At 98 years old, Dick Van Dyke has no intention of slowing down. On September 7, the iconic comedian was honored with the outstanding variety special award at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards for his 2023 birthday special, “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic.” During a post-event interview with reporters, he was asked about his legacy and how he would like to be remembered.
He expressed his hope of being remembered for bringing laughter to people’s lives for 75 years, acknowledging his disbelief at his enduring presence and performances in the industry. With a touch of humor, he joked about being available for hire. Despite his remarkable and enduring career, he humorously mentioned his availability for work.
He also recently won a Daytime Emmy Award for his guest appearance in the daytime drama series “Days of Our Lives,” making him the oldest actor to receive such an award. This achievement came 60 years after he earned his first Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding continued performance by an actor in a series for his groundbreaking sitcom, “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”
When asked for advice for aspiring performers, Van Dyke emphasized the importance of perseverance, highlighting the inevitable hardships and challenges that come with the pursuit of a career in entertainment. He also shared lighthearted remarks about his own mortality during his acceptance speech, displaying his sharp wit and self-deprecating humor by inviting reporters to his future memorial service.