In early September, The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced that the iconic Dick Van Dyke would be making a special appearance as a presenter at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards.
His scheduled appearance came after he became the oldest Emmy winner in history — at the age of 98 — when he won a Daytime Emmy for his guest appearance on the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives. His CBS special, Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic, also won a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special.
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However, on the evening of September 15, when millions of people tuned in to watch the Emmys, they were surprised and concerned when Mr. Van Dyke did not appear. Of course, the nonagenarian is nearly 100 years old, so it’s not unreasonable to think that maybe he was just not up to attending the ceremony.
Fans were worried even more when the FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention shared that Van Dyke had also canceled his scheduled appearance there as well. This was less than one week after he did not appear at the Emmys. According to the tweet, attending the conference was “more than he is able to do.”
📣 Show Update 📣
We are sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke is not able to travel to FanX. He expresses his gratitude to all of those who support him but, at almost 99 years of age, traveling and interacting with thousands of people is more than he is able to do at this time.
📣 Show Update 📣
We are sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke is not able to travel to FanX. He expresses his gratitude to all of those who support him but, at almost 99 years of age, traveling and interacting with thousands of people is more than he is able to do at this time. pic.twitter.com/qkFq0Byenk— FanX® Salt Lake Comic Convention™ (@fanxsaltlake) September 21, 2024
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The beloved Mary Poppins (1964) star can frequently be found out and about in Malibu, California, where he lives with his wife, Arlene Silver. The New York Post caught up with the actor after his canceled appearances and asked him how he was feeling. He joked and said, “I feel old.” He also said that he hopes that he makes it to his 99th birthday, which will be on December 13.
While Mr. Van Dyke did not attend the Primetime Emmy Awards or the Salt Lake Comic Convention, he did attend the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on September 7 and made a speech after his CBS special won. He said that he still couldn’t believe how his life had turned out and hoped that he would be remembered for making people laugh.
“Hopefully for making people laugh for 75 years. I’ve been in the business for 75 years, I can’t believe it that I’m still here and performing! I’m looking for work if anyone’s interested.”
In addition to his role as Bert and Mr. Dawes Sr. in Mary Poppins, Mr. Van Dyke is also known for his role as Rob Petrie in The Dick Van Dyke Show, Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), and Dr. Mark Sloan in the popular show Diagnosis Murder.
The Disney Legend returned to the Mouse House in 2018, when he appeared as Mr. Dawes Jr. in Mary Poppins Returns. Disney fans may also recognize him as Cecil in the 2006 film Night at the Museum. He reprised the role of Cecil in the sequel Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014).
What is your favorite Dick Van Dyke role? Let us know in the comments!
