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 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).

Sections (5)

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

February 12, 1948: Marriage to Margerie Willett

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

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 his relationship with Michelle Triola Marvin, living together for over 30 years.

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, died from Reye syndrome, which led him to do commercials raising awareness of the danger of aspirin to children.

2009: Death of Michelle Triola Marvin

In 2009, Michelle Triola Marvin, Dick Van Dyke's longtime companion, passed away.

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.

January 2013: Using Nicorette gum

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

April 2013: Experiencing symptoms of neurological disorder

In April 2013, Dick Van Dyke revealed he had been experiencing symptoms of a neurological disorder for seven years, causing a pounding in his head when lying down.

May 2013: Suspecting titanium dental implants as cause of health issues

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

August 19, 2013: Rescue from burning car

On August 19, 2013, Dick Van Dyke, then 87, was rescued from his Jaguar by a passerby after the car caught fire on the US 101 freeway in Calabasas, Los Angeles County. He was not injured.

July 2016: Comments on Donald Trump during the 2016 election

In July 2016, while campaigning for Bernie Sanders, Dick Van Dyke expressed fear about Donald Trump potentially leading the United States into war if elected.