Richard Wayne Van Dyke was born on December 13, 1925. Dick Van Dyke is the definition of legend, and I’m not just talking about being a Disney Legend! Who among us hasn’t smiled a bit more because of his talents?
The first movie I remember seeing was Mary Poppins, and it’s still one of my all time favorites. I had nightmares because of the It May Look Like a Walnut episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show (I can watch it now), but I loved every other episode. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was probably my favorite movie until Star Wars took over. Looking back, Dick Van Dyke made my childhood so much brighter.
It’s more than just my childhood, though. Whether it was solving crime in Diagnosis: Murder or a guest spot on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, I was always in awe of his talents. I still am. I can’t think of a more versatile performer.
I’ll admit that I was a bit iffy when I heard about Mary Poppins Returns. After all, Mary Poppins was such a big part of my childhood, I was a bit apprehensive about a sequel. But then I heard that Dick Van Dyke was part of the cast and I wanted to see it. He may not have had a large role, but for me, he made the movie!
I saw Dick Van Dyke in person at the 2019 D23 Expo. He introduced Cherry Tree Lane at Epcot. Unfortunately, the project was scrapped because of Covid. Still, seeing in person someone who has been such a part of my life was a moment that I will never forget!
Happy Birthday, Dick Van Dyke. Thank you for a lifetime of smiles. I hope your birthday is a Jolly Holiday!