DICK Van Dyke has been seen for the first time since cancelling a public appearance and joking he ‘hopes he makes it to’ his 99th birthday.
Actor Dick, 98, looked in fine fettle while dressed in a pale blue shirt and joggers as he ran erands in Malibu this week.
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The Hollywood legend leaned on a leopard-print walking stick and carried a bag as he enjoyed his day out.
He was joined by a burly male companion as the pair made their way across a car park.
It comes shortly after the Mary Poppins star was forced to withdraw from his first public event outside of Los Angeles in months, citing his advanced age as the reason.
Dick was scheduled to attend the three-day FanX convention in Salt Lake City from September 26-29.
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However, a statement from the event organizers announced his cancellation: “We are sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke is not able to travel to FanX.
“He expresses his gratitude to all of those who continue to support him, but at almost 99 years of age, traveling and interacting with thousands of people is more than he is able to do at this time.”
The Tony winner, who will turn 99 in December, last attended FanX in 2017, where he humorously remarked, “I’m looking for work if anybody has [any].”
When asked for advice to younger performers, he encouraged persistence.
He said: “You have to stick with it. You’re gonna go through hard times and a lot of auditions … but you have to stay with it.”
Regarding his plans for his upcoming 99th birthday, he joked, “Just praying that I make it.”
Earlier this month, Dick was last seen at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, where he jested about still looking for work before his 99th birthday.
He attended the Fan Fusion convention in Phoenix back in May, adding another public appearance to his schedule.
Recently, Dick tied with Norman Lear as the oldest Emmy winners at 98, both achieving this milestone at the Creative Arts Emmys.
He received the award for Outstanding Variety Special for his 2023 birthday special, “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic.”
Reflecting on his career after receiving the award, he told reporters, “I hope to be remembered for making people laugh for 75 years. I’ve been in the business for 75 years. I can’t believe that I’m still here and performing.”
A LOOK AT HIS LIFE
Dick Van Dyke, real name Richard Wayne Van Dyke, was born on December 13, 1925, in West Plains, Missouri.
At first, Dick wanted to be a minister, but after attending a drama class, he changed his mind.
In 1944, he tried to join the United States Air Force for pilot training during World War Two but was ultimately denied for being too underweight.
Instead, he went to the Special Services – which is an entertainment branch of the US military – to provide performances to the troops.
HIS MOVIE AND TV CATALOG
Before his big break in the Hollywood industry, he was a radio DJ and even performed in nightclubs.
In 1960, he starred in the Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie – as well as the 1963 live-action film.
After that, his career shot to stardom as he got his own show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, where he portrayed a comedy writer named Rob Petrie, which ran from 1961 to 1966.
During that time, he starred as Bert in the Disney movie Mary Poppins alongside Julie Andrews in 1964.
He also appeared in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Carol Burnette Show, Diagnosis: Murder, Night at the Museum, Mary Poppins Returns, Curious George, Dick Tracy, and more.
Other than four Emmys, he also has a Golden Globe, a Tony, and a Grammy Award.
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