97-Year-Old Dick Van Dyke Reacts To Early Birthday Gift, A New Special In His Honor

In honor of Dick Van Dyke turning 98 in December, CBS will be showing a special feature, Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic, on their network. The award-winning longtime actor was pleased by the network’s gesture and released a heartfelt note to express his gratitude.

“I’ve been with the CBS family for almost 70 years, and I couldn’t be prouder. I’m incredibly honored that CBS will be throwing a 98th birthday special for me,” the statement reads. “Can’t wait to be part of the show!”

A well-deserved honor

Dick Van Dyke started working with CBS in 1955 on The Morning Show, followed by The Dick Van Dyke Show and Diagnosis Murder. The network called him “one of the most beloved and legendary stars” while announcing his early birthday surprise. “He has inspired generations of performers and will be honored for his incredible contributions to the arts and entertainment,” they wrote.

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The two-hour show will feature special guests and musical performances, including a holiday number and songs from Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and more. Archival footage of his career run will also be displayed on the exclusive program, which will air on Thursday, December 21– exactly a week before Van Dyke’s birthday.

Turning 98

As he inches closer to 100, Van Dyke shared his secrets to aging gracefully in a recent interview with Yahoo!. He credited his 51-year-old wife, Arlene Silver, who co-produced the much-anticipated Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic program. “Having a beautiful young wife half my age to take care of me helps,” he said, adding that she has taught him to keep “a positive attitude.”

Van Dyke, who wrote the book, Keep Moving, is known to take working out seriously, and age has not made that any less important for him. “I still go to the gym three days a week and work out,” he added. “I advise everybody to do that, because that’s what ages people— it’s just a stiffening up and not exercising their muscles and their lungs. Exercise is the answer.”