Early Life and Education of Dick Van Dyke: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Dick Van Dyke. A timeline of key moments.

Dick Van Dyke is a highly acclaimed American actor, entertainer, and comedian celebrated for his extensive career across film, television, and theater. His numerous accolades include six Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Tony Award. He has received recognition through inductions into the Television Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as receiving the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, and being named a Disney Legend.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

February 12, 1948: Married Margerie Willett on the radio show Bride and Groom

On February 12, 1948, Dick Van Dyke married Margerie Willett on the radio show Bride and Groom.

1972: Addiction Treatment

In 1972, Dick Van Dyke checked into a hospital for three weeks to be treated for his alcoholism and become sober.

1976: Began Relationship with Michelle Triola Marvin

In 1976, Dick Van Dyke began his relationship with longtime companion Michelle Triola Marvin.

1984: Divorced Margerie Willett

In 1984, Dick Van Dyke and Margerie Willett divorced after a long separation.

1987: Death of granddaughter Jessica Van Dyke

In 1987, Dick Van Dyke's granddaughter, Jessica Van Dyke, died from Reye syndrome, leading him to raise public awareness of the danger of aspirin to children.

1991: Became a computer animation enthusiast after buying an Amiga

In 1991, Dick Van Dyke became a computer animation enthusiast after purchasing an Amiga computer.

2011: Published his memoir

In 2011, Dick Van Dyke published his memoir.

February 29, 2012: Married Arlene Silver

On February 29, 2012, Dick Van Dyke married make-up artist Arlene Silver.

January 2013: Discussed Nicorette gum use

In a January 2013 interview with the London Daily Telegraph, Dick Van Dyke mentioned that he had been using Nicorette gum for the past decade to quit smoking.

April 2013: Revealed neurological disorder symptoms

In April 2013, Dick Van Dyke revealed that he had been experiencing symptoms of a neurological disorder for seven years, in which he felt a pounding in his head whenever he lay down.

May 2013: Suspected dental implants caused neurological issues

In May 2013, Dick Van Dyke tweeted that it seemed his titanium dental implants might have been responsible for the neurological symptoms he was experiencing.

August 19, 2013: Rescued from burning Jaguar

On August 19, 2013, Dick Van Dyke was rescued from his Jaguar after the car caught fire on the US 101 freeway in Calabasas, Los Angeles County. He was not injured.

July 2016: Endorsed Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic Party presidential primaries

In July 2016, Dick Van Dyke endorsed Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic Party presidential primaries and expressed concerns about Donald Trump's potential to lead the US into war.

2020: Endorsed Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries

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

December 21, 2023: Honored with CBS special Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic

On December 21, 2023, Dick Van Dyke was honored with a CBS special, 'Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic', celebrating his 98th birthday.

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December 2024: Evacuated home due to California wildfires

In December 2024, Dick Van Dyke had to evacuate from his home in Malibu due to the California wildfires. He was assisted by neighbors during the evacuation.