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At 98, Dick Van Dyke continues to captivate audiences with his charm and vitality. The legendary actor recently opened up about his 46-year age difference with wife Arlene Silver, shedding light on their unexpected romance.
Van Dyke and Silver's paths crossed at the 2006 SAG Awards, where he was immediately struck by her beauty. "I never approached a strange woman in my life," Van Dyke admitted. "She walked by and I jumped and said, 'Hi, I'm Dick.' I had no idea she was half my age."
Their relationship began as a friendship, with Van Dyke hiring Silver as his makeup artist. Over time, their bond deepened, leading to marriage in 2012. Silver, now 52, acknowledges initial concerns about their age gap but emphasizes its irrelevance in their daily life.
"We were friends for so long that when I told people, they were happy about it," Silver explained. "When you see us together, you don't think about it. We don't think about it."
Van Dyke's journey to this point has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. His first marriage to Margie Willett in 1948 was broadcast on radio to 15 million listeners. They raised four children together, but their relationship was strained by Van Dyke's 25-year struggle with alcoholism.
Through therapy, Van Dyke recognized he was repeating patterns from his own father, who had also battled alcohol addiction. This realization led him to seek treatment and make positive changes in his life.
Following his divorce from Willett in 1984, Van Dyke found companionship with Michelle Triola for 35 years until her passing in 2009. He credits Silver with bringing renewed joy and energy to his life.
"She's made me the happiest man in the world," Van Dyke declared. Silver reciprocates this sentiment, praising her husband's infectious positivity and ability to inspire those around him.
At nearly a century old, Van Dyke remains active in both his personal and professional life. He recently made history as the oldest Daytime Emmy winner, a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to his craft.
When asked about the secret to his longevity, Van Dyke points to regular exercise. "We still go to the gym three days a week," he revealed. "I believe that's the secret. Most people at 98 don't feel like working out, but I'm still moving pretty well."
As Dick Van Dyke continues to defy expectations and bring joy to audiences worldwide, his love story with Arlene Silver serves as a reminder that happiness knows no age limit.
Van Dyke and Silver's paths crossed at the 2006 SAG Awards, where he was immediately struck by her beauty. "I never approached a strange woman in my life," Van Dyke admitted. "She walked by and I jumped and said, 'Hi, I'm Dick.' I had no idea she was half my age."
Their relationship began as a friendship, with Van Dyke hiring Silver as his makeup artist. Over time, their bond deepened, leading to marriage in 2012. Silver, now 52, acknowledges initial concerns about their age gap but emphasizes its irrelevance in their daily life.
"We were friends for so long that when I told people, they were happy about it," Silver explained. "When you see us together, you don't think about it. We don't think about it."
Van Dyke's journey to this point has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. His first marriage to Margie Willett in 1948 was broadcast on radio to 15 million listeners. They raised four children together, but their relationship was strained by Van Dyke's 25-year struggle with alcoholism.
Through therapy, Van Dyke recognized he was repeating patterns from his own father, who had also battled alcohol addiction. This realization led him to seek treatment and make positive changes in his life.
Following his divorce from Willett in 1984, Van Dyke found companionship with Michelle Triola for 35 years until her passing in 2009. He credits Silver with bringing renewed joy and energy to his life.
"She's made me the happiest man in the world," Van Dyke declared. Silver reciprocates this sentiment, praising her husband's infectious positivity and ability to inspire those around him.
At nearly a century old, Van Dyke remains active in both his personal and professional life. He recently made history as the oldest Daytime Emmy winner, a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to his craft.
When asked about the secret to his longevity, Van Dyke points to regular exercise. "We still go to the gym three days a week," he revealed. "I believe that's the secret. Most people at 98 don't feel like working out, but I'm still moving pretty well."
As Dick Van Dyke continues to defy expectations and bring joy to audiences worldwide, his love story with Arlene Silver serves as a reminder that happiness knows no age limit.
