Rise to Success: Career Highlights of 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 with a career spanning stage and screen. He has received numerous accolades including six Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Tony Award. His contributions have been recognized through inductions into the Television Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as lifetime achievement awards from the Screen Actors Guild, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the Disney Legend award.
1947: Formed Comedy Duo "Eric and Van—the Merry Mutes"
In 1947, Dick Van Dyke and Phil Erickson formed a comedy duo called "Eric and Van—the Merry Mutes," touring the West Coast nightclub circuit.
1954: First Network TV Appearance
In 1954, Dick Van Dyke made his first network TV appearance with Dennis James on James' Chance of a Lifetime.
1957: Appeared in 'The Phil Silvers Show'
In 1957, Dick Van Dyke appeared in two episodes of "The Phil Silvers Show", continuing his early television career.
November 14, 1959: Final Performance of 'The Girls Against the Boys'
On November 14, 1959, Dick Van Dyke's Broadway debut in "The Girls Against the Boys" had its final performance after running for 16 performances at the Alvin Theatre.
November 1959: Broadway Debut in 'The Girls Against the Boys'
In November 1959, Dick Van Dyke made his Broadway debut in "The Girls Against the Boys", a revue which ran for a limited engagement.
1959: Broadway Debut in 'The Girls Against the Boys'
In 1959, Dick Van Dyke made his Broadway debut in the musical revue "The Girls Against the Boys", marking a significant step in his career.
April 14, 1960: Bye Bye Birdie Opened on Broadway
On April 14, 1960, Dick Van Dyke starred as Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie, which opened on Broadway.
1960: Starred in 'Bye Bye Birdie'
In 1960, Dick Van Dyke starred as Albert F. Peterson in the original production of "Bye Bye Birdie," a role that would earn him a Tony Award.
October 7, 1961: Final Performance of Bye Bye Birdie
On October 7, 1961, Bye Bye Birdie, starring Dick Van Dyke, had its final performance on Broadway.
1961: Start of 'The Dick Van Dyke Show'
In 1961, Dick Van Dyke began starring in "The Dick Van Dyke Show" on CBS, playing Rob Petrie and becoming a household name.
1961: Tony Award Win
In 1961, Dick Van Dyke won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance in Bye Bye Birdie.
1963: Film Debut in 'Bye Bye Birdie'
In 1963, Dick Van Dyke began his film career by playing Albert J. Peterson in the film version of "Bye Bye Birdie."
1963: Release of 'Songs I Like'
In 1963, Dick Van Dyke released his album, Songs I Like.
1963: Starred in 'Bye Bye Birdie' Movie
In 1963, Dick Van Dyke starred in the movie musical "Bye Bye Birdie", reprising his role from the Broadway production.
1964: Mary Poppins
In 1964 Dick Van Dyke played Bert in Mary Poppins and won a Grammy Award for Best Children's Album.
1964: Grammy Award for 'Mary Poppins' Soundtrack
In 1964, Dick Van Dyke, along with Julie Andrews, received a Grammy Award for their performance on the soundtrack to "Mary Poppins."
1965: Principal in "KXIV Inc."
From 1965 to 1982, Dick Van Dyke was principal in "KXIV Inc." and owned 1400 AM KXIV in Phoenix.
1966: End of 'The Dick Van Dyke Show'
In 1966, "The Dick Van Dyke Show" concluded after a successful run, solidifying Dick Van Dyke's status as a television icon.
1968: Offered Role as James Bond
In 1968, Albert R. Broccoli reportedly offered Dick Van Dyke the chance to replace Sean Connery as James Bond, but Van Dyke declined.
1968: Starred in 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'
In 1968, Dick Van Dyke starred as Caractacus Potts in the successful musical version of Ian Fleming's "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."
1969: Appeared in 'The Comic'
In 1969, Dick Van Dyke appeared in the comedy-drama "The Comic", written and directed by Carl Reiner, portraying a self-destructive silent film era comedian.
1969: Played Rev. Clayton Brooks in 'Cold Turkey'
In 1969, Dick Van Dyke played Rev. Clayton Brooks in the film "Cold Turkey", although the film was not released until 1971.
1970: Published 'Faith, Hope and Hilarity'
In 1970, Dick Van Dyke published "Faith, Hope and Hilarity: A Child's Eye View of Religion", a book of humorous anecdotes.
1971: Starred in 'The New Dick Van Dyke Show'
From 1971 to 1974, Dick Van Dyke starred in "The New Dick Van Dyke Show", portraying a local television talk show host.
1971: 'Cold Turkey' Film Release
In 1971, the film "Cold Turkey", in which Dick Van Dyke played Rev. Clayton Brooks, was released.
October 27, 1973: Voiced Animated Likeness in 'The New Scooby-Doo Movies'
On October 27, 1973, Dick Van Dyke voiced his animated likeness in "Scooby-Doo Meets Dick Van Dyke", an installment of Hanna-Barbera's "The New Scooby-Doo Movies."
1974: End of 'The New Dick Van Dyke Show'
In 1974, Dick Van Dyke ended "The New Dick Van Dyke Show" after three seasons.
1974: Guest Appearance on 'Columbo'
In 1974, Dick Van Dyke guest-starred on the TV show Columbo, expanding his television appearances.
1974: Emmy Nomination for 'The Morning After'
In 1974, Dick Van Dyke received an Emmy Award nomination for his role as an alcoholic businessman in the television movie "The Morning After".
1976: Starred in 'Van Dyke and Company'
In 1976, Dick Van Dyke returned to comedy with the sketch comedy show "Van Dyke and Company", which won an Emmy Award despite being canceled after three months.
1977: Became a Regular on 'The Carol Burnett Show'
In 1977, Dick Van Dyke became a regular on "The Carol Burnett Show", though he only appeared in half of the final season's episodes.
1977: Emmy Nomination for Carol Burnette Show
In 1977, Dick Van Dyke began his run in the Carol Burnette Show.
1977: Guest Starred on 'The Carol Burnett Show'
In 1977, Dick Van Dyke guest-starred on "The Carol Burnett Show", showcasing his versatility in comedy.
1980: Starred in 'The Music Man' Revival
In 1980, Dick Van Dyke appeared in the title role in a United States tour and Broadway revival of "The Music Man."
1980: Returned to Broadway in 'The Music Man' Revival
In 1980, Dick Van Dyke returned to Broadway, playing Harold Hill in a revival of "The Music Man."
1982: Sold "KXIV Inc."
From 1965 to 1982, Dick Van Dyke was principal in "KXIV Inc." and owned 1400 AM KXIV in Phoenix.
1982: Appeared in 'The Country Girl' Remake
In 1982, Dick Van Dyke appeared in a made-for-cable remake of "The Country Girl" with Faye Dunaway.
1986: Played Murdering Judge on 'Matlock'
In 1986, Dick Van Dyke played a murdering judge on the second episode of the TV series "Matlock" starring Andy Griffith.
1987: Guest-Starred in 'Airwolf'
In 1987, Dick Van Dyke guest-starred in an episode of "Airwolf" with his son Barry Van Dyke.
1987: Death of Granddaughter Jessica Van Dyke
In 1987, Dick Van Dyke's granddaughter, Jessica Van Dyke, passed away from Reye syndrome, leading him to raise public awareness of the dangers of aspirin to children.
1989: Guest-Starred on 'The Golden Girls'
In 1989, Dick Van Dyke guest-starred on the NBC comedy series "The Golden Girls", earning his first Emmy Award nomination since 1977.
1990: Supporting Role in 'Dick Tracy'
In 1990, Dick Van Dyke took a supporting role in the film "Dick Tracy".
1990: Villainous Turn in Dick Tracy
In 1990, Dick Van Dyke, known for amiable hero roles, played crooked D.A. Fletcher in Warren Beatty's film Dick Tracy, a small but villainous turn.
1991: Computer Animation Enthusiasm
In 1991, Dick Van Dyke became a computer animation enthusiast after purchasing an Amiga, later contributing 3D-rendered effects to Diagnosis: Murder and The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited.
1993: Started in Diagnosis: Murder
In 1993, Dick Van Dyke started in Diagnosis: Murder, taking on a different genre in his career.
1993: Diagnosis: Murder Series Foundation
In 1993, positive reviews for Van Dyke's role in Dick Tracy led him to star as Dr. Mark Sloan in an episode of Jake and the Fatman, which then became the foundation for the TV movie series Diagnosis: Murder on CBS.
1998: Disney Legends Award
In 1998, Dick Van Dyke was honored by the Walt Disney Company with their Disney Legends award.
1998: Named a Disney Legend
In 1998, Dick Van Dyke was recognized as a Disney Legend, honoring his contributions to Disney films and entertainment.
September 2000: Forms A Cappella Group
In September 2000, Dick Van Dyke formed an a cappella group called "Dick Van Dyke and The Vantastix", performing in Los Angeles and on national television.
2001: End of Diagnosis: Murder
In 2001, Diagnosis: Murder concluded its run.
2001: Diagnosis: Murder Series Finale
In 2001, the TV series Diagnosis: Murder, starring Dick Van Dyke as Dr. Mark Sloan, ended its run after having started in 1993, with his son Barry Van Dyke co-starring.
2003: Successful Performance in The Gin Game
In 2003, Dick Van Dyke reunited with Mary Tyler Moore for a critically successful performance of The Gin Game, produced for television. He also portrayed Doctor Doug Townshend on Scrubs.
2004: 'The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited' Reunion
In 2004, "The Dick Van Dyke Show" had a reunion on CBS in "The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited", hosted by Ray Romano, featuring returning cast members and archival footage.
2006: Started in Murder 101
In 2006, Dick Van Dyke began starring in "Murder 101".
2006: Hallmark Channel and Motion Picture Roles
In 2006, Dick Van Dyke guest-starred in Murder 101 mystery films on the Hallmark Channel as Dr. Jonathan Maxwell, and returned to motion pictures with roles in Curious George and Night at the Museum.
2006: Supporting Roles in 'Curious George' and 'Night at the Museum'
In 2006, Dick Van Dyke had supporting roles in the films "Curious George" and "Night at the Museum", marking a resurgence in his film career.
2009: Night at the Museum Sequel Cameo
In 2009, Dick Van Dyke reprised his role for a cameo in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian; however, the scene was cut from the final film but included in the DVD special features.
2010: Children's Album Appearance
In 2010, Dick Van Dyke appeared on the children's album Rhythm Train, rapping on one of the tracks alongside Chad Smith and Leslie Bixler.
2013: Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
In 2013, Dick Van Dyke received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, celebrating his illustrious career and lasting impact on the acting profession.
2014: Night at the Museum Sequel
In 2014, Dick Van Dyke appeared in the sequel to Night at the Museum.
2014: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
In 2014, Dick Van Dyke played Cecil Fredericks again in the third "Night at the Museum" film titled Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.
2017: Release of "Step (Back) In Time"
In 2017, Dick Van Dyke released his solo album Step (Back) In Time, showcasing him in a jazz and big band setting on classic songs, produced by Bill Bixler.
2018: Mary Poppins Returns
In 2018, Dick Van Dyke appeared in Mary Poppins Returns.
2018: Mary Poppins Returns and WandaVision Consultation
In 2018, Dick Van Dyke portrayed Mr. Dawes Jr. in Mary Poppins Returns and consulted on emulating The Dick Van Dyke Show for the WandaVision television series.
2020: Kennedy Center Honors
In 2020, Dick Van Dyke was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing his lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
December 2024: Starred in Coldplay Music Video
In December 2024, Dick Van Dyke starred in the music video for the Coldplay song "All My Love", and produced the video with his wife, Arlene Silver.
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.
