Turning 100 is no small feat, and for legendary actor Dick Van Dyke, it's a celebration of a lifetime. Known for his iconic roles in classics like "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," Van Dyke is set to mark this remarkable milestone with the release of his new documentary, "Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration," hitting theaters on his birthday weekend, December 13-14, 2025.
So, what's the secret behind Dick Van Dyke's enduring youthful glow? According to filmmaker Steve Boettcher, it's all thanks to the actor's vibrant wife, Arlene Silver. In an interview with Fox News, Boettcher shared that Arlene keeps Van Dyke active and engaged through daily activities like singing and dancing. "Arlene is a key force – I truly believe that," Boettcher revealed. "They're like kids together, singing and dancing every day."
“There's something about those two. They both love to sing, and they wake up singing in the morning. She's been such an influential force in keeping him vibrant and connected to music."
In addition to the influence of his wife, Van Dyke attributes his vitality to a life filled with music and laughter. He starts his day with music and ensures he gets exercise, whether it's dancing at home or hitting the gym. Van Dyke also credits his longevity to giving up cigarettes and alcohol years ago. "He smiles, he sings, he works out – he just lives a perfect life," Boettcher noted. Living in Malibu, with its sunny climate, Van Dyke enjoys a daily dose of Vitamin D, which he believes is part of his secret to staying fit at 100.
Van Dyke's commitment to staying active is evident in his regular gym visits. He humorously shared in a Times U.K. essay that missing gym days leads to stiffness, which he diligently fights with a circuit routine that includes sit-ups and leg exercises. "If I miss too many gym days, I really can feel it," he confessed. "I start with the sit-up machine. Arlene says I could do 500, but that might be exaggerating."
As Van Dyke continues to inspire with his energy and zest for life, he proves that age is just a number when you live with passion and joy.