorizing portions of Shakespeare, a gift he admired in his friend Carl Reiner.
He believes that the baby boomers are changing the concept of old age. The generation who refused to grow up are continuing to pursue their interests: starting new businesses, running marathons, discovering new talents, well into their later years.
Dick spoke some years ago with Fred Astaire, who was at that time in his 80s. When asked if he was still dancing, Fred said “yes, but it hurts now.” Dick claims this is a good description for old age; continue to do what you like to do even if it hurts.
He still looks with wonder at life. He recalls a memory of his great-grandmother. She said that her father took her to meet a train where Abe Lincoln got off to make a speech; an amazing connection to the past. A more recent memory was this: after the performance of his group Vantastix at the Fourth of July celebration at Ford’s Theatre in 2011, President Obama greeted him, then reached out and straightened his tie.
Dick says that each new day for him is a mystery, a gift waiting to be opened.
- Hoey is a longtime Gazette columnist
