Dick Van Dyke celebrates his 100th birthday with humor
Dick Van Dyke turns 100 this December with a new book, theatrical tribute, and his signature humor.
Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke is the first to admit that things aren’t so easy at this age, but he still takes care of himself.
In an essay for the Sunday Times published on November 13, 99-year-old Van Dyke opened up about the physical decline he experiences in his daily life, from problems with his legs to poor eyesight. He added that he has difficulty maintaining concentration in group conversations and frequently complains about his hearing aids.
“It’s frustrating to feel diminished in the world, both physically and socially,” he wrote. “I get invitations to events and gig offers in New York and Chicago, but I have to decline those trips because they take a lot out of me. Almost all my visits with people have to take place at my home.”
Still, the ‘Mary Poppins’ star is determined to live a long and healthy life as she approaches her 100th birthday on December 13, revealing that she tries to hit the gym three times a week.
“I don’t know why this is something I still want to do, but it is. I’m not yet a ‘get up and go back to bed’ type unless it’s cold and raining. If I miss the gym too much, the stiffness creeps in here and there and I really feel it. God help me if it takes hold,” he wrote.
During his workouts, he said he runs through a grueling circuit from car to car without taking a break. He starts on a sit-down machine and then hits his upper body before working on his legs, which are “two of my most important assets.”
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Earlier this year, the Tony Award winner made a dark joke about never reaching 100 years old while speaking at the Vandy High Tea event in Malibu, Calif., on Oct. 5.
“I won’t officially turn 100 until December,” he said, according to People magazine. “Two months, two months. It would be weird if I didn’t make it in time.”
Mr. Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene, participated in the event, which raised money for the Van Dyke Foundation for the Arts and the Dick Van Dyke Museum.
This Sunday Times article is excerpted from the actor’s new memoir, titled “100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life.”
“Decades later, here I am. I turn 100 on December 13th. I’m as old, if not older, than Mr. Dawes, The Origami Guy, or Ludwig. I’m not going to play super old anymore. I’m super old,” he wrote, referring to the iconic character.
Contributor: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY
