Dick Van Dyke was confirmed as one of the 2024 Emmy Awards presenters on September 9 by ABC and the TV Academy; however, he was nowhere to be found at Peacock Theater on Sunday, where the much-anticipated event took place.
Although no reasons have been publicized, Dyke looked healthy at his last public appearance on September 7, when his CBS special, Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic, snagged the award for Outstanding Variety Special at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys.
Dick Van Dyke skips the Emmys despite being named a presenter
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Dyke was accompanied by his wife, Arlene Silver, who wore a shimmery dress true to her name, while the screen icon wore a classic black tuxedo and white dress shirt. The 99-year-old thanked his supporters and the audience for acknowledging his 2023 release, which was a compilation of archival footage and performances throughout his career.
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He noted that he wanted to be remembered for making people laugh, and he expressed his desire for more work, even after 75 years in the business. He also joked that if he knew he would live so long, he would have paid more attention to his well-being.
Dick Van Dyke’s health
At 98, Dyke has managed to live a relatively healthy life, despite struggling with alcohol and smoking in the past. The decorated act, who is the oldest person to win a Daytime Emmy for his guest appearance on Days of Our Lives, does not joke with his ab workouts, as he believes the secret to healthy living begins with one’s gut.
The father of four begins his day at 6 am with a cup of coffee and heads straight to the gym before second thoughts arise. Dyke also does regular yoga and has put away alcohol and cigarettes for good. He also favors fresh food over processed and fast foods and does not miss his morning dose of blueberries.