Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 99th birthday on Friday, just days after a narrow escape from a wildfire threatening his Malibu residence. Known for his role on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” which aired from 1961 to 1966, the legendary entertainer lightheartedly joked about his age, saying, “I tried to light 99 candles and set Malibu on fire.”
The birthday celebrations followed a harrowing experience, as Van Dyke recounted how he collapsed while attempting to protect his backyard from the Franklin Fire. Fortunately, kind neighbors came to his aid and carried him to safety. “I suddenly ran out of gas. I couldn’t stand up,” he shared. Thankfully, both he and his wife, Arlene, escaped unharmed, and their home, which doubles as a historic Hollywood museum, was spared from damage. Investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing, with the blaze reported to be only 30% contained and area roads still closed.
Dick’s son, Barry, was determined to check on his father despite obstacles presented by the fire. With the help of his son, Wes, and granddaughter, Kyla, they managed to reach Van Dyke, who received a touching message from Kyla wishing him a fantastic birthday. This reunion marked the first family gathering since the fire disrupted their community.
Reflecting on reaching this monumental age, Van Dyke expressed disbelief, noting, “I don’t feel great, but I don’t feel 99.” He planned a cozy family gathering for his birthday and mentioned that the recent turmoil had brought enough excitement into their lives. Looking forward, Van Dyke remains hopeful about future opportunities, saying, “I hope to get work. I’d like to get a job,” indicating he would be open to playing a grandfather role on television. He also hinted at some discussions he had with a major studio and a notable director about returning to the screen.
Overall, while Van Dyke has faced challenges in recent days, his resilience, humor, and connection to family shine through, inspiring many with his positive outlook and desire to remain engaged in his craft. As he steps into his centenary year, it is clear that Dick Van Dyke continues to defy expectations and remind us that age is just a number, and new opportunities can arise at any stage in life.