The just concluded Daytime Emmy Award event at Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles ended with actor Dick Van Dyke snagging a new record as the oldest Daytime Emmy winner in history. The 98-year-old was honored by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) for playing Timothy Robicheaux in Days of Our Lives.
Van Dyke found his latest achievement unbelievable, just as he deems how long he has lived. His excitement was palpable as he performed a victory dance on the red carpet, where he posed with his award statue in an all-black suit, a white shirt, and a brown cane for support.
Well-wishers celebrate Dick Van Dyke’s record-breaking Emmy’s win
Van Dyke was joined on stage by his wife, Arlene Silver, who also appeared on the show as a cop. This will make Van Dyke’s fourth Emmy win, with his last three being in the ‘60s for his comedy series, The Dick Van Dyke Show. Aside from being the oldest to earn this feat, he is also considered one of Hollywood’s oldest working stars, with a career lasting over seven decades.
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The iconic screen god received a standing ovation from the audience and loads of praise from social media users once he was announced winner. “He is Brilliant, Congratulations!” someone wrote, while another called him an “amazing, great entertainer.” Some also pointed out that Van Dyke looks good for his age, while asking for his anti-aging secrets.
Still working at 98
Van Dyke’s career began in the ‘50s, however, he got into the limelight with Bye Bye Birdie, where he played the lead as Albert Peterson, alongside Barbara Doherty, and Paul Lynde. While running The Dick Van Dyke Show, he starred alongside Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins, for which they both won a Grammy in 1964.
Despite building a solid career and even getting his own honorary CBS special, Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic, last December, Van Dyke feels he still has more work to do in the entertainment industry. He admits to loving and enjoying his job so much that it hardly feels like work. Aside from the celebrity glam, Van Dyke is a proud father of four and a grandpa to seven adorable grandkids.