Illustration of Dick Van Dyke Celebrates 99 with Humor After Narrowly Escaping Wildfire

Dick Van Dyke Celebrates 99 with Humor After Narrowly Escaping Wildfire

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Legendary entertainer Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 99th birthday on Friday, shortly after surviving a dangerous wildfire near his Malibu residence.

Known for his iconic role in “The Dick Van Dyke Show” from 1961 to 1966, the jovial star shared a humorous remark during the birthday festivities. “I tried to light 99 candles and set Malibu on fire,” he joked, showing his enduring spirit amidst recent alarming events.

Van Dyke revealed he was almost trapped in the Franklin Fire as he attempted to protect his backyard. He collapsed from exhaustion but was rescued by two neighbors who hurried him to safety. “I suddenly ran out of gas. I couldn’t stand up,” he recounted, expressing gratitude that he and his wife, Arlene, were unharmed. Their home, a mix of personal residence and Hollywood memorabilia, was also spared while nearby houses suffered extensive damage. Investigators are currently examining the cause of the fire, which is reportedly 30% contained, and some roads in the vicinity remain blocked.

His son Barry, undeterred by road closures, made a determined effort to check on his father. He finally reached Van Dyke, accompanied by his grandson Wes and great-granddaughter Kyla, marking a touching reunion in the aftermath of the fire. Kyla expressed her love with a heartfelt birthday note, saying, “Dear Grandpa, I hope you have a great birthday. Love, Kyla.”

Reflecting on turning 99, Van Dyke shared feelings of disbelief about reaching this milestone, stating, “I don’t feel it… I mean, I don’t feel great, but I don’t feel 99.” He planned a cozy family gathering to celebrate his special day, and the recent events added an unexpected layer to the occasion.

Looking ahead, Van Dyke’s humor shines through as he expressed his wish to continue working in entertainment. “I hope to get work. I’d like to get a job,” he said, indicating he would love to play a grandfather role in a sitcom to keep himself active. He hinted at discussions with a major studio and a renowned director about potentially returning to the screen.

For now, the beloved Hollywood icon is cherishing family moments, focusing on recovery, and eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in his remarkable life journey.

Van Dyke’s resilience and humor serve as an inspiration, proving that age is merely a number, and there’s always room for new adventures and opportunities.

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