Dick Van Dyke is joyfully marking his 99th birthday with his wife, Arlene, and their pets, including their cat Bobo, who had a brief scare before being found safe. The couple had recently faced a frightening situation due to the Franklin fire, which forced thousands of Malibu residents, including Van Dyke, to evacuate their homes.
The fire, exacerbated by intense Santa Ana winds, began on Monday night and quickly spread across approximately 4,000 acres. Van Dyke shared on Facebook that he and Arlene managed to evacuate their home. However, he described a tense moment when he was trying to untangle a fire hose as the flames approached. He recalled, “I’m out there laying on the ground trying to undo this fire hose, and the fire’s coming over the hill,” ultimately realizing just how much effort it took to escape.
Fortunately, three neighbors came to his aid, helping Van Dyke to a safe location while also extinguishing a small fire in their guesthouse. His home was saved from destruction, a beacon of relief amidst the chaos that many others faced in the community.
After the danger passed, the couple returned home only to discover their cat Bobo was missing. In a fortunate twist, Bobo was found safe and unharmed, all thanks to the concerned community members who had alerted Animal Control about the missing cat. Van Dyke expressed his gratitude through a follow-up Facebook post, stating, “We found Bobo as soon as we arrived back home this morning.”
The outpouring of support from fans has been heartwarming. Among them is the British rock band Coldplay, who reached out with a message of love and assistance for Van Dyke and others affected by the fires. In a show of solidarity, Coldplay even released a touching video featuring lead singer Chris Martin serenading Van Dyke.
This story not only highlights the bravery and kindness of community members during a crisis but also the resilience of a beloved star like Van Dyke. As he celebrates another year of life, it serves as a reminder of the importance of support in troubling times and the spirit of togetherness. Despite the fire’s devastation, the successful rescue of Van Dyke and the story’s hopeful conclusion reminds us that kindness prevails even in the face of adversity.