Dick Van Dyke Thinks He May Be the Last Person Alive to Know the “Real” Walt Disney
As Dick Van Dyke prepares to celebrate his 100th birthday, the Hollywood legend has continued to interact with fans.
The last time we checked in, we shared that Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene, had co-hosted a two-hour event to benefit the Dick Van Dyke Museum and the Dyke Endowment of the Arts.
JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images
Joined by his a cappella group, The Vantastix, Van Dyke sang some of his most memorable songs, including “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” Let’s Go Fly a Kite,” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
Remember Walt Disney
As part of the question and answer portion of the event, Van Dyke recalled his relationship with Walt Disney.
“I got to know Walt, I’m probably the last person alive who did. I got to know Walt pretty well, and we just got along,” he said (via PEOPLE). “We decided that emotionally we were both 13 years old, and that’s why we love to do children’s entertainment.”
Continuing to reflect on his relationship with Walt, Van Dyke noted that they were “kind of on opposite sides of the political fence,” but that “didn’t get in the way” of their friendship.
Photo: Disney
“He was a big kid, just so full of enthusiasm, and I just loved him,” the Disney Legend recalled.
Starring in ‘Mary Poppins
Van Dyke, of course, would famously play Bert in Mary Poppins. While we would eventually become synonymous with the role, P.L. Travers initially did not think he was “right for the role.
Photo: Disney
“It is insane. I did an interview once, and in the interview I said, ‘I don’t think there’s enough good entertainment for kids,'” the actor recalled. “Walt Disney heard it, called me up, and gave me the part. It was that simple.”
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