Exclusive | Smiling Dick Van Dyke, 98, speaks out after missing Emmys, jokes hes praying he makes it to 99th birthday
Dick Van Dyke is keeping in good spirits after missing the Primetime Emmy Awards earlier this month.Fans have expressed concern about Van Dyke’s health since the legendary TV actor, 98, skipped the ceremony after being slated as a presenter.However, in the exclusive video obtained by The Post, the icon was all smiles as he left a pharmacy in Malibu on Monday morning and even joked about his next birthday.
“I feel old,” Van Dyke said with a laugh and a giant grin when asked by a photographer how he’s feeling.As for whether the star has any big plans for his upcoming 99th birthday in December, Van Dyke added with his characteristic comedic timing, “Just praying that I make it.”Earlier on Monday, it was announced that Van Dyke would be skipping a three-day FanX event in Salt Lake City, Utah, from Sept.26 to 28.“He expresses his gratitude to all of those who continue to support him but, at almost 99 years of age, traveling and interacting with thousands of people is more than he is able to do at this time,” the announcement read.
Van Dyke was revealed as a Primetime Emmys presenter on Sept.9., but did not attend the awards ceremony.
The “Mary Poppins” star did, however, attend the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys on Sept.7, where he posed seated in a chair holding an Emmy statue after the CBS special on his life “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic” won for Outstanding Variety Special.
Though the show took home a trophy, Van Dyke did not, as he was not a producer on the show. Reflecting on his body of work, Van Dyke told reporters at the awards that he wants to be remembered “for laughter.”“Hopefully for making people laugh for 75 years,” he said.“I’ve been in the business for 75 years, I can’t believe it that I’m still here and performing! I’m looking for work if anyone’s interested.”The “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” actor made Emmys history this year, when he won a Daytime Emmy for a guest starring role in “Days of Our Lives,...