He just keeps going. Dick Van Dyke isn’t just alive; he’s somehow still Dick Van Dyke. Most people reaching the century mark are, understandably, slowing down to a crawl. But if you look at Dick Van Dyke today, you aren’t seeing a relic. You’re seeing a man who recently celebrated his 100th birthday on December 13, 2025, by essentially telling the world that age is a suggestion, not a rule.
Honestly, it’s a bit mind-blowing.
We’re talking about a guy who was already a household name when color TV was a luxury. Now, in early 2026, he’s still hitting the gym three times a week. He calls it his "secret weapon." It’s not some light stroll, either. He does a full circuit. He works the leg machines because, in his words, his legs are his "most cherished possessions."
The Reality of Being 100
Don’t get it twisted, though. He’s not claiming to be a superhero. In a recent, incredibly candid essay for The Times, Dick admitted to feeling "diminished." He’s a self-described "stooper, shuffler, and teeterer" these days. His eyesight is failing to the point where he can’t do origami anymore—a small but poignant detail that makes you realize even legends have to give things up. He wears hearing aids. He chews nicotine gum all day, a habit left over from quitting smoking decades ago.
But here’s the thing about Dick Van Dyke today: he refuses to be "old" in spirit.
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While other celebrities his age (of which there are very few left) might retreat into privacy, Dick is out there. He recently made headlines for a somewhat dark, witty comment to a paparazzo, suggesting he was looking forward to "the undiscovered country" more than the current political climate. It was classic Dick—sharp, a little rebellious, and completely authentic.
That 46-Year Age Gap
You can’t talk about his longevity without mentioning his wife, Arlene Silver. She’s 54. He’s 100. Do the math, and it’s a 46-year difference that would make most people do a double-take. But they’ve been married since 2012, and he credits her entirely with his survival.
"She’s responsible for keeping me in the moment," he says.
They don't just sit around their Malibu home. They perform. They have this little troupe called Vandy Camp. It’s basically a traveling carnival of joy where they do a cappella, they dance, and they sing hits from Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. They do it for local charities. It's not for the money—the man is worth an estimated $50 million—it’s for the "tingly exhilaration" of the performance.
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The 100-Year Legacy Project
If you feel like you've been seeing more of him lately, you aren't imagining it. December 2025 was a massive month for the Van Dyke brand. Fathom Events released a theatrical documentary called Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration. It wasn't just a clip show. It featured footage from the last 30 years of his life, including a really emotional return to his hometown of Danville, Illinois.
He also dropped a book: 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life.
Why People Are Still Obsessed
- The Sobriety Factor: He’s been sober for over 50 years. He often says his proudest achievement isn't an Emmy or a Tony, but helping others get sober.
- The Work Ethic: He won a Daytime Emmy at 98 for Days of Our Lives. He was the oldest person to ever win.
- The "Masked Singer" Moment: Remember when he showed up as the Gnome? He was 97 then. The judges were literally in tears when he unmasked.
- The Coldplay Cameo: Just last year, he was dancing barefoot in the "All My Love" music video with Chris Martin.
It’s the "playfulness" that sticks. Dick Van Dyke today is the living embodiment of the idea that you don't stop playing because you grow old; you grow old because you stop playing. He still hums. He still belts out Broadway tunes while moving between gym machines.
What’s Actually Happening Right Now?
As of January 2026, he’s mostly staying close to home in Malibu. The area has been hit hard by wildfires recently—the Franklin Fire and the Palisades Fire—and he actually had to evacuate at one point. It’s a reminder that even for a "superhuman" legend, life in California has its very real, very scary risks.
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He’s still one Oscar away from an EGOT. He’s joked that he hopes he gets it before it’s "posthumous." Honestly, with the way he’s going, I wouldn’t bet against him.
Actionable Takeaways from the Van Dyke Method
You don't have to be a Broadway star to steal his moves for a longer life. Based on his recent interviews and his new book, here is how the man actually does it:
- Move or Rust: He literally says if he misses a few gym days, the stiffness "creeps in." It’s a 3-day-a-week commitment to circuit training. Focus on legs; they carry you.
- The Reward System: He dangles "carrots" for himself. If he finishes a workout, he gets a huge smoothie or a "frothy caffeine treat." Then a nap. Treat yourself like a prized horse.
- Socialize with the Young: He spends a ton of time with his grandchildren and his a cappella group, the Vantastix, who are all significantly younger. It keeps his brain from getting stuck in the past.
- Sing Daily: Research actually backs him up on this. Singing improves breathing control and lowers cortisol. He does it every single day.
- Let Go of the Fear: He’s very open about the fact that he knows he could go any day. He’s not afraid. That lack of existential dread probably adds years to his life.
Dick Van Dyke today is more than just a nostalgic figure. He’s a case study in resilience. Whether he’s cracking jokes about his "marbles" or dancing barefoot with rock stars, he’s proving that the final act can be just as entertaining as the opening number.
Check out his new documentary if it's still playing near you, or grab the 100 Rules book. It’s probably the most practical advice you’ll get from someone who’s actually seen ten decades of history unfold.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to dive deeper into the "Van Dyke Method," start by looking into local silver-sneakers programs or low-impact circuit training. His biggest piece of advice is simply to "keep moving," even if it's just a soft-shoe dance in your kitchen while the coffee brews.