Dick Van Dyke, a true icon and a living legend, was honored with an Emmy last night for a television special, celebrating his remarkable 98 years of being supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Known for his boundless energy and unforgettable performances, Van Dyke has captivated audiences for decades with his charm and talent.
The night also shined a spotlight on the iconic pair of Dick Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene Silver, who’s 46 years younger than him by the way. But who’s counting? Not Hollywood, as they are still in awe of the couple and can’t get enough of their love story. Backstage, the couple celebrated the win with a heartfelt moment, where Van Dyke shared his hopes for how he wants to be remembered.
Dick Van Dyke Makes History with Emmy Win!
Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic, which aired on CBS in December 2023, snagged the Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) award during the first night of the Creative Arts Emmys.
Arlene Van Dyke, his wife of over a decade joined him hand in hand to receive the award as one of the show’s executive producers to take home a trophy. True to form, Dick Van Dyke didn’t hold back in expressing his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for his incredible wife, celebrating their joint achievement. He said, (via People)
Thank you, that reception, I cannot tell you what it means, The young lady who got this award, you may think of the word nepotism and I would understand it, but this lady got the job all by herself as producer of the Dick Van Dyke special because she knows me inside and out, and knows how I work, and don’t take no sass from anybody. Arlene Van Dyke!
Later, in the press room, the 98-year-old legend shared his vision for his legacy and made it clear that he’s still open to new opportunities, he said (via THR),
For laughter. For making people laugh for 75 years, I’ve been in the business for 75 years, I can’t believe it that I’m still here & performing! I’m looking for work if anyone’s interested.
Watch the clip here,
Van Dyke’s victory makes him the co-holder of the title for the oldest winner (at 98 years old!) of a Creative Arts Emmy, alongside the late Norman Lear. It was indeed an iconic night, fans are incredibly happy for the actor and hope they get to see more of him in the years ahead!
How Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver’s Love Defies Age
The star first crossed paths with his now wife Arlene Silver, at the SAG Awards in 2006. At the time, Silver was a makeup artist working at the event where Van Dyke was performing. Before long, their professional relationship bloomed into a romantic one. Despite their 46-year age gap, this couple shows that age is merely a number.
Married since 2012, they consistently seize every opportunity to express their love for each other. Whether through Instagram throwbacks or heartfelt interviews, they regularly showcase their affection towards one another. Hollywood indeed has a lot to learn from this dynamic duo. Arlene Silver once shared with Huffington Post just how profound their connection truly is. She said,
We take very good care of each other. But, I’m very aware that I have a national treasure on my hands … He’s the perfect human being but he’s also the perfect partner
Despite his initial concerns about how his family would react to his relationship with someone 46 years younger, Van Dyke was delighted to find they welcomed Silver into the family warmly. His grandchildren affectionately call her Grandma, and his four children have come to adore her. And the rest is history!
The 2024 Creative Arts Emmys will be broadcast on FXX on Saturday, September 14, at 8 p.m. ET
