Ahead of his 100th birthday, celebrate the life and career of legendary actor Dick Van Dyke. Known for iconic roles in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and his classic CBS sitcom, he has delighted audiences on screen and stage for eight decades.
Features
Why Conan O’Brien had an "out-of-body experience" with Dick Van Dyke
Conan O’Brien had a dream come true when Dick Van Dyke appeared on his show.
What made the opening credits of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" special
Hear the origin story of one of televisions most iconic opening credits.
How "The Dick Van Dyke Show" took inspiration from its leading man
Dick Van Dyke's love of physical comedy was incorporated into his main character's persona.
Why Dick Van Dyke is Ted Danson's hero
Ted Danson watched "The Dick Van Dyke Show" on his first television set.
Watch this footage from an unaired Dick Van Dyke pilot
Dick Van Dyke showcases his physical comedy strengths with a short story.
Dick Van Dyke was an early advocate for civil rights
On May 31st, 1964, Dick Van Dyke delivered a speech on race relations.
Karen Dotrice on working with Dick Van Dyke in "Mary Poppins"
Karen Dotrice, who starred in "Mary Poppins" with Dick Van Dyke, reflects on her time on set.
Watch the unmatched chemistry between Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke
Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore reunited for a variety special in 1969.
Rare behind-the-scenes footage from "The Dick Van Dyke Show"
Larry Mathews shares home movies shot from the set of "The Dick Van Dyke Show."
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Starring Dick Van Dyke
Ahead of his 100th birthday, celebrate the life and career of iconic actor Dick Van Dyke.
Starring Dick Van Dyke
Ahead of his 100th birthday, celebrate the life and career of iconic actor Dick Van Dyke.
TRANSCRIPT
- Are you ready?
- Yes!
- Yes!
- Here we go.
(children cheering) (light percussive music) - [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, Dick Van Dyke!
- Well, Dick Van Dyke was one of my idols growing up.
♪ Oh, supercalifragilistic ♪ - [Julie] My friend Dick Van Dyke is an all-round performer.
- [Carol] He can sing, he can dance, he's a comedian, he can do pratfalls and be funny.
And he's also very sexy.
(feet tapping) (Dick claps) (audience laughs) - He was always bubbling over.
- [Martin] He'd come in and then do a brilliant fall over an ottoman.
How could you not be seduced by that?
- [Interviewee 1] In a lot of ways, he was like a cartoon come to life.
- [Interviewee 2] He was funny even if he wasn't talking.
I mean, he could have done the silent films.
(laughs) - [Ted] Stan Laurel, Buster Keaton, I mean, talk about physical comedy, and Dick Van Dyke.
I mean, he is in that category of performance.
- Oh mercy.
(audience laughs) (fist smacks) - The power of Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke together was something we just hadn't seen.
- He was a very big part of my childhood.
Dick Van Dyke was on my television when I was a little kid and he was in the movies that I loved.
- [Carol] Dick is effortlessly funny.
- Whew, thank you.
- There's no limit to his talent.
- I know he's gonna make me laugh, but he can also make you cry and think.
- [Martin] Reinventing yourself is just simply surviving in show business.
So I think that he no doubt went from great opportunity to great opportunity.
And if you have a great deal of talent, then you can do it.
(light magical music) - [Conan] He's perfect in every single way.
(soft wondrous music)