Growing up with Marry Poppins, you know one of the greatest classic musicals of all time, it’s impossible to not know, and love, Dick Van Dyke and his infectiously happy demeanor. From dancing with penguins and Julie Andrews in the classic Disney film, to making families laugh for years on The Dick Van Dyke Show, he’s a beloved actor, who has inspired many. To celebrate his 97th birthday many are posting about their favorite moments and memories of the iconic actor.
Mark Hamill posted a tribute to the actor, by simply uploading a photo of Van Dyke with a swan. The photo is from an episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show from 1962 where the comedian spends the duration of the program taking care of a Swan named Stanley. The essence of the photo, and Hamill’s simple caption are hilarious and a perfect way to celebrate the actor.
For @iammrvandy: 🎂 pic.twitter.com/h5YupjqkNbDecember 13, 2022
Richard Schiff, an actor known for his work on The West Wing, retweeted a video that went viral a few years ago of Dick Van Dyke singing “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” in the middle of a Denny’s. Clearly, Schiff loves Van Dyke, and seeing the video again brought him a lot of joy, check it out:
Made my day. Happy Bday Dick Van Dyke. More more trip over the ottoman. https://t.co/reipuiAvGzDecember 13, 2022
Kathy Gori, a voice actress known for her work on Tom & Jerry, also honored Van Dyke today, posting a fun photo from The Dick Van Dyke Show. She tweeted about how much the show meant to her, and how much it did for women in comedy. Check out Gori’s sweet message here:
Happy Birthday To Dick Van Dyke. I don't think I'd be doing what I've done for a living all these years if it weren't for his show, and Rosemarie portraying a comedy writer showing that that was a job for a woman! Happy Happy Birthday Dick Van Dyke!🎈🎈🎂 pic.twitter.com/sikVXbxU8sDecember 13, 2022
Van Dyke’s show has inspired generations of TV both directly and indirectly. For example, one episode of WandaVision was directly pulling references from Van Dyke’s show, which he loved. It’s so heartwarming to not only see the long-term impact Van Dyke has had on the industry, but he’s been so happy, and receptive to those who are inspired by his work. For example, he had the perfect reaction to Marry Poppins Returns, and he ended up making an extremely fun cameo in the movie.
Others who starred in game-changing comedies also wished the actor a happy birthday, like The Brady Bunch actress Maureen McCormick. She said what I think a lot of us are thinking as she posted:
Happy Birthday to one of my favorite performers! Thank you Dick Van Dyke for all the joy, laughter, and brilliant entertainment you have shared with us all. You are so beloved❤️ May your days be filled with all the joy you have given us. XOXO pic.twitter.com/0eja265TNODecember 13, 2022
Three’s Company actress Suzanne Somers also wished the legendary comedic actor a happy birthday, noting that he’s the “happiest man on the planet," check it out:
Happy 97th birthday to @iammrvandy He is the happiest man on the planet.December 14, 2022
Finally, SAG-AFTRA also wished Van Dyke a happy birthday, explaining just how “dazzling” his career is, and how impactful his eight decades in the industry have been. What can I say, he’s beloved for good reason.
Join us in wishing @iammrvandy a very happy 97th birthday! 🎂 The multi-hyphenate #sagaftramember has had a dazzling career, spanning eight decades in film, television and stage. He received the SAG Life Achievement Award in 2012 for his years of service to the industry. #BOTD pic.twitter.com/32b6dVKXpHDecember 13, 2022
All these loving words for the joyous actor are so fun to see, and I hope Van Dyke knows just how loved he is, and how much joy he has brought to so many.
To honor Van Dyke on his 97th birthday you can go back and watch some of his classic films, like Marry Poppins with a Disney+ subscription and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with an HBO Max subscription.
