Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang actor Dick Van Dyke is celebrating his 99th birthday today, and fans have been finding out what his secret is to staying healthy is
Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke is celebrating his 99th birthday today (December 13).
The US star, known for his roles in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, has already celebrated his landmark birthday by appearing in Coldplay’s new video for ‘All My Love’. This saw frontman Christ Martin serenade Van Dyke as the pair are also see singing together through laughter.
But fans have been asking what Dick Van Dyke ‘s secret is to staying healthy after reaching his grand old age.
Luckily for them, the star, from Missouri, opened up about how he stays healthy back in June this year.
The silver screen actor was joined in a rare interview with Forbes by his wife of 12 years, Arlene Silver, 53. He spoke about his immense love for acting profession, as well as how he keeps fit and strives to remain healthy and in shape well into his 90s.
“It’s getting more important,” he said. “I’m only about five months from 99, so I find it the legs – I would tell everybody who’s getting old – get your legs together. If you’re going to get around, you’re alright, and that’s what I’m working on.”
Van Dyke said his longevity in both his life and career was down to “keeping moving,” crediting a workout routine and an active lifestyle. “My mother lived within months of 96 – everyone else went in their sixties and seventies,” he said.
“I put a book out years ago called Keep Moving, so I still exercise everyday. We try to go to the gym and do a little bit of light weight training and everything. I believe that’s it – keeping moving.”
He then gushed over his wife and credited her with keeping him alive. “Oh my God! I don’t think I’d even be here, to tell you that truth,” he said contemplating life without her.
“She keeps me in shape, feeds me and I love her more everyday. We’re just getting closer and closer,” he added.
Silver also admitted Van Dyke had ‘made her a better person’, as she confessed: “I was very cynical, I think, when I first met him. He’s such a great human being and he’s so pure in his thoughts and his heart, that it’s rubbed off on me. Just all the wholesome things of life – that’s what he has and he’s just made me a better person.”
The article was shared on Reddit recently, as people shared their views on the actor. One person exclaimed: “This actor is not just a legend. He shows us why it is important to stay fit and healthy into our golden years.” While someone followed up: “A big part of it is getting in shape while you’re young(er) and to maintain it. Easier to keep things maintained than to fix problems.”
While another added: “He reminds me a lot of my late father who was a very smiley, friendly kind of guy, so I have a very special place in my heart for Dick Van Dyke.”
A third chimed in: “Such a talented man.” While a fourth added: “My friends worked at a deli in Cave Creek Az and they said he came in all the time. They said he was super cool.”
