Is Dick Van Dyke Still Living? Why the 100-Year-Old Legend Is Still Hitting the Gym

Is Dick Van Dyke Still Living? Why the 100-Year-Old Legend Is Still Hitting the Gym

He’s still here. Honestly, in a world where we lose icons every other week, saying Dick Van Dyke is still living feels like a small miracle we should all be celebrating. On December 13, 2025, the man didn't just have a birthday; he hit the triple digits. 100 years old. It’s wild to think about, right? Most of us are winded after a flight of stairs, but here is the guy who danced on rooftops with Mary Poppins, still making headlines in January 2026 for his refusal to slow down.

Is he as spry as he was in 1964? Well, no. He's human. But he’s still very much with us, living in his Malibu home and, believe it or not, still looking for his next gig.

The Reality of Being 100: Is Dick Van Dyke Still Living a Normal Life?

When people search for "is Dick Van Dyke still living," they're often looking for more than just a yes or no. They want to know how he’s doing. Lately, the legend has been pretty candid about the "curse" of hitting the century mark. He recently sat down for some interviews—including a notable chat with Al Roker—and didn't sugarcoat things. He’s admitted to feeling a bit "diminished."

That’s a heavy word.

He told The Times that he feels physically and socially smaller than he used to be. Travel is a nightmare. Invitations to big galas in New York or Chicago usually get a "thanks, but no thanks" because the flight alone would wreck him. Most of his socializing happens right there in his living room. He’s described himself as a "shuffler" and a "teeterer" these days. His vision isn't great, and he’s joked that origami is definitely off the table.

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But here’s the kicker. Even at 100, the man goes to the gym three times a week.

The Secret Weapon in Malibu

He calls the gym his "secret weapon." If he skips a few days, the stiffness starts to creep in. To get himself out the door, he literally bribes himself with "carrots"—usually a giant smoothie or a frothy coffee drink after the workout. It’s a relatable bit of human psychology from a guy we usually view as superhuman. He isn't just lifting weights, either. He’s been known to hum and dance his way from one machine to the next. If he’s feeling particularly good, he’ll belt out a Broadway tune right there in the middle of the circuit.

Can you imagine being at a gym in Malibu and seeing Rob Petrie himself doing leg presses while singing "Put on a Happy Face"?

Why the Internet Constantly Asks if He's Still Alive

It happens every time a classic movie airs or a "In Memoriam" segment plays at an awards show. People panic. Because he’s been a household name for nearly 80 years, there’s this collective anxiety about losing him.

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But Dick Van Dyke has a weirdly modern presence.

  1. The Masked Singer: Not long ago, he shocked everyone by appearing as the "Gnome." He was the oldest contestant ever. When he took that mask off, the judges literally started crying.
  2. Music Videos: Just last year, he popped up in a Coldplay video for the song "All My Love." He was dancing barefoot. Barefoot! At 99!
  3. Soap Operas: He made his soap debut on Days of Our Lives at 97 and won an Emmy for it. He’s basically the king of "firsts" for people in their late 90s.

He’s currently living with his wife, Arlene Silver. There’s a 46-year age gap there, which people used to gossip about, but honestly? She seems to be the one keeping his engine running. She’s the one who gets him up, moving, and making sure he doesn't just sit in front of the TV all day.

Dealing with the "Grumpy Old Man" Moments

He’s also been surprisingly vocal about his frustrations with the world. He’s admitted to spiraling into a bit of anguish over the news and "yelling at the TV" like any other grandfather. It’s refreshing to hear. He isn't some polished PR version of a centenarian; he’s a guy who’s lived through a lot of history and has opinions on how things are going.

What’s Next for the Legend?

You’d think at 100, the goal would be a nice long nap. Nope.

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Van Dyke told the Today show that he’s actively looking for work. Acting is his hobby. It’s his life. He doesn't want to walk away from the camera because, in his mind, that’s when you actually start getting old. He recently released a book called 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life. It’s basically his manifesto on how to keep moving when your body wants to quit.

Dick Van Dyke is still living, still singing, and apparently still doing sit-ups. He’s outlived almost all of his peers from the Golden Age of television, yet he manages to stay relevant to a generation that only knows him from Night at the Museum or a viral TikTok of him dancing in a parking lot.

If you want to keep up with him, the best thing to do is watch for his occasional local appearances in Malibu or his ukulele lessons he shares online. He’s proven that while the "shuffler and teeterer" phase of life is inevitable, you don't have to let it define you. You just have to keep the blood flowing from your fingertips to your toes.

To really appreciate the man while he’s still here, go back and watch the "Step in Time" sequence from the original Mary Poppins. Then remember that the guy doing those leaps is still hitting the treadmill three times a week in 2026. That’s not just longevity; that’s a masterclass in how to exist.

Keep moving. That's his only real rule. It seems to be working.


Actionable Insight: If you're inspired by Dick Van Dyke's longevity, his biggest piece of advice isn't a supplement or a diet—it's "never stop moving." Start a low-impact movement routine, like walking or light stretching, three times a week to combat the "stiffness" he describes. Consistency matters more than intensity when you're playing the long game.