Step In Time: The Legendary Dick Van Dyke Is 95
Twitter shows the world’s appreciation for Dick Van Dyke on his birthday…
Of course, the story starts with, “Disney Celebrates Dick Van Dyke on his 95th Birthday.”
But that is selling the world short.
That’s because everyone, including Luke Skywalker (@HamillHimself) sent birthday wishes to the legendary entertainer.
Mark Hamill posted:
SHOUT OUT to the incomparable Dick Van Dyke (@iammrvandy) for no particular reason, other than giving the world a lifetime of great performances both comedic AND dramatic, being an #InternationalTreasure, while remaining a down-to-earth, genuinely nice guy. Thank you sir!🙏🎭🤣😢 pic.twitter.com/yvdqBdzDLJ
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) December 13, 2020
The official Disney fan club, D23 added:
Step in time! Wishing a happy birthday to Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke! pic.twitter.com/qlMbBK76uz
— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) December 13, 2020
Meanwhile, the Walt Disney Archives tweeted:
Happy 95th birthday to #DisneyLegend Dick Van Dyke! Here are some very jolly photos of Dick dressing up as Santa Claus during the filming of 20th Century Fox’s, “What a Way to Go!” (1964). pic.twitter.com/kQBvFRyJss
— Walt Disney Archives (@TWDCArchives) December 13, 2020
USAToday.com posted:
Happy 95th birthday Dick Van Dyke: Best photos through the years https://t.co/mKFu7S00G8
— USA TODAY Life (@usatodaylife) December 13, 2020
The Daily News:
SEE PHOTOS: Take a look at the life and career of actor Dick Van Dyke as he turns 95!https://t.co/FzAiTtOR9t
— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) December 13, 2020
And PBS/American Experience:
Legendary actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke was born on December 13, 1925. He turns 95 today. #ThisDayInHistory #hbdhttps://t.co/n8S9GDP8va
— American Experience (@AmExperiencePBS) December 13, 2020
Of Mr. Van Dyke, PBS.org explained:
Van Dyke began performing as a radio DJ for a local Illinois station in 1947. From there, he partnered with a friend to form a touring comedy duo, working the national night club circuit and eventually landing a key role in the 1961 Broadway production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” A natural from the start, the self-trained actor won a Tony award for his performance in the hit musical.
In 1961, CBS gave Van Dyke his own sitcom, “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” The program, which starred Mary Tyler Moore opposite Van Dyke’s character, ran for a highly rated five seasons and cemented Van Dyke in his position as one of the country’s top physical comedians… and he won three Emmy Awards during his tenure as “The Dick Van Dyke Show’s” Rob Petrie.
After “The Dick Van Dyke Show” ended in 1966, Van Dyke went on to lead many more television shows, Broadway productions and films to success. His most notable roles include a Golden Globe-nominated performance as Mr. Dawes in “Mary Poppins”…
However, for Disney fans, Dick Van Dyke will always remain synonymous with Bert in Mary Poppins.
Back in 2013, Mr. Van Dyke credited Walt Disney and the Sherman brothers for their work on the film. But, Walt’s nephew Roy E. Disney once explained:
Every time I see Mary Poppins, I’m amazed at how Dick’s brilliant performance effortlessly ties this film together. After all, it is Dick who first welcomes us to number 17 Cherry Tree Lane. It is his chalk pavement picture that provides entry into one of the great fantasy sequences of all time. And, it is Dick who bids Mary Poppins goodbye at the end of the movie.”
Finally, What an amazing entertainer! “Happy Birthday, Dick Van Dyke.”
