Stop what you’re doing. Dick Van Dyke’s centennial weekend just turned into a must-see event. I can confirm the screen legend is marking his 100th birthday with a brand new theatrical documentary, a heartfelt homecoming, and a revealing public reflection on the life behind the laughs. The timing is no accident. The party arrives on screen, and the spotlight lands right where it belongs.
A Birthday Built for the Big Screen
Dick Van Dyke turns 100 on December 13, 2025. To celebrate, a feature documentary, Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration, hits select theaters December 13 and 14. I viewed the film ahead of release. It is a rich scrapbook, a warm reunion, and a love letter to a century of joy. You will see clips you know by heart, from The Dick Van Dyke Show to Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and you will hear fresh voices that frame why he still feels modern.
One sequence lands with real feeling. Van Dyke returns to Danville, Illinois, his hometown. He walks past his childhood haunts, and steps into the local theater that now carries his name. The laughter is still there, but so is the quiet. He speaks about roots, about values, and about time. It is simple and powerful.
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What to watch this weekend: PBS American Masters honors Van Dyke tonight, December 12. The new documentary plays in theaters December 13 and 14.
Why He Still Owns the Room
Van Dyke’s mix of physical comedy, musical grace, and easy warmth shaped American pop culture. He made pratfalls look like ballet. He made heart feel cool. That blend still echoes in today’s sitcoms and movie musicals.
- The Dick Van Dyke Show
- Mary Poppins
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
- Bye Bye Birdie
- Diagnosis: Murder
Co-stars remember the mischief and the magic. There is a story from a Mary Poppins castmate about him cracking jokes during a plaster cast fitting. Even in stillness, he was stirring up laughter. That spirit carries through the new film.
The Honest Part, The Human Part
PBS American Masters looks at the full picture. The special, titled Starring Dick Van Dyke, digs into early struggles with alcohol and the long, steady climb to sobriety. It includes rare clips, reflections from close collaborators, and a reminder that bright careers can hide hard seasons. Van Dyke has been sober for decades, and he speaks about it with calm pride.
He also shares the daily choices that keep him moving. The routine is not flashy. It is clear and consistent.
- Morning workouts and lots of movement
- Very few processed foods
- Minimal meat
- A sweet treat he enjoys every night
He has also leaned into joy, gratitude, curiosity, and love. His marriage to Arlene Silver is a soft anchor in a loud business. His new lifestyle book, 100 Rules for Living to 100, leans on those themes. It reads like a pep talk you can actually use.
Longevity, he says, is not a secret. It is loving your people, moving your body, and keeping your sense of wonder.
The Homecoming That Says Everything
The Danville moments give the documentary its heartbeat. The camera follows Van Dyke through familiar streets. He pauses in places that shaped him. The town returns the favor with quiet pride. You can feel the loop close. A kid who dreamed big comes home as a centenarian artist, still curious, still kind.
This is where the cultural impact becomes real. Stars fade when the work stops mattering. Van Dyke’s work still teaches timing, generosity, and play. You cannot fake that.
A Quiet Plan for a Loud Milestone
Do not expect a splashy blowout. He plans to spend his birthday at home with Arlene, keeping it cozy and sweet. Think Jeopardy reruns, a simple toast, and a smile that says it all. That choice fits the man. He always let the work do the shouting.
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Want in on the celebration? Check local listings for the theatrical documentary. PBS schedules vary by area, so confirm airtimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday?
A: December 13, 2025.
Q: Where can I watch the new documentary?
A: Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration screens in select theaters December 13 and 14. Check local listings for showtimes.
Q: What is covered in the PBS American Masters special?
A: It explores his full career, his long sobriety journey, rare archival clips, and candid interviews.
Q: How is he celebrating the big day?
A: He plans a quiet night at home with his wife, including Jeopardy reruns and low-key comfort.
Q: What does he credit for his longevity?
A: Daily movement, limited processed foods, minimal meat, long-term sobriety, and a joyful mindset.
The headline today is simple. Dick Van Dyke hits 100, and he does it with grace, humor, and honesty. The films and specials arrive right on time, but the legacy is the real event. It is baked into our comedy, our musicals, and our hearts. Here’s to the next laugh, and the next light step. Happy 100, Dick. 🎂🎥
