DICK VAN DYKE JOKES ABOUT REACHING 100: “WOULDN’T IT BE FUNNY IF I DIDN’T MAKE IT?”


DICK VAN DYKE JOKES ABOUT REACHING 100: “WOULDN’T IT BE FUNNY IF I DIDN’T MAKE IT?”

Legendary entertainer Dick Van Dyke is preparing to celebrate a milestone that few can claim, his 100th birthday, and he’s doing it with the same humour, charm, and grace that have defined his remarkable career.

Appearing at an event over the weekend, the Hollywood icon joked about his upcoming big day on December 13, just two months away. “That’s right. I’m not officially 100 until December. Two months,” he said with a laugh. “It’d be funny if I didn’t make it.”

The audience reportedly erupted with laughter, a reaction Van Dyke has been inspiring for nearly eight decades.

The Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star also reflected on his long and eventful life, offering a typically modest take on the secret to longevity. “I brag sometimes about how I made it to a hundred,” he admitted. “And the truth is, if I had known I was going to live this long, I would’ve taken better care of myself.”

Despite his self-deprecating remarks, Van Dyke remains impressively active and full of energy. Over the years, he’s spoken about the importance of movement, laughter, and positivity, and his weekend appearance certainly showcased all three.

According to onlookers, Van Dyke delighted fans by singing for a six-year-old celebrating a birthday, treating the crowd to a rendition of “Happy Birthday.” He didn’t stop there, the star went on to perform songs from his classic films, including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, and even the theme from The Dick Van Dyke Show.

Mary Poppins star Dick Van Dyke has been a beloved actor and entertainer for decades – Credit: AP PHOTO

The spontaneous mini-performance was a nostalgic treat for longtime fans, many of whom grew up watching him light up screens big and small.

Born in 1925, Dick Van Dyke first became a household name in the early 1960s thanks to The Dick Van Dyke Show, before cementing his place in cinematic history with Mary Poppins (1964) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968). His distinctive charm, quick wit, and boundless physical energy made him one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars.

Now, as he approaches the century mark, Van Dyke continues to embody the same zest for life that made him a beloved figure for generations. In interviews, he has credited his long life to staying active, keeping a youthful mindset, and surrounding himself with positive people.

Even at nearly 100, he remains a symbol of joy and optimism, a man whose laughter has not only filled film sets but also the hearts of millions.

As December draws near, fans across the world are preparing to celebrate the entertainer’s incredible milestone. And if his latest public appearance is anything to go by, Dick Van Dyke will be singing, laughing, and dancing his way into his next century, just as he always has.

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