96-year-old Dick Van Dyke hands out cash for the holidays just as he’s been dealing out smiles and laughs since he began his show business career in 1947! One wonders if there is much the Hollywood legend does that’s not smile worthy!
Check out this report from Entertainment Tonight!
Dick Van Dyke will turn 97 in December, but he hasn’t taken to his recliner. He isn’t a grumpy old man, and he’s not bitter about how the times have changed. He just continues to make the world a better place.
In this report, Mr. Van Dyke is shown giving out $5 bills to people looking for work at a labor center in Malibu. Modest in dress and manner, he chats with the men, and he tells ET that he stops by whenever he has some “fives.” One worker at the Malibu Labor Exchange calls Dick an “angel from God”!
Kevin Frazier goes on to share that Dick began passing out cash in 2021 after the pandemic hit, and a video of him earlier this year in a sweatshirt reminiscent of one of his many very popular roles—although, Mr. Van Dyke actually played two roles in Mary Poppins!
Next, we see Dick in Mary Poppins Returns, which was released in 2018. Look at the man dance! He must have been at least 90 when the movie was filmed, and he is incredible!
There is an interview from the archives during which Nischelle Turner asked Dick what he’s doing to stay in such great shape, and he attributes his longevity to continuing to move. He says he’s always dancing or singing, and we get a glimpse of him and wife Arlene Silver spinning and quick-stepping together. And, even though she’s 45 years younger than her husband, she’s not slowing down for him! They’re having a great time!
In the end, Dick Van Dyke is incredibly joyful about the opportunities he’s had to make others smile, to lighten a day, and to brighten the world. He says he’s just very grateful to have been able to do those things along the way, because “it just feels so good.” How about that!
Dick Van Dyke is much more than just a spoonful of sugar, but we can all learn from this sweet man’s lesson. Stay active and do good!
“Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Deuteronomy 15:10