Dick Van Dyke Admits He Is 'Aware' Of His Mortality: 'I Could Go Any Day Now'

Dick Van Dyke, a legendary entertainer with an iconic career, approaches his 99th birthday on December 13 with remarkable grace and fearlessness in the face of life’s inevitable end.

Throughout his illustrious career, Van Dyke has earned multiple Emmy Awards, as well as a Grammy and a Tony. His memorable performances span beloved classics like “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Night at the Museum,” and “Mary Poppins.”

In a historic achievement this June, Van Dyke became the oldest recipient of a Daytime Emmy Award, winning best guest performer in a daytime drama series for his portrayal of Timothy Robicheaux on “Days of Our Lives.”

His legacy continues to inspire generations, but as Dick Van Dyke nears his 99th birthday, he acknowledges that the end of life is a certainty just around the corner.

Dick Van Dyke Approaches 99

The legendary entertainer takes center stage in Coldplay’s latest music video for their song “All My Love.” Filmed at his Malibu home, the video offers an intimate glimpse into Van Dyke’s reflections on love, family, and life as he approaches his 99th birthday on December 13.

The video opens with Van Dyke stepping into his backyard, where Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin, is seated at a piano. As Martin begins to play, the scene transitions to showcase cherished memorabilia from Van Dyke’s iconic career, including highlights from “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”

Dick Van Dyke Acknowledges He ‘Could Go Any Day Now’

Throughout the video, Van Dyke shares heartfelt insights on aging and the wisdom he has gained over the years.

“I’m acutely aware that I, you know, could go any day now, but I don’t know why it doesn’t concern me,” he admitted. “I’m not afraid of it. I have that feeling, totally against anything intellectual, that I’m gonna be alright.”

Surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren, the actor emphasizes the importance of family in his life.

“I think I’m one of those lucky people who got to do for a living, what I would have done anyway. When you think how lucky I am, I got to do what I do — play and act silly,” he said.

CBS Celebrates Dick Van Dyke With Two-Hour Special

In December 2023, CBS celebrated Dick Van Dyke’s extraordinary career with a two-hour special titled “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic.” The tribute showcased archival footage and live performances, highlighting his immense contributions to entertainment. The program premiered on December 21, just days after Van Dyke’s 98th birthday on December 13.

“You think, ‘I don’t deserve this,’ but it’s difficult to say how I felt,” he told PEOPLE Magazine at the time. “I came home, and I said, ‘You know something? It’s going to be a couple of days before this actually sinks in that it happened.’ I never expected that kind of recognition. My whole life went before me. I didn’t realize I had done so many things while I was 75 years in show business.”

Dick Van Dyke’s Honest Reaction To Donald Trump’s Presidential Win

Accompanied by his wife, Arlene Silver, Dick Van Dyke addressed reporters’ questions about the recent U.S. election. While expressing optimism for America’s future, the iconic actor didn’t hold back when asked if he believed Donald Trump was “capable of making America great again.”

Flashing a quick, wry smile, Van Dyke quipped that he’d prefer not to live through it. “Fortunately, I won’t be around to experience the next four years,” he said candidly.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Van Dyke’s prior endorsement of Kamala Harris didn’t prevent Trump from pulling off what some are calling “the greatest political comeback of all time.” Trump’s victory marks the first time in over 130 years that a former president has returned to the White House for a non-consecutive term.

Dick Van Dyke Has Been Outspoken About Politics In The Past

Dick Van Dyke has a history of endorsing political figures, and Vice President Kamala Harris is not the only one to receive his support. According to Deadline, Van Dyke previously backed Bernie Sanders during the 2020 Democratic primary and later endorsed Joe Biden in this year’s election before Biden withdrew from the race.

Van Dyke is also part of a growing list of Hollywood stars rallying behind Harris. The outlet noted that Richard Gere participated in a campaign video for Harris in Pennsylvania, while Arnold Schwarzenegger publicly endorsed her on social media.

By lending his voice to the cause, Van Dyke joined a host of influential figures encouraging Americans to make their voices heard at the ballot box.