When you see Dick Van Dyke dancing on a red carpet or cracking jokes at age 100, it’s hard not to wonder what his secret is. Honestly, he’ll be the first to tell you it isn't just good genes or luck. It’s his wife. But when people start asking how old is dick van dyke wife, the conversation usually shifts from his legendary career to the eyebrow-raising number between them.
Arlene Silver is currently 54 years old.
That puts a massive 46-year gap between her and the Mary Poppins star. For some, that’s a "whoa" moment. For them? It’s basically just Tuesday. They’ve been married since 2012, and if you watch any of their YouTube videos or see them at events, they genuinely seem more in sync than couples half their age.
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The Numbers Game: How Old Is Dick Van Dyke Wife Exactly?
Let’s break down the math because it’s kind of wild. Arlene Silver was born on September 21, 1971. As we move through 2026, she is firmly in her mid-50s. Meanwhile, Dick Van Dyke hit the big 100 on December 13, 2025.
When they met back in 2006, the optics were even more striking. She was a 35-year-old makeup artist. He was an 80-year-old Hollywood icon. He saw her in the green room at the SAG Awards and, in a rare move for him, actually approached her. He later admitted he had never walked up to a "strange woman" in his life before that moment. There was just something about her.
They didn't jump into a romance immediately. It wasn't some scandalous whirlwind. In fact, they were just friends for years. Arlene was his makeup artist on various projects, and they bonded over a shared love of music and old-school performance.
Why the Age Gap Doesn't Bother Them
You’d think a nearly five-decade difference would mean they have nothing to talk about. Not the case. Van Dyke has joked in several interviews, including a notable chat with People in late 2025, that he is "infantile" at heart. He claims he feels like he's about 13 years old mentally. Conversely, he describes Arlene as being very mature for her age.
They meet in the middle.
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"I think when you see us together, it's like you don't even think about it," Arlene told Entertainment Tonight. "We don't think about it, we just meet in the middle."
It’s a sentiment that flies in the face of the usual "gold digger" or "trophy wife" tropes people love to throw around. Arlene was a working professional when they met. She wasn't some starlet looking for a leg up. She was literally the person putting powder on his face so he wouldn't shine under the studio lights.
A Love Born Out of Support
The shift from "work friends" to "life partners" happened after a pretty dark time for Dick. His longtime partner of over 30 years, Michelle Triola, passed away from lung cancer in 2009. It was Arlene who stepped up. She started bringing him food after work, checking in on him, and just being a presence in his life while he grieved.
They moved in together in 2011. A year later, they tied the knot on Leap Day (February 29, 2012). Why Leap Day? Probably because it’s as unconventional as they are. She wore a fuchsia dress. He wore a big grin. It was intimate, low-key, and exactly what they wanted.
Life at 100 with a Younger Spouse
So, what does a marriage look like when one person is a centenarian and the other is 54?
- Fitness is non-negotiable. Dick still goes to the gym. He credits Arlene for keeping him moving. If she’s dancing, he’s dancing.
- Music is everywhere. They have an a cappella group called "Vantastix." They sing around the house. They record videos for Instagram.
- The family is on board. Despite the age gap, Dick’s four children (who are all older than Arlene) have reportedly welcomed her with open arms. When your dad is 100 and happier than ever, it’s hard to argue with the results.
Some critics on social media still find it "creepy," citing the power dynamic of a famous 80-year-old hiring a 35-year-old. But Arlene has been vocal about the fact that she was an independent contractor and they were friends long before things turned romantic. In 2026, after 14 years of marriage, the "it won't last" crowd has been proven pretty wrong.
What You Can Learn From Their Relationship
Honestly, the biggest takeaway isn't about the age. It’s about the mindset. Arlene has mentioned that Dick isn't "stuck in his ways" like many people his age. He’s open-minded. He’s curious.
If you're looking for actionable insights from their story, it's this:
- Shared Hobbies Matter: Their mutual love for singing and performing acts as a bridge over the generational gap.
- Friendship First: Taking six years to go from "hello" to "I do" gave them a foundation that wasn't just based on a temporary spark.
- Ignore the Noise: If they had listened to the "everybody said it wouldn't work" crowd, Dick might have spent his 90s a lot more lonely.
Whether you're curious about how old is dick van dyke wife because of the gossip or because you're genuinely impressed by his longevity, the answer is clear. She’s 54, he’s 100, and they’re currently busy proving that the calendar doesn't dictate who you should love.
If you're interested in more celebrity lifestyle news, you can check out recent updates on Hollywood's longest-running marriages or dive into the secrets of "super-agers" who are defying the clock just like Dick.