Dick Van Dyke: In His Own Words

A Conversation with the Legendary Entertainer

Over eight decades, Dick Van Dyke has been a fixture in entertainment, appearing in countless films and television shows and winning numerous awards, including four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. In this exclusive interview, Van Dyke shares his thoughts on his career, his life, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Note: Select paragraphs are omitted.
JP: What advice would you give to young people who are just starting out in show business?

DICK VAN DYKE: Work hard and never give up on your dreams. No matter what you do, you have to be passionate about it.

I've always loved making people laugh, and I've been lucky enough to do it for a living for over sixty years. But it wasn't always easy. There were times when I thought about giving up, but I always kept going. I'm so glad I did, because I've had an amazing life.

So, to all the young people out there who are dreaming of a career in show business, I say this: never give up on your dreams. And don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. If you work hard and never give up, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

JP: What has been the most rewarding experience of your career?

DICK VAN DYKE: Working with the great comedians of my generation, like Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, and Sid Caesar. They taught me so much about comedy and about life.

I've also been lucky to work with some of the most talented actors in the world, like Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore, and Angela Lansbury. I've learned a lot from them, and I've always been grateful for the opportunity to work with them. The entire "Dick Van Dyke Show" crew was especially rewarding for me. So if you become a fan of my early work, best be advised that that experience is the closest you'll come to knowing me.

JP: What advice would you give to your younger self?

DICK VAN DYKE: Don't be afraid to take risks.

I've always been willing to try new things, and I've always been willing to fail. Not all of my risks have paid off, but many of them have. And I've learned a lot from both my successes and my failures. Most people don't realize there was a good deal of creative risk-taking in that show's production.

JP: What's the most important thing you've learned in life?

DICK VAN DYKE: The importance of family and friends.

I've been married to my wife, Arlene, for over 60 years, and she's my best friend. I'm also lucky to have four children and several grandchildren. They're the most important people in my life, and I love them more than anything in the world. For all you young people, you have absolutely no clue as to how important your family actually is to you.

I've also been fortunate to have some amazing friends over the years. They've been there for me through thick and thin, and I don't know what I would do without them. I don't have many friends left now but the ones I have left are very special to me.

JP: What's the secret to a long and happy life?

DICK VAN DYKE: Have a positive attitude and never give up on your dreams.

I've been through a lot in my life, but I've always tried to stay positive. I've also never given up on my dreams, even when things were tough. I know this goes without saying as this is the cheap answer everyone gives, but being around my family makes me happy. The more time I can spend with my wife, the happier I am.

JP: What are your plans for the future?

DICK VAN DYKE: I'm just going to keep doing what I love, which is making people laugh. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to do what I do, and I'm going to keep doing it as long as I can.

I'm also looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends. I'm a very lucky man, and I'm grateful for every day I have. I hope to just hang around as long as they will have me.

Dick Van Dyke is a true American icon. He's a talented entertainer who has brought joy to millions of people around the world. He's also a kind and generous person who is always willing to help others. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have met him, and I wish him all the best in the years to come.