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Dick Van Dyke, a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, gained immense popularity for his role as Bert the Chimney Sweep in Disney’s classic 1964 film Mary Poppins. His iconic performance not only showcased his exceptional talent but also endeared him to audiences worldwide. In recognition of his contributions, Van Dyke was honored as a Disney Legend in 1998, solidifying his place in the company’s storied history.
At 98 years old, Mr. Van Dyke has naturally slowed down in recent years. However, in 2023, he made history by winning an Emmy Award for his guest role as Timothy Robicheaux on the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives. This win made him the oldest person ever to receive an Emmy.
Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr
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Though he has stepped back from the limelight, Mr. Van Dyke recently felt inspired to share a heartfelt message on his Instagram page.
On November 5, millions of Americans will head to the polls to vote in the 2024 Presidential election. The race is shaping up to be a close one, with former President Donald Trump facing off against current Vice President Kamala Harris.
In a recent and poignant move, Dick Van Dyke publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. In a video posted on his Instagram, he revisited a speech he delivered in 1964, penned by Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling. He originally read the speech at a rally he attended alongside Martin Luther King Jr. at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
VOTE!!! @kamalaharris @vp @kamalahq
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In part, Mr. Van Dyke read:
“Hatred is not the norm. Prejudice is not the norm. Suspicion, dislike, jealousy, scapegoating, none of those are the transcendent facet of the human personality. They’re diseases. They are the cancers of the soul. They are the infectious and contagious viruses that have been breeding humanity for years. And because they have been and because they are, is it necessary that they shall be? I think not.”
“If there is one voice left to say ‘welcome’ to a stranger, if there is one hand outstretched to say ‘enter and share,’ if there’s one mind remaining to think a thought of warmth and friendship, then there’s a future in which we will find more than one hand, more than one person, more than one mind, dedicated to the cause of man’s equality.”
“To those who tell us that the inequality of the human animal is a necessary evil, we must respond by simply saying that first, it is evil, but it’s not necessary. We prove it by reaffirming our faith. We prove it by having faith in our affirmations.”
Credit: Screenshot, ‘Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic’, CBS
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Reflecting on the societal changes that have occurred since 1964, Van Dyke expressed disappointment that despite some progress, the dream of complete equality espoused by leaders like King remains unfulfilled.
Public reactions have been mixed; while some fans expressed disappointment and disapproval, a significant number supported Van Dyke’s stance and praised his lifelong fight for civil rights.
All y’all “I love you but I can’t support you anymore…blah blah blah”, man go somewhere!!! Dick been standing on business against racism for YEEAARRSSS!!! I am thankful that he supports the rights for people to have a fair and equal country! I’m glad he supports a candidate that is for the PEOPLE and not for themselves!! I’m rocking with him until the wheels fall over!! #KamalaHarris4President2024
Credit: Dick Van Dyke, Instagram
Dick Van Dyke’s endorsement is the latest in a growing list of celebrities supporting Vice President Kamala Harris. Just recently, Star Wars icon Harrison Ford also announced his backing. In addition to Ford, Ms. Harris has garnered support from figures like Mark Hamill, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Cardi B., Eminem, Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez, and Julia Roberts.
On the other side, former President Donald Trump has received endorsements from celebrities such as country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, Elon Musk, Caitlyn Jenner, and Hulk Hogan.
What is your favorite Dick Van Dyke role? Let us know in the comments!
Except Harris is the candidate for racism
Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Nang