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 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.
December 13, 1925: Richard Wayne Van Dyke Born
On December 13, 1925, Richard Wayne Van Dyke was born. He would later become known as an accomplished American actor, entertainer, and comedian with a career spanning screen and stage.
1944: Attended Danville High School
In 1944, Dick Van Dyke attended Danville High School, where he participated in the a cappella choir and dramatic club, influencing his decision to become an entertainer.
1946: Discharge from the Army
In 1946, Dick Van Dyke was discharged from the United States Army Air Forces after serving in the Special Services, entertaining troops.
February 12, 1948: Marriage to Margerie Willett
On February 12, 1948, Dick Van Dyke married Margerie Willett on the radio show Bride and Groom at the Chapman Park Hotel in Los Angeles.
1972: Treatment for Alcoholism
In 1972, Dick Van Dyke checked into a hospital for three weeks to be treated for his alcoholism.
1976: Relationship with Michelle Triola Marvin
In 1976, Dick Van Dyke began a relationship with Michelle Triola Marvin, his longtime companion, contributing to the breakup of his marriage.
1984: Divorce from 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, passed away from Reye syndrome, leading him to raise public awareness of the dangers of aspirin to children.
2004: Received High School Diploma
In 2004, Dick Van Dyke received his high school diploma, years after leaving high school to join the United States Army Air Forces.
2009: Death of Michelle Triola Marvin
In 2009, Dick Van Dyke's longtime companion, Michelle Triola Marvin, passed away after they had lived together for more than 30 years since 1976.
February 29, 2012: Marriage to Arlene Silver
On February 29, 2012, at the age of 86, Dick Van Dyke married make-up artist Arlene Silver, who is 46 years his junior.
January 2013: Using Nicorette Gum
In January 2013, Dick Van Dyke mentioned in an interview that he had been using Nicorette gum for the past decade to combat his smoking habit.
April 2013: Neurological Disorder Symptoms
In April 2013, Dick Van Dyke revealed that for seven years he had been experiencing symptoms of a neurological disorder, causing fatigue and cancelled appearances.
May 2013: Suspected Cause of Disorder
In May 2013, Dick Van Dyke tweeted that his titanium dental implants might be responsible for the neurological disorder symptoms he had been experiencing since April 2013.
August 19, 2013: Car Fire Rescue
On August 19, 2013, the 87-year-old Dick Van Dyke was rescued from his Jaguar after it caught fire on the US 101 freeway in Calabasas, Los Angeles County; he was unharmed.
July 2016: Criticism of Donald Trump
In July 2016, while campaigning for Bernie Sanders, Dick Van Dyke voiced strong concerns about Donald Trump, expressing fear for the human race.
2020: Endorsed Bernie Sanders
In 2020, Dick Van Dyke again endorsed and campaigned for Bernie Sanders in the Democratic Party presidential primaries.
December 2024: Evacuation During Wildfires
In December 2024, Dick Van Dyke had to evacuate from his home in Malibu due to the California wildfires and was rescued by neighbors after struggling to reach his car.
2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris
In 2024, Dick Van Dyke endorsed Kamala Harris for president in the U.S. presidential election.
