Dick Van Dyke may only be five years shy of a century. But he’s not ready to hang up his acting or singing career just yet. The Hollywood and stage legend is having the time of his life at 95. And he’s already looking forward to his next project.
“I’m still dancing and singing,” Van Dyke told CBS. “I like to perform, but I didn’t know how much until this year. I would do anything right now on stage. I’m looking forward to 100. George Burns made it, and I’m going to do it too.”
Van Dyke is an inspiration to us all that it’s never too late to pursue one’s interests or even dreams. The actor has had a career that most of Hollywood would be envious of. But the actor is still adding onto his impressive resume of works. Examining the later parts of Van Dyke’s career, he appeared in “Buttons: A Christmas Tale” in 2018 and also made a cameo in the belated sequel “Mary Poppins Returns.”
He also had a recurring role as Cecil J. Fredricks in the “Night at the Museum” trilogy as well. Van Dyke has continued to occasionally pop up on television, making a guest appearance on “The Middle” in 2015 and lending his voice to “Kidding” in 2020.
Dick Van Dyke Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Of course, a thespian’s work is never done. Dick Van Dyke’s name recently made headlines for the great honor he just garnered. The Kennedy Center awarded Van Dyke with a Lifetime Achievement Award in May. The center honored the actor’s decades of contributions to film and television. Other honoraries included Garth Brooks, folk singer Joan Baez, and Debbie Allen, a legendary choreographer.
The actor felt overwhelmed by the praise. In fact, he hit the red carpet as giddy as fans ever saw him. It looked like he might break out into dance like his “Mary Poppins” character. Of course, the actor showed his age walking with a cane. But Van Dyke continues to remain active and exercise in his spare time.
He also turned his lens for his next great accomplishment and it involves the Queen of England. Van Dyke is aiming for an honorary knighthood, a title the British monarch can bestow on him.
“I think the next thing is a knighthood,” Van Dyke told Daily Mail. With his attitude and determination, Van Dyke just might make that happen. Whereas some might enjoy retirement, Van Dyke remains as passionate about acting as ever.