Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke is reflecting on the sacrifices behind his extraordinary career, and acknowledging the toll it took on the people he loved most.
In a candid new interview with People, the 99-year-old star shared that his ambition and nonstop work ethic often overshadowed his responsibilities at home. Best known for iconic roles in “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and The Dick Van Dyke Show, the actor admitted that his career focus sometimes came at the expense of his family.
Van Dyke revealed that, in his early years working his way out of financial hardship, his dedication to performing left little time for those closest to him. “My family probably got neglected at some point because I was really working hard to get out of poverty,” he said.
The entertainer married his first wife, Margie Willett, in 1948. Together they welcomed four children: Christian, now 75, Barry, 74, Stacy, 70, and Carrie, 64. But as Van Dyke’s star rose on television, the stage, and in film, his long hours and constant work travel strained their home life. Willett ultimately ended the marriage in 1984. Looking back, Van Dyke admits that the demanding schedule he kept would be difficult for any family to endure. At one point, he was juggling early morning programs and nighttime club performances. He described a grueling routine that left him exhausted and disconnected. “I had a show at 5 in the morning, and then at night I was working with a partner in nightclubs,” he recalled, adding that he was “getting, like, three or four hours [of] sleep.”
He also acknowledged deeply personal challenges that added to the strain — including his longtime battle with alcoholism and an extramarital affair with actress Michelle Triola during his first marriage. Despite the turmoil of those years, Van Dyke said he’s never heard anger or resentment from his adult children. “I haven’t received any complaints from anybody,” he shared.
The Emmy-winning actor has since built a quieter, healthier chapter of his life. In 2012, he married makeup artist Arlene Silver, now 54, and the pair have spoken often about their joyful partnership and significant age gap. Silver has become a steady presence in Van Dyke’s life, particularly as he’s embraced aging and wellness with his trademark optimism.
Van Dyke is now preparing to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: his 100th birthday on December 13. Fittingly, he recently published a new book, “100 Rules for Living to 100,” which arrived in bookstores last month. In it, he shares the principles, humor, and habits he believes helped him reach nearly a century of life while maintaining the energy and enthusiasm fans admire.
As he approaches triple digits, Van Dyke’s reflections highlight both the triumphs and regrets of a life spent in the spotlight. His honesty about the personal cost of success offers a rare and touching glimpse into one of Hollywood’s most beloved entertainers—a man who made the world smile while privately striving to give his best to the family who supported him behind the scenes.
