Legendary Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang actor Dick Van Dyke is celebrating his 99th birthday – and fans are finding out what his secret is to staying healthy

Iconic actor Dick Van Dyke is celebrating his 99th year today (December 13).

The beloved American actor, famed for enchanting audiences in classics like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, kicked off his birthday celebrations by starring in UK bank Coldplay’s latest music video for ‘All My Love’. In a heartwarming scene, lead singer Chris Martin serenades the veteran actor, with both sharing a song and laughter.

Yet, admirers are buzzing with curiosity about how Dick Van Dyke remains so healthy at such an impressive age. Fortunately, the Missouri-born legend spilled his secrets earlier this year.

In a chat with Forbes back in June, alongside his 53-year-old wife Arlene Silver, who he’s been married to for 12 years, Van Dyke gushed over his passion for acting. He also divulged his fitness regimen that helps him stay agile and robust as he navigates through his nineties.

“[Fitness] is getting more important,” he admitted. “I’m only about five months from 99, so I find it the legs I would tell everybody who’s getting old get your legs together. If you’re going to get around, you’re alright, and that’s what I’m working on.”

Dick Van Dyke admits wife Arlene Silver, 53, has ‘kept him alive’ ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Van Dyke attributes his enduring zest for life and career to ‘keeping moving’, praising his exercise habits and dynamic way of living. “My mother lived within months of 96 everyone else went in their sixties and seventies,” he reflected.

“I put a book out years ago called Keep Moving, so I still exercise everyday. We try to go to the gym and do a little bit of light weight training and everything. I believe that’s it keeping moving.”

He then expressed his profound appreciation for his wife, attributing his well-being to her presence. “Oh my God! I don’t think I’d even be here, to tell you that truth,” he reflected on the thought of life without her. “She keeps me in shape, feeds me and I love her more everyday. We’re just getting closer and close.”

Silver also acknowledged how Van Dyke has positively influenced her life, as she admitted: “I was very cynical, I think, when I first met him. He’s such a great human being and he’s so pure in his thoughts and his heart, that it’s rubbed off on me. Just all the wholesome things of life that’s what he has and he’s just made me a better person.”

The story caught the attention of Reddit users recently, sparking discussions about the actor. One user praised: “This actor is not just a legend. He shows us why it is important to stay fit and healthy into our golden years.” Another replied: “A big part of it is getting in shape while you’re young(er) and to maintain it. Easier to keep things maintained than to fix problems.”

Someone else admitted: “He reminds me a lot of my late father who was a very smiley, friendly kind of guy, so I have a very special place in my heart for Dick Van Dyke.” A further fan joined in the chorus of praise, commenting: “Such a talented man.”

Meanwhile, someone else shared a personal anecdot, writing: “My friends worked at a deli in Cave Creek Az and they said he came in all the time. They said he was super cool.”