Dick Van Dyke is getting ready to turn 100 years old.
The famed and celebrated actor — whose career has included Emmys, a Grammy, a Tony and a Lifetime Achievement Honor, and more — opened up to Chris Connelly about his milestone age, and his new book that’s filled with advice on how to reach it.
Connelly and Van Dyke spoke at the actor’s Malibu, California, home with his wife, Arlene Silver, in an interview airing on “Good Morning America” Friday morning.
“You know I played old men a lot. And I always played ’em as angry, and cantankerous,” he said, adding with a laugh, “It’s not really that way.”
He continued, “I don’t know any other 100-year-old, but I can speak for myself.”
In this June 7, 2024, file photo, Dick Van Dyke poses at the 51st annual Daytime Emmys Awards in Los Angeles.
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images, FILE
Speaking about his physical condition as he approaches the century mark on Dec. 13, Van Dyke said, “I’m so lucky. I don’t have any ache or pain.”
He added he goes to the gym three days a week, calling his wife “a health nut.”
“I think that saved me from the pain. That’s good advice for anybody,” Van Dyke said.
Van Dyke also spoke about his newly released book “100 Rules for Living to 100,” which hit shelves in November.
“Well, I had a few more things I wanted to say. I wanted to pass down some of my wisdom to the younger generations,” he said of the book.
Van Dyke’s career has spanned generations and genres, reaching new heights with his role in 1964’s “Mary Poppins,” where he and co-star Julie Andrews sing the now-famous “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
Van Dyke also touched on his beginnings in theater when he was around 5 years old, making the crowd laugh playing baby Jesus in a Midwest Christmas pageant.
Among the many accolades Van Dyke owns is a Tony Award for his role in “Bye Bye Birdie” and an Emmy for “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”
Dick Van Dyke, winner, poses at the 51st annual Daytime Emmys Awards at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles on June 07, 2024 in Los Angeles.
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images, FILE
In his interview, Van Dyke also touched on darker moments, like publicly coming forward to discuss his struggle with alcohol. “There was a lotta response from people who were having drinking problems who said, ‘Thank you for bringin’ it out into the sunlight,'” he said.
Van Dyke says there are some challenges that come with reaching triple digits, saying, “I miss movement. I’ve got one game leg from I don’t know what. And– dance — I still try to dance.”
The actor says his wife, whom he married in 2012, has made sure he retains youth.
“She kept me young,” he said. “She gives me energy, she gives me humor, and all kinds of support.”
Silver also shared her joy in looking after her centenarian husband.
“It’s like a privilege and an honor to take care of him and make him happy,” she added.
While 100 years old may seem like an accomplishment on its own, Van Dyke says he’s not done. “The funniest thing is, it’s not enough. A hundred years is not enough. You wanna live more, which I plan to,” he said.
