Legendary Dick Van Dyke reveals his private life at age 100

On the eve of his 100th birthday, veteran actor Dick Van Dyke admitted he felt physically weak and socially backward. The 'Mary Poppins' star had to turn down many events because he could not leave his house.

Veteran actor Dick Van Dyke - who became known to many audiences thanks to Disney's Mary Poppins (1964)

PHOTO: AFP

Recently, Dick Van Dyke wrote an essay for The Time (UK), frankly sharing the painful reality of the aging process. Next December, the veteran artist will officially turn 100. Before this special milestone, he shared about his condition: "It's uncomfortable to see myself falling behind the world , both physically and socially." The veteran star continued: "I receive invitations to attend events or perform in New York or Chicago (USA), but such trips exhaust me so much that I have to decline. Almost all meetings with people have to take place at my home."

In addition, the events happening around him made him feel uncomfortable and gloomy. The male artist said that he had just experienced two wildfires in Southern California (USA) in less than a month, right in front of his house, including the worst fire in history. He was also concerned and upset about the world's pressing issues and sometimes became a grumpy old man, often yelling at the TV.

The veteran artist's health is increasingly declining.

PHOTO: AFP

Although Dick Van Dyke feels young at heart, his body is not immune to the ravages of age. "For the most part, it's the physical deterioration that feels most real. Like the old characters I've played, I'm now a stooped old man, walking with a limp and tottering gait. I have problems with my legs, and I have to lie on my back as much as possible," he says. The Nightmare star continues: "My eyesight is so bad I can't fold origami anymore. I have trouble following group conversations and often complain about my hearing aids, although I would never call them 'ear trumpets.' I'm not that old yet."

Dick Van Dyke carries a lot of sadness in his heart as the best years of his life have passed, gradually forgotten by the world. Although he still plays guest roles on TV and commercials, the veteran artist always misses the feeling of going to the studio every day to film a long series. Above all, his close friends in life have all passed away, making the artist feel more lonely and lost.

Dick Van Dyke's Joy at 100

The veteran actor received an Emmy award last year.

PHOTO: AFP

However, life is not all grey for Dick Van Dyke. The 100-year-old artist said he still tries to go to the gym three times a week. He explained: "I don't know why this is something I always want to do, but it is. I've never been the type of person to wake up and go back to sleep, unless it's cold and rainy. If I skip a workout, I can actually feel some parts of my body getting stiff." His joy of working out is as he goes through one exercise after another while humming his favorite songs.

While exercise keeps Dick Van Dyke physically fit, his love for his wife, Arlene Silver, keeps his spirits up. "I met Arlene in 2006 and she quickly became my soul mate and the love of my life. Without a doubt, our ongoing love is the most important reason I haven't become a morose, withdrawn person. Arlene is half my age and she makes me feel about two-thirds to three-quarters my age. Every day she finds a new way to keep me young, active, hopeful and needed," he confided.

The 100-year-old star added: "In short, the things that make my life happy and fulfilling are really simple: romance, doing what you love and laughing a lot." Looking ahead, the artist's biggest piece of advice is: don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. He says a sense of humor can lighten the toughest parts of old age.

Dick Van Dyke is happy with his wife Arlene Silver (54 years old). They got married in 2012 and have been together until now.

PHOTO: AFP

Dick Van Dyke was born in 1925 in the US, he has been active in the field of theater, cinema and television for more than 70 years. The name of this veteran star is associated with the program The Dick Van Dyke Show and a series of famous works: Bye Bye Birdie, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Dick Tracy, Night at the Museum, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, Mary Poppins Returns ... Throughout his career, the famous artist has won many prestigious awards, including 6 Emmy Awards, 1 Tony Award, 1 Grammy Award. In 1993, he was honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was also recognized as a "Disney Legend" in 1998.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/huyen-thoai-dick-van-dyke-he-lo-cuoc-song-rieng-o-tuoi-100-185251117175551047.htm