Dick Van Dyke, the beloved 98-year-old Hollywood legend, has cancelled several public appearances due to age-related concerns – worrying fans about his future.
The Mary Poppins star – known for his character Bert – was recently spotted in Malibu, California using a cane and accompanied by a helper.
When asked about his upcoming 99th birthday in December, Van Dyke quipped “just praying that I make it,” according to Page Six.
Despite his age and declining health, Van Dyke added: “I’m pretty old. I’m looking for work if anybody has any,” leaving him to maintain his characteristic humour and positive spirit.
Van Dyke’s enduring spirit was evident at the recent Creative Arts Emmy Awards where he won the award for Outstanding Variety Special for his CBS special, Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic.
The actor posed for photos on the red carpet whilst seated in a chair, accompanied by his wife Arlene Silver.
This win tied Van Dyke with Norman Lear as the oldest Primetime Emmy Award winner at 98 years old.
Earlier this year, he also became the oldest person to win a Daytime Emmy for his guest appearance on Days of Our Lives.
Van Dyke’s recent cancellations include a scheduled appearance at the FanX Salt Lake Comic & Pop Culture Convention in Utah.
Event organisers announced on Monday that he would no longer be able to attend, with a FanX representative telling Fox News Digital: “At almost 99 years of age, travelling and interacting with thousands of people is more than he is able to do now.”
The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star also skipped the 2024 Emmy Awards on September 15, despite being tapped as a presenter.
These cancellations mark a shift for Van Dyke, who had previously attended fan events as recently as May 2024 in Phoenix.
He reflected on his lengthy career, expressing his desire to be remembered for bringing laughter to people’s lives.
“For making people laugh for 75 years,” he told reporters at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
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The actor shared his secret to longevity with Entertainment Tonight, saying: “I’ve always exercised. [My wife Arlene Silver and I] still go to the gym three days a week and work out.”
Despite his age, he remains active in the entertainment industry and is set to appear in the upcoming film Capture the Flag, which is currently in pre-production.
