As the world prepares to celebrate a true Hollywood treasure, Dick Van Dyke is offering a heartfelt and humorous glimpse into the wisdom he’s gained over a lifetime.
The legendary entertainer, who turns 100 on December 13, is marking the occasion not with a quiet celebration, but with the release of a new book that shares his upbeat philosophy and infectious optimism.
Titled 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life, Van Dyke’s forthcoming book is far more than just a guide to aging gracefully—it’s an autobiographical collection of stories, reflections, and joyful advice from a man who has truly danced his way through life.
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According to a description obtained by People Magazine, the book details “how he’s maintained good health and a zest for life as he enters his tenth decade.”
“Dick Van Dyke danced his way into our hearts with iconic roles in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Dick Van Dyke Show,” the description reads.
“Now, as he’s about to turn 100 years old, Dick is still dancing, still approaching life with the twinkle in his eye that we’ve come to know and love.”
The book promises to reveal Van Dyke’s “secrets for maintaining your joie de vivre, staying physically healthy, and making the most out of the life you’ve been given.”
Dick Van Dyke, 99, is going to live until he’s 150. This is his world & we’re all just living in it. pic.twitter.com/YO0THvAzcO
— 💤 (@zzzgoonin) April 7, 2025
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Through tales from childhood to the silver screen, family life, and even love found later in life, Van Dyke paints a portrait of resilience, gratitude, and curiosity.
“His indefatigable spirit and positive attitude will surely inspire readers to count the blessings in their own lives, persevere through the hard times, and appreciate the beauty and complexity of being human,” the description continues.
Van Dyke’s sunny demeanor has always been part of his charm, but he insists that his mindset may also be a key ingredient in his remarkable longevity. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight last year, he reflected on how he’s managed to thrive into his late 90s.
“Attitude about life I think has a lot to do with it,” he said. “I’ve always looked at the good side, I guess, and expected good things to happen.”
Dick Van Dyke is a textbook example of high metabolism, high energy, long life, childlike wonder, and an oxygenated brain.
At almost 100 he’s still dancing, thanks to his nightly pint of vanilla Haagen Daaz ice cream with chocolate syrup.
Another staple in his diet?… pic.twitter.com/Jz4ElHVgqp
— Berry Fairy🧃 (@galaxynymph) February 7, 2025
Still, the actor confessed with a laugh that he doesn’t have all the answers.
“I’ve often tried to think what did I do to live this long?” he admitted.
“And I can’t figure out. The only thing is I’ve always exercised. We still go to the gym three days a week and work out. And I believe that’s the secret.”
Van Dyke’s dedication to staying active, even as he approaches 100, is no small feat.
“Most people at 98 years old don’t really feel like working out and they seize up, you know?” he said. “You get stiff and I’m still, you know, move pretty well. And I think that must be the secret because I don’t really watch my diet or anything. Stayed skinny. That helps.”
But physical health is only part of the equation. Van Dyke often credits his happiness to the love and support of his wife, Arlene Silver, a makeup artist 46 years his junior.
The couple met backstage at the 2006 Screen Actors Guild Awards and married in 2012. Their bond is clearly built on more than age-defying romance—it’s a partnership rooted in joy and mutual admiration.
“Having a beautiful young wife half my age to take care of me” is another factor Van Dyke has jokingly cited for his vitality.
Silver, too, has nothing but admiration for her husband. “I’ve never met anyone like him,” she shared.
“He’s always happy and just positive. Always singing, and I would never sing in public. He got me to sing. He got me to sing up on a stage and sang in front of 1,500 people for the first time. He’s just the most joyful person. He influences everybody else to be more joyful, playful.”
Actor Dick Van Dyke was #BornOnThisDay Dec. 13, 1925 His career has spanned over 7 decades in film,TV & stage. Best known for TV’s The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-’66) & Diagnosis: Murder (1993–’01) & films Bye Bye Birdie (1963) Mary Poppins (1964) & Cold Turkey (1971) 99 yrs YOUNG pic.twitter.com/8MHCMev0TB
— Dr. Buzz aka Buzz Von Ornsteiner PhD (@DrBuzz_Forensic) December 13, 2024
In a world often focused on youth and fleeting trends, Dick Van Dyke is living proof that age is just a number—and a joyful spirit is timeless.
As he approaches a century of life, he’s still singing, still dancing, and still spreading light wherever he goes.
So as December 13 approaches, fans around the world will no doubt raise a glass to toast the man who made generations laugh, sing, and believe in magic.
Happy early birthday, Mr. Van Dyke—and thank you for showing us how to live life with grace, laughter, and a whole lot of heart.
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