Dick Van Dyke Turns 100 — Here’s Why He Wants a Quiet Celebration

Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke is set to celebrate his 100th birthday on December 13, but unlike many would expect for such a historic milestone, the beloved entertainer is keeping the occasion simple — just the way he prefers it.

His wife Arlene Silver, 54, shared details of his upcoming birthday during an interview at the Malibu premiere of his new documentary, Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration, which honors his extraordinary eight-decade career in entertainment.

According to Silver, the Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star has no desire for a lavish celebration.

“He doesn’t want to do anything,” Silver told People. “He wants to be in his room watching Jeopardy! reruns with me.”

Silver expressed how grateful she is that Van Dyke has reached this milestone and is still able to witness the global admiration for his work.

“I’m so happy he’s here to see what I know is going to be a global celebration of him. I’m so glad he’s still with us,” she said. “I’m so honored to have him in my life, take care of him, and nurture this community that we’ve built.”

A Love Story Spanning Nearly Two Decades

Van Dyke and Silver met at the 2006 Screen Actors Guild Awards, where she was working behind the scenes and he was presenting. Although there was a 46-year age gap — he was 81 and she was 35 — the pair did not begin dating until after the death of his longtime partner Michelle Triola Marvin in 2009. They married in 2012 and have been inseparable ever since.

Van Dyke was previously married to Margie Willett from 1948 until 1984. The couple shared four children — Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie.

The Secrets Behind 100 Years

In recent interviews, Van Dyke has shared some of his secrets to longevity, attributing his health and happiness to maintaining a positive outlook and avoiding anger.

He believes that negativity destroys a person from the inside:
“Anger is one thing that eats up a person’s insides — and hate,” he told People. He explained that although he disliked certain things or people, he never allowed hatred to take root.

Van Dyke also credited much of his emotional strength to his wife, writing in a recent diary entry that she keeps him motivated and connected.

“Arlene is half my age, and she makes me feel somewhere between two-thirds and three-quarters my age,” he said, jokingly adding that it is still “saying a lot.”

Though he has admitted to feeling physically and socially “diminished” at times, he remains grateful for the partnership that has kept him grounded through loss and aging.