Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke has revealed the surprising secrets behind his remarkable longevity as he prepares to celebrate his 100th birthday on December 13.
The Two Emotions to Avoid for a Long Life
In an exclusive interview with People magazine, the beloved star of Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang disclosed that avoiding anger and hate has been crucial to his nearly century-long life.
"I've always thought that anger is one thing that eats up a person's insides - and hate," Van Dyke confessed. "I never really was able to work up a feeling of hate. I think that is one of the chief things that kept me going."
The veteran actor explained that while he's encountered people and situations he disapproved of, he never experienced what he describes as "white heat kind of hate." Instead, he attributes his long life to maintaining a consistently positive perspective.
Staying Active and Youthful at 100
Despite approaching this extraordinary milestone, Van Dyke remains remarkably active and engaged. He recently released a new book titled "100 Rules For Living To 100," which draws from his own life experiences.
"Each rule springs from a story in my own life," he revealed about his literary project. "I believe each memory stuck with me for a good reason - because it had some broader emotional significance."
The actor's energy continues to impress, having starred in a Coldplay music video last year and collected a Daytime Emmy in June 2024. When asked how he feels about turning 100, he responded with characteristic enthusiasm: "I feel really good for 100. Sometimes I have more energy than others - but I never wake up in a bad mood. I feel like I'm about 13."
A Lasting Legacy Through Music
Rather than worrying about how he'll be remembered personally, Van Dyke takes comfort in knowing his work continues to bring joy to generations.
"It's the music, the music we leave behind," he mused. "For 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 me will always be alive."
His extraordinary career spans over seven decades and includes numerous accolades:
- Four Emmy Awards
- A Tony Award for Bye Bye Birdie
- A Grammy for the Mary Poppins soundtrack
- Television Hall of Fame induction in 1995
- A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Reflecting on his incredible journey, Van Dyke summarised it simply as "a wonderfully full and exciting life, that I can't complain." His advice for longevity serves as an inspiring testament to the power of maintaining a positive outlook throughout life's challenges.
