Insiders Tragically Believe Dick Van Dyke Won't Make It to Milestone Birthday

When Disney fans think of iconic Disney stars who hold a special place in their hearts, it’s hard not to think of Mary Poppins (1964) star Dick Van Dyke, who played both Bert the chimney sweep and Mr. Dawes Sr. He returned to the world of Mary Poppins as Mr. Dawes Jr. in the 2018 film, Mary Poppins Returns, starring Emily Blunt as the famous nanny.

Over the years, Mr. Van Dyke has also voiced Captain Goof-Beard in the Mickey’s Pirate Adventure episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and starred as Cecil in the Night at the Museum franchise.

Dick Van Dyke as Bert the chimney sweep in Mary Poppins — Credit: D23

Mr. Van Dyke did not start acting until he was almost 30 years old, but he quickly made a name for himself and has become one of the most iconic and beloved actors in history. His zest for life, unmatched humor, charismatic personality, and unending kindness and generosity have only made him more endearing.

On December 13, Mr. Van Dyke will turn 100 years old, and for many years, he has proven that age is nothing more than a number and has not let it slow him down. When he was 90, he appeared on Dancing with the Stars and recreated his famous “Step in Time” dance, and in the last couple of years, he even showed off his ukulele skills.

Mr. Van Dyke also continued to dance with his wife, Arlene Silver, and share videos on Instagram, and he could be seen helping the homeless around Los Angeles.

Dick Van Dyke after he leapt onto the desk in Mary Poppins Returns — Credit: Video Screenshot, ‘Mary Poppins Returns’, Disney

However, earlier this summer, fans were shocked when Mr. Van Dyke had to back out of a fan event at the last minute. The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) star was scheduled to attend a Q&A session with fans at Vandy Camp, an event put on by him and his wife. However, at the start of the event, Ms. Silver took to the stage and told fans, “Today is not a good day for him, and he’s sick that he can’t be here.”

While Van Dyke did briefly call into the Q&A session, he has kept a very low profile in the weeks following, which has caused some to speculate about how bad his health is.

And now, insiders are claiming they do not think he will make it to his 100th birthday.

Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver at Vandy Camp — Credit: Vandy Camp

In an exclusive report from RadarOnline.com, sources say that the actor is “frailer” than he used to be and has to be sure not to over-exert himself.

“He can’t possibly go to all these events, no matter how much he wants to,” shared an insider.

Still, an amazed source described TV’s Dick Van Dyke Show star as “a freak of nature, given how sprightly he is. But when he sneezes, people worry about him.

“He’s slowing down. One day he’ll be feeling great and wanting to get out and see people, and the next, he’ll feel weak and out of sorts.”

The source added: “Some events he simply can’t do. He used to be a regular fixture at the gym, but he doesn’t go so much anymore. He’s not going out to see friends, and they can only see him at his home when he’s up for it.

“Everybody desperately hopes he can make it to 100 and beyond, but there are fears he won’t.”

Dick Van Dyke — Credit: ABC Promotional Image

At the beginning of the year, major areas of Los Angeles were devastated by two wildfires, during which Mr. Van Dyke was forced to flee his home. The nonagenarian attempted to battle the flames near his house on his own, but he was quickly overwhelmed and admitted that he was crawling to his car when he was rescued by his neighbors.

The stress of nearly losing his home and his life in the wildfires certainly added to the stress, and the source claimed that was one time when his frailty became a little more obvious.

We send our best wishes to Dick Van Dyke and hope his health improves and that he remains in high spirits. What is your favorite Dick Van Dyke role? What is your favorite memory or story about the actor? Let us know in the comments!