Dick Van Dyke Continues Smashing Records At 98 Years Old
Dick Van Dyke has become the oldest actor to nab a Daytime Emmy win at age 98. Van Dyke won the Daytime Emmy for his guest appearance in Days of Our Lives. He played a role in a four-part story arc as Mystery Man/Timothy Robicheaux, an amnesiac who needs help from Marlena (Diedre Hall), John Black, and Steven Johnson to bridge the gaps in his memory.
The Daytime Emmy Awards
Dick Van Dyke already became the oldest Daytime Emmy nominee when the award categories were first announced, so the Daytime Emmy win is the cherry on top and a new record for the beloved comedian and actor. This marks Van Dyke’s sixth Emmy win after winning Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series three years in a row on The Dick Van Dyke Show.
His other two wins include Outstanding Comedy Variety or Music Series for Van Dyke and Company and another Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Performer in Children’s Programming for CBS Library: The Wrong Way Kid.
Heading Towards The EGOT
Dick Van Dyke has also won a Grammy award for Best Children’s Album for Mary Poppins and a Tony award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in Bye Bye Birdie.
This also means that Van Dyke is only an Oscar win away from the coveted EGOT status, which the actor is apparently very game for. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Daytime Emmys, Van Dyke joked he would probably get it “posthumously.”
Competition
Dick Van Dyke’s competition for his most recent award included Linden Ashby for The Young and the Restless, Ashley Jones for The Bold and the Beautiful, Alley Mills for General Hospital, and Guy Pearce for Neighbours.
Van Dyke’s guest appearance included the episodes that aired on September 1, 4, 8, and 14, and he co-starred with his wife, Arlene Silver, on the first of those four episodes. Van Dyke also revealed that he got the guest spot by going to the same gym as his friend Drake Hogestyn, who stars on Days of Our Lives as John Black.
What’s Next?
So, what’s next for Dick Van Dyke after smashing this unique Daytime Emmy record? Apparently not retirement, as Van Dyke revealed to PEOPLE that he’s considering doing a one-man show where he talks to the audience and tells stories from his 80+ years in the business.
His wife, Arlene Silver, also revealed that the one-man show might not be far off, as they’re “working on it right now.”
A One Man Show
A one-man show where Dick Van Dyke tells all of his best industry stories would be a fantastic way to cap off an illustrious career, which began with Van Dyke DJing and emceeing local radio before hosting the CBS Morning Show.
Van Dyke’s career would truly launch with The Dick Van Dyke Show and appearances in films like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Last year, CBS aired a special titled Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic that honored his long career and included a who’s who of celebrity guests like Mel Brooks, Jim Carrey, Mary Steenburgen, Ted Danson, Mark Hamill, Julie Andrews, Carol Burnett, Cedric the Entertainer, Martin Short, Stanley Tucci, and many more.
Source: Variety
