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Dick Van Dyke Discusses His Relationship with Arlene Silver
Dick Van Dyke, the legendary entertainer, has always leaned into love despite the warnings that came with his relationship with Arlene Silver. Their 46-year age difference has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations since they first met in 2006.
At that time, Silver was a makeup artist working behind the scenes at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Van Dyke, known for his roles in classics like ‘Mary Poppins,’ was instantly drawn to her. He recalls that moment fondly.
“I never said hello to a strange girl in my life. I was too shy,” he shared with People magazine recently. “But for some reason, when I saw her, I jumped up and said, ‘Hi, I’m Dick.’ There was something about Arlene that captivated me, and I was right.”
Creating a Unique Bond
Following that memorable encounter, Van Dyke began collaborating with Silver on various projects. In 2012, despite the significant age difference, they exchanged vows. Their bond has defied the odds, leading many to express skepticism. “Everybody said it wouldn’t work,” Van Dyke remarked, sharing his disbelief at others’ doubts.
“We get along so well,” he continued, echoing Silver’s sentiments. “It’s eerie how well it works.” Silver, who is now 53, contributed her thoughts on their relationship, noting, “People the same age don’t last. We just care about each other so much.”
Simple Joys of Life Together
Regarding date nights, the couple believes simplicity reigns supreme. “We just love being home,” Silver explained. “Malibu is our favorite place, especially our house. We are grateful, even after the Franklin fire hit, we feel fortunate.”
Back in 2022, Van Dyke candidly expressed his initial concerns about public opinion on their relationship. “I thought there would be an outcry about a gold digger marrying an old man,” he admitted. Surprisingly, the backlash he feared never materialized. “No one ever took that attitude.”
Sharing a Passion for Life
The couple collaborates seamlessly. Van Dyke reflected, “We share an attitude that makes it work. She can go with the flow and loves to sing and dance, which we do almost every day. She’s just delightful.”
Life with Van Dyke is described as a dream for Silver. “He is the most perfect human being,” she stated. “I’ve never met anyone so genuine, so amazing. He’s like a happy pill.”
The Secret to Longevity
At the age of 99, Van Dyke remains full of life. He attributed his vitality to a simple philosophy—keeping active. “I’ve been one of those lucky people that got to do something I would have done for nothing,” he noted, reflecting on his longevity and unyielding desire to perform.
The actor maintains a vigorous fitness routine, sharing his approach to health and wellness. “I lift weights, do water aerobics, and walk on a treadmill. At my age, they say to keep moving. Put me on solid ground, and I’ll start tapping,” he emphasized.
Embracing Old Age with Grace
In 2015, Van Dyke published a book entitled ‘Keep Moving and Other Tips and Truths About Aging,’ where he offered his insights on thriving in later years. “Keep moving is the main thing,” he reiterated in an interview, emphasizing don’t compromise health by choosing convenience. His advice resonates well—descend stairs the proper way to avoid injuries.
Van Dyke described his inherently optimistic philosophy, stating, “I’m one of those people who gets up on the right side of the bed in the morning. After my morning coffee, my gym time is set. I have to talk myself into it, as anyone would.”
The Gift of Music and Dance
According to Van Dyke, music and dance are essential for everyone. He believes that everyone possesses the ability to sing, saying, “Just because you think you can’t sing doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.” His spirited relationship with Silver fuels their shared joy in singing duets together at home.
Reflecting on Past Choices
While Van Dyke embraces the present, he admits to having a few regrets. “I would not have smoked or drunk anything. Those choices set me back,” he reflected pensively. “I feel like I owe my body an apology at times due to those past choices. I have arthritis and other issues, but I continue to move forward.”
He shared his revelation about discovering the joys of dancing and singing in his 30s. “It just happened out of nowhere. I regret not having trained more or taken vocal coaching, but I cherish the joy in each moment I have with my talents.”
Navigating an Unconventional Relationship
Van Dyke acknowledged the challenges that can arise from their age difference. “Sometimes I forget we are engaged in a unique experiment here—46 years apart. We work at it, and that requires understanding. With every adjustment, there’s a fun aspect to it,” he concluded.
His reflections showcase a remarkable perspective on love, life, and maintaining an upbeat spirit in the face of challenges. Together, Van Dyke and Silver embody the idea that genuine connection can flourish, regardless of age.
