Today marks a monumental occasion for legendary actor Dick Van Dyke, who is celebrating his 100th birthday on December 13.

The beloved American star, renowned for his iconic roles in classics such as “Mary Poppins” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” is commemorating this significant milestone with an array of activities. The celebrations include intimate family gatherings, charity events, the launch of a new book, and various public tributes on film and television.

Fans remain in awe of Van Dyke’s remarkable vitality and energy at such an advanced age. The Missouri-born actor shared his secrets to staying young last year, continuing to inspire audiences worldwide.

In a June 2024 interview with Forbes, Van Dyke, joined by his wife of 12 years, Arlene Silver, 53, discussed his passion for performance and the exercise routine that keeps him agile and strong well into his nineties.

“Fitness is becoming increasingly important,” Van Dyke acknowledged. “I’m only about five months from 99, so I focus on my legs. I always tell people who are aging to strengthen their legs. If you can keep moving, you’re doing well, and that’s my goal.”

Van Dyke credits his enduring vigor and long-lasting career to staying active and embracing a lively lifestyle. He fondly remembered, “My mother lived to nearly 96, while everyone else passed in their sixties and seventies.”

“I put a book out years ago called Keep Moving, so I still exercise everyday. We try to go to the gym and do a little bit of light weight training and everything. I believe that’s it keeping moving.”

He went on to share his deep gratitude for his wife, crediting her with maintaining his health and happiness. “Oh my God! I don’t think I’d even be here, to tell you that truth,” he said when contemplating life without her.

“She keeps me in shape, feeds me and I love her more everyday. We’re just getting closer and close.”

Silver also spoke about how Van Dyke has enriched her own life, remarking: “I was very cynical, I think, when I first met him. He’s such a great human being and he’s so pure in his thoughts and his heart, that it’s rubbed off on me. Just all the wholesome things of life that’s what he has and he’s just made me a better person.”

The tale recently captured the imagination of Reddit users, prompting conversations about the beloved actor. One commenter noted: “This actor is not just a legend. He shows us why it is important to stay fit and healthy into our golden years.”

Another responded: “A big part of it is getting in shape while you’re young(er) and to maintain it. Easier to keep things maintained than to fix problems.”

Another sentimental fan admitted: “He reminds me a lot of my late father who was a very smiley, friendly kind of guy, so I have a very special place in my heart for Dick Van Dyke.”

The praise continued to pour in, with another fan chiming in: “Such a talented man.”

In a touching anecdote, one individual shared their personal encounter, stating: “My friends worked at a deli in Cave Creek Az and they said he came in all the time. They said he was super cool.”

Van Dyke also spoke about his health this year, saying he makes sure to avoid two things in particular – cigarettes and alcohol.

The actor said he smoked and drunk more when he was younger, but realised he should stop if he wanted to improve his health.

According to Unilad, he said: “I smoked a lot, actually! I think I was probably in my 50s before it dawned on me that I had an addictive personality.

“If I liked something, I was going to overdo it.”

“So I got rid of booze and cigarettes and all that stuff, which is probably why I’m still here.”

Van Dyke checked into hospital for alcoholism back in 1972, but soon managed to get sober. He also managed to quit smoking, but said that quitting smoking was much harder for him than quitting alcohol.

Van Dyke has encouraged fans who want to celebrate his birthday to make a donation to the charity he supports, The Midnight Mission. This is a non-profit human services organisation based in the heart of the Skid Row neighbourhood in downtown Los Angeles. It offers comprehensive support system aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives.