Legendary entertainer Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career and personal life. Known for his iconic roles in television and film, Van Dyke became a household name with the CBS sitcom, The Dick Van Dyke Show, which garnered 15 Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes. His fame soared further with memorable performances in classics like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
As he reflects on a century of life, Van Dyke has shared valuable insights on maintaining a long and fulfilling existence. During a recent appearance on actor Ted Danson‘s podcast, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” he offered a glimpse into his daily routine, emphasizing the importance of exercise. “I’ve always exercised,” Van Dyke stated, revealing that he works out several times a week. He credited his fitness routine for keeping him agile and active compared to his peers.
Danson praised Van Dyke’s unique approach to workouts, recalling how he would dance between weight machines at the gym. “You literally danced to the next machine,” Danson noted, highlighting the joy Van Dyke brings to his fitness regimen. The centenarian now incorporates more stretching and yoga into his routine, adapting to his body’s changing needs.
In his book, 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life, Van Dyke candidly discusses the challenges of aging, including his struggles with memory. He humorously admitted that while his short-term memory may be “shot,” he still possesses his wit and intellect. Engaging with trivia shows like Jeopardy! helps keep his mind sharp, even if his wife, Arlene Silver, often beats him to the answers.
Van Dyke, who married Silver in 2012, acknowledges that his career as an entertainer necessitated a strong memory. “For my whole career, I had to memorize pages and pages of lines and a ton of songs,” he wrote. Despite the challenges of aging, he remains optimistic, noting that he can still learn new material, albeit with a little more effort than in his youth.
A crucial part of his longevity, according to Van Dyke, has been eliminating alcohol from his diet. He believes this decision has positively impacted his cognitive health. As he reflects on his past roles, he humorously states, “I’m not playing super-old anymore. I am super old,” showcasing his acceptance of his current stage in life.
Despite the physical and social challenges that come with aging, Van Dyke emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. “I’ve made it to one hundred, in no small part, because I have stubbornly refused to give in to the bad stuff in life,” he wrote. His perspective on life’s adversities serves as an inspiration to many, as he encourages others to embrace the joys of living.
Van Dyke’s philosophy celebrates life as a vibrant experience rather than a chore. “Being alive has been doing life — not like a job, but rather like a giant playground,” he reflects. As he enters this new chapter, his legacy continues to resonate, reminding us all of the beauty of joy, resilience, and a positive mindset.
