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Dick Van Dyke wins Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series for "Days of our Lives" alongside Arlene Silver onstage at the 51st Daytime Emmy Awards held at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel on June 7, 2024 in Los Angeles, California© Getty Images

Dick Van Dyke's wife Arlene shares update on 99-year-old husband's health and alternate living situation

The Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star lives in Malibu with his wife Arlene

Ahad Sanwari
Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
January 13, 2025
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Dick Van Dyke and his wife Arlene Silver are currently maintaining a safe distance from Los Angeles amid the devastating wildfires that have caused hundreds of thousands to evacuate.

Starting with the Palisades Fire earlier this month, four fires have ravaged the city, destroying thousands of structures, including homes and businesses, while residents brace for high winds coming from Santa Ana that are spreading the flames.

Several celebrities like Paris Hilton, Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, Mel Gibson, Billy Crystal, Tina Knowles and more have lost their homes to the fires.

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Dick Van Dyke's health routine in his 90s will seriously surprise you

While Dick, 99, and Arlene, 53, live in Malibu, away from the evacuation zones, they're being affected by a lack of resources due to the fires.

Arlene took to Instagram Live to share an update on their current living situation, relying on power from their car to charge their supplies, and her camper to cook food after power and gas were cut off last week.

"Thankfully, my camper has solar power, so I've been able to charge stuff and cook in there," the make-up artist told their followers. She has been married to the legendary actor since 2012.

Dick Van Dyke and wife, Arlene Silver photographed at home during a photo shoot on April 21, 2016 in Malibu, California© Getty Images
Dick and Arlene live in an $8 million home named "Vandy Manor" in Malibu

She explained that her biggest concern was heating, so as to keep Dick warm. "I can go anywhere, but Dick is more comfortable at home. So just keeping him warm, keeping him entertained is what I've been mostly concerned with."

"We never evacuated," she explained, adding that since they don't have power, they're trying to keep themselves entertained by hooking up his DVD player. She proudly gushed about showing her husband the modern holiday classic Elf for the first time.

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Later in the Live, Dick himself showed up looking for Arlene, and she told him she was sharing an update with his fans, later telling the audience that she is like his "security blanket."

Arlene Silver and Dick Van Dyke at the CBS Original Special DICK VAN DYKE: 98 YEARS OF MAGIC© Getty Images
Arlene explained that their home currently has no power due to the LA wildfires

"I haven't left Dick alone in seven years," she explained. "I'm happy about it! I'm his security blanket, anytime I'm gone, he comes looking for me."

MORE: Dick Van Dyke's workout video at 99 leaves fans stunned

Last month, just days ahead of his 99th birthday, Dick and his family members were forced to flee their $8 million home after it was affected by the Malibu wildfire.

Dick Van Dyke, winner of the Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) for Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic, attends the 76th Creative Arts Emmys Winner's Walk at Peacock Theater on September 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California© Getty Images
"I tried to light 99 candles and set Malibu on fire," the actor joked

Their animals were evacuated as well, save for their cat Bobo. Eventually, Bobo was found and rescued, and Dick and Arlene returned home just in time to celebrate his birthday with family on December 13th. Arlene explained that their animals are currently safe and home.

MORE: Dick Van Dyke admits he could 'go any day now' in heartfelt video

He spoke with NBCLA after coming back home on his birthday, joking: "I tried to light 99 candles and set Malibu on fire." Dick tried putting out the fire in his backyard with a garden hose, but collapsed soon after. Two neighbors arrived to help carry him out of the house.

Dick Van Dyke's son Barry shares a post about celebrating his father's 99th birthday with family, posted on Instagram© Instagram
His family members joined him for his 99th birthday celebration last month

"I suddenly ran out of gas. I couldn't stand up. Two guys picked me up and put me in the car," he recalled. Of life in the new year, he quipped: "I hope to get work. I'd like to get a job. I could play someone's grandfather on a sitcom or something. Just to keep busy. I'm not expensive."

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