Dick Van Dyke Gets Candid About Death Ahead Of Centennial Birthday

Should Dick Van Dyke shut his eyes forever today, he will do it as a happy man!

The legend has been around for nearly a century and has confessed that the idea of going to the great beyond at the end of his time on earth has never been a source of worry for him.

Dick Van Dyke has achieved profound success in Hollywood from his breakout in his self-titled 1960s sitcom to other musical films like "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

Dick Van Dyke Credits His Wife For Keeping Him Young At Heart

The actor noted in his new book, "100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist's Guide to a Happy Life," that he knows the end of his life is closer than ever. He affirmed that death has become the least of his worries, and he has lived such a wonderful life without any complaints.

He was quick to commend his wife, whom he married in 2012, as one of the catalysts behind his youthful energy at such an old age. In his words, "She kept me happy every day of my life, every day. She's a joy. She can get me singing or dancing, and she carries so much responsibility ... I'm just lucky."

On the legacy he is leaving behind for this world, the actor proudly declared to PEOPLE that his works in the children's entertainment sector, including music, are his ultimate gift.

Van Dyke noted that as long as "children are proudly belting out their new word, 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,' or singing and skipping along to 'Chim Chim Cher-ee," the most important part of him will remain alive.

The Incoming Centenarian Revealed The Secret Behind His Positive Energy

Van Dyke stressed in the interview that becoming a darling to many fans who have followed his craft over the years was not something out of the ordinary. According to him, a positive attitude towards life came naturally, just like his musical talent and captivating dance moves, which ruled the airwaves.

He noted that he was born with a brighter outlook that helps him put up a fight against "downward spiral," and after 100 years around people and places, his conviction remains firm.

The prolific actor rounded up the interview with a heartfelt gratitude to the public for letting him live such a "wonderful life." On the concept of his book and its expected contribution, the actor revealed that each rule was drawn from a period in his life that carried deep emotional significance for his journey.

Dick Van Dyke's Accent Cost Him A Juicy Role In His Acting Career

Last month, the award-winning actor reflected on what would have been one of the major highlights in his acting journey and how he missed out on the opportunity. 

As shared by The Blast, the 99-year-old, who would clock 100 years on the 13th of December, revealed that his shaky British accent cost him the role of James Bond.

He admitted that the producer Albert Broccoli, who had worked with him on a previous project, brought the offer to his table, but he turned it down, citing his accent as a barrier.

Van Dyke continued in the chat with Today's Al Roker that his very peculiar accent, which endeared fans to him on "Mary Poppins," would have made a role as serious as James Bond look regular.

The actor confessed that watching the role slip away was not an easy decision for him, especially since it became one of the most coveted shoes to fill in Hollywood.

The Author Broke The Record For The Oldest-Ever Daytime Emmy Winner

Van Dyke crushed another milestone last year when he won the best guest performer in a daytime drama series award for his role in "Days of Our Lives" in 2024.

The Blast reported that the actor was there to receive the award, where he expressed his hope to be remembered for making people happy, 75 years into his career.

A year after this incredible feat, the actor attended the Vandy High Tea event in Malibu alongside his wife in November, where he joked about the hilarious irony it would be if he missed his 100th birthday.

He got candid about making better choices as regards his health if he knew he was going to make it this long age-wise. Despite the impressive feat of making it to a whopping 100, the actor admitted to still being confused about what steps he took to have made it this far.

According to him, getting married to his wife, Arlene, was the only right choice he remembered making; aside from that, he really did not do anything else right.

Dick Van Dyke Detailed His Health Challenges Right At The Edge Of His 100th Step

The actor came clean about the changes in health since he got older and how frustrating it feels to watch himself gradually "feel diminished in the world physically and socially." He confessed that he had to reject long-distance work offers because traveling for hours had become overwhelming for his health.

Van Dyke built a career from playing older characters on screen, and now the actor has drawn similarities between himself and these characters as he is older. According to him:

"Like my old characters, I am now a stooper, a shuffler, and a teeterer. I have feet problems, and I go supine as often as is politely possible."

He shared that his eyesight had also gotten bad, and following up with conversations had gotten harder due to his hearing loss. The actor added that he also spills food on his clothes regularly now, to the slight disapproval of his darling wife, who would always insist he put on a fresh pair of clothes every time they step out.

Happy 100th birthday to Dick Van Dyke in advance!