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

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 19, 2025

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

Dick Van Dyke is an acclaimed American actor 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. He has been inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1993), the Television Hall of Fame (1995), and was recognized as a Disney Legend (1998). Further honors include the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (2013) and the Kennedy Center Honors (2020), solidifying his legacy in the entertainment industry.

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" while appearing 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 his relationship with Michelle Triola Marvin, his longtime companion.

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 public service announcements about the dangers of aspirin to children.

1991: Computer animation enthusiast

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

2009: Death of Michelle Triola Marvin

In 2009, Michelle Triola Marvin, Dick Van Dyke's longtime companion, passed away after being in a relationship for over 30 years.

2011: Publication of memoir

In 2011, Dick Van Dyke's memoir was published as one of his five books.

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 revealed that he had been using Nicorette gum for the past decade.

April 2013: Experiencing neurological disorder symptoms

In April 2013, Dick Van Dyke revealed that he had been experiencing symptoms of a neurological disorder for seven years.

May 2013: Suspected titanium dental implants

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

August 19, 2013: Rescue from burning car

On August 19, 2013, the 87-year-old Dick Van Dyke was rescued from his Jaguar after the car caught fire on the Ventura Freeway in Calabasas, Los Angeles County. He was not injured.

July 2016: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders and comments on Donald Trump

In July 2016, while campaigning for Bernie Sanders, Dick Van Dyke endorsed Sanders and expressed fear about Donald Trump's potential impact on war.

2020: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders

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

December 21, 2023: 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.

December 2024: Evacuation due to California wildfires

In December 2024, Dick Van Dyke had to be rescued by neighbors and evacuated from his home in Malibu due to the California wildfires. His home survived the wildfires.