Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dick Van Dyke

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Dick Van Dyke

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Dick Van Dyke made an impact.

Dick Van Dyke is a celebrated American actor, entertainer, and comedian renowned for his extensive career across screen and stage. His contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including six Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Tony Award. He has been inducted into the Television Hall of Fame (1995) and the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1993). Van Dyke's legacy is further cemented by honors such as the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (2013), Kennedy Center Honors (2020), and his designation as a Disney Legend (1998).

1961: Tony Award for Bye Bye Birdie

In 1961, Dick Van Dyke won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance in "Bye Bye Birdie".

Loading Video...

1963: Release of Songs I Like

In 1963, Dick Van Dyke released his album "Songs I Like".

1964: Grammy Award for Mary Poppins

In 1964, Dick Van Dyke won a Grammy Award for Best Children's Album for "Mary Poppins".

Loading Video...

1977: Emmy Award Nomination

In 1977, Dick Van Dyke had earned an Emmy Award nomination.

1982: The Country Girl Remake

In 1982, Dick Van Dyke appeared in a made-for-cable remake of "The Country Girl" alongside Faye Dunaway.

Loading Video...

1986: Guest appearance on Matlock

In 1986, Dick Van Dyke played a role as a murdering judge on the second episode of the TV series "Matlock" starring Andy Griffith.

Loading Video...

1987: Guest appearance on Airwolf

In 1987, Dick Van Dyke guest-starred in an episode of "Airwolf", alongside his son Barry Van Dyke.

Loading Video...

1987: Death of Granddaughter Jessica Van Dyke

In 1987, Dick Van Dyke's granddaughter, Jessica Van Dyke, died from Reye syndrome, which led him to do commercials raising awareness of the danger of aspirin to children.

1989: Guest appearance on The Golden Girls

In 1989, Dick Van Dyke guest-starred on the NBC comedy series "The Golden Girls", playing a lover of Beatrice Arthur's character, which led to his first Emmy Award nomination since 1977.

Loading Video...

1990: Villainous turn in Dick Tracy

In 1990, Dick Van Dyke played the villainous role of crooked D.A. Fletcher in Warren Beatty's film "Dick Tracy".

Loading Video...

1991: Computer Animation Enthusiasm

In 1991, Dick Van Dyke became a computer animation enthusiast after purchasing an Amiga, later being credited for creating 3D-rendered effects used on Diagnosis: Murder and The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited.

Loading Video...

1993: Starring in Diagnosis: Murder

In 1993, Dick Van Dyke starred as Dr. Mark Sloan in an episode of "Jake and the Fatman", which led to a series of TV movies and ultimately the popular television drama "Diagnosis: Murder".

Loading Video...

1998: Disney Legends Award

In 1998, Dick Van Dyke was honored with the Disney Legends award by the Walt Disney Company.

September 2000: Formation of Dick Van Dyke and The Vantastix

In September 2000, Dick Van Dyke formed an a cappella group called "Dick Van Dyke and The Vantastix", performing in Los Angeles and on various television shows.

2001: End of Diagnosis: Murder

In 2001, the television drama Diagnosis: Murder, which starred Dick Van Dyke, ended its run.

Loading Video...

2003: Successful Performance of The Gin Game and Appearance on Scrubs

In 2003, Dick Van Dyke had a critically successful performance in "The Gin Game" alongside Mary Tyler Moore and portrayed Doctor Doug Townshend on "Scrubs".

Loading Video...

2004: The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited Special

In 2004, "The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited", a special promoted as the first new episode in 38 years, aired with Dick Van Dyke and surviving cast members reprising their roles, but it received negative reviews despite an Emmy nomination.

Loading Video...

2006: Guest starring on Murder 101 and roles in Curious George and Night at the Museum

In 2006, Dick Van Dyke guest-starred in "Murder 101", voiced Mr. Bloomsberry in "Curious George", and played Cecil Fredericks in "Night at the Museum".

Loading Video...

2009: Cameo in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

In 2009, Dick Van Dyke reprised his role in a cameo for the sequel, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, but it was cut from the film.

Loading Video...

2010: Appearance on Rhythm Train

In 2010, Dick Van Dyke appeared on a children's album titled "Rhythm Train", with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and singer Leslie Bixler, where he rapped on one of the tracks.

2013: Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award

In 2013, Dick Van Dyke received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.

2014: Role in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

In 2014, Dick Van Dyke reprised the character Cecil Fredericks again in the third film, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.

Loading Video...

2017: Release of Step (Back) In Time

In 2017, Dick Van Dyke released his first solo album since 1963, titled "Step (Back) In Time", showcasing him in a jazz and big band setting.

2018: Role in Mary Poppins Returns and Consultation for WandaVision

In 2018, Dick Van Dyke portrayed Mr. Dawes Jr. in "Mary Poppins Returns", and consulted for the producers of the Marvel series "WandaVision" on how to emulate The Dick Van Dyke Show.

Loading Video...

2020: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders in 2020

In 2020, Dick Van Dyke endorsed and campaigned for Bernie Sanders in the Democratic Party presidential primaries.

2021: Kennedy Center Honors

In 2021, Dick Van Dyke was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors, with tributes by various artists, including Julie Andrews and Steve Martin.

December 2024: Starred in Coldplay's music video

In December 2024, Dick Van Dyke starred in the music video for the Coldplay song "All My Love", produced with his wife, actress Arlene Silver.

Loading Video...

2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024

In 2024, Dick Van Dyke endorsed Kamala Harris for president in the U.S. presidential election.

2024: Daytime Emmy Award

In 2024, at the age of 98, Dick Van Dyke received the award for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series at the 51st Daytime Emmy Awards for his performance on Days of Our Lives, becoming the oldest person to win a Daytime Emmy and the oldest to be nominated for one.

Loading Video...