Dick Van Dyke's career through the years as the iconic actor turns 100

Born in Missouri and raised in Illinois, Dick’s passion for the arts was nurtured at high school, where he joined the drama club and discovered a love for performing – and it’s even a discipline that followed him into military service.

Dick served as a radio announcer for the US military during World War II before joining the Special Services, taking part in entertainment programs that boosted troops’ morale. From the beginning, it was clear Dick had the power to entertain and inspire.

With his training ground in showbiz, Dick quickly became a popular radio DJ in his native Danville, Illinois. Building on his comedy prowess, he also founded the duo “The Merry Mutes” with Phil Erickson, embarking on a tour of the West Coast.

After getting his TV start as a comedian and emcee in New Orleans, Dick secured a lucrative role as host for the CBS Morning Show in 1955. His physical comedy and relentless energy charmed America’s audiences, and he went on to make his Broadway debut in The Girls Against the Boys in 1959.

Dick also starred in the stage production of Bye Bye Birdie (1960–1961) – a role he’d later reprise in the film version – scoring a Tony for his performance!

Regarded by many as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, Dick starred as Rob Petrie in The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966), beating out a host of seasoned comedians for the role. He was joined by Mary Tyler Moore as his wife, and the pair’s chemistry made them household names. The show earned a staggering total of 15 Emmy awards, including three for Dick himself. 

Speaking to Forbes, Dick said that the show’s five-year run was “the most creative and the most fun” he’s ever had, adding that “the whole cast got to write, got to change things, and it was just a party everyday”.

Dick seamlessly made the leap from small-screen charm to big-screen magic, reprising his role as Albert F. Peterson in the Bye Bye Birdie (1963) film adaptation before taking on his career-defining role as chimney sweep Bert in Mary Poppins (1964) opposite Julie Andrews.

Ever the comedian, Dick joined the chorus of Mary Poppins fans poking fun at his Cockney accent, famously telling the BBC in 1967 that he “bounced all over the British Isles!”

There was no stopping Dick’s Hollywood domination; he starred as Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) – a performance so great he received an offer to play James Bond. “Have you heard my British accent?” Dick joked to the Today Show, explaining why we never saw him as 007.

The star made his return to TV with The New Dick Van Dyke Show (1971–74) and continued to star in endless variety and musical specials, oozing charisma and continuing to entertain audiences.

Dick found later TV success playing the endearing Dr. Mark Sloan in Diagnosis: Murder (1993–2001), and while he might not have been two-stepping around Community General Hospital, his role in the drama series popularised his name amongst a new generation of viewers.

Dick kept his medical trajectory going with a guest slot on Scrubs (2003), and even reunited with Mary Tyler Moore for a televised production of The Gin Game in 2003, with old and new fans alike praising the pair’s on-screen chemistry.

Fans may remember Dick’s turn as the villain Cecil Fredericks in the Night at the Museum film trilogy (2006–2014), a short but sweet appearance that defined the popular comedy film series for many.

Dick also made a highly-anticipated return to the Mary Poppins universe in the sequel Mary Poppins Returns (2018), portraying Mr. Dawes Jr. His dance scene and monologue apparently made director Rob Marshall so emotional he couldn’t call “cut” on the scene, calling Dick’s return the “joy of my life!”

Dick married his first wife, Margie Willett, in 1948, who he’d known since childhood; the couple had four children together: Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth.

After a lengthy separation and Dick’s affair with Michelle Triola, the couple divorced in 1984. Michelle passed away in 2009, and the 100-year-old married his current wife, makeup artist Arlene Silver, in 2012. 

"She's kept me happy every day of my life, every day. She's a joy,” Dick told People. “She can get me singing or dancing and she carries so much responsibility ... I'm just lucky."

It comes as no surprise that the showbiz superstar has earned a slew of top awards; Dick was crowned a Disney Legend in 1999, honouring his Mary Poppins legacy, and previously received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993.

Dick remains a beloved cultural presence across generations, and it’s always a joy to see him pop up in interviews or on-screen cameos. At 99, Dick starred in Coldplay’s music video for “ALL MY LOVE”, which he co-produced with his wife, Arlene. He was even honoured with a VMA for his work, proving there’s truly nothing he can’t do!

With a lifetime of dancing and entertaining under his belt – and his staunch love of fitness – it’s not hard to see why Dick has just celebrated his 100th birthday. With one of the most legendary careers in Hollywood under his belt, is Dick finally ready to retire now he’s reached triple digits? 

"The funniest thing is, it's not enough. A hundred years is not enough,” he told ABC News. “You wanna live more, which I plan to”.