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Legendary actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke, 99 years old, is set to turn 100 in December of this year. Van Dyke, however, thinks it would be “funny” if it died before reaching the centennial mark in a few months.
During a recent charity event — which was held to raise funds for The Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and the Dick Van Dyke — the American comedy stalwart made a crack about kicking the bucket before his 100th birthday on December 13.
A few years back, fellow icon Betty White passed away at 99 years old just months before her 100th birthday.
Dick Van Dyke says it would be funny if he were to die before his 100th birthday
“On Sunday, Oct. 5, Dick and his wife Arlene took part in the Vandy High Tea event at the Vandy Manor in Malibu, Calif. The event, which featured songs and stories from Dick, Arlene, Dick’s singing group, Dick Van Dyke and The Vantastix, raised funds to benefit The Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and the Dick Van Dyke Museum, which is currently in development.”
“During the event, Dick’s forthcoming 100th birthday on Dec. 13 came up. ‘That’s right. I’m not officially a hundred until December,’ Dick said. ‘Two months. Two months,’ adding that ‘It’d be funny if I didn’t make it.'” [via People Magazine]
Van Dyke is best known for his iconic CBS comedy series The Dick Van Dyke Show, which ran from 1961 to 1966. Van Dyke has remained active in recent years, as he most recently starred as himself in the music video for Coldplay’s 2024 single “All My Love.”
In addition to The Dick Van Dyke Show, Van Dyke is also known for his work on Broadway, most notably winning a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor for his performance in Bye Bye Birdie.