Photot Credit: Getty Images
Dick Van Dyke is remaining upbeat despite fans' worries about his well-being. The 98-year-old postponed his most recent public appearances and instead spoke with a photographer about his well-being while out and about in Malibu on September 23.
In a video obtained by the New York Post, Van Dyke grinned and joked, "I feel old." He also said that he is "praying that I make it" to his 99th birthday in December.
Van Dyke withdrew from a fan event in Salt Lake City, Utah, from September 26 to 28, raising concerns about the Mary Poppins star's health just hours before his Malibu outing.
A statement on the FanX website said, "We regret to inform you that Dick Van Dyke is unable to travel to FanX at this time." "At nearly 99 years old, he says thank you to everyone who continues to support him, but at this time, he is unable to travel or engage with thousands of people."
The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star's absence from the 2024 Emmys on September 15, despite his announcement as a presenter, first alarmed fans.
When Van Dyke made an unexpected public appearance the week before at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony on September 7, no explanation was provided for his absence, and everything appeared to be going well. The documentary about his life and career, Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic, was awarded the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (pre-recorded) at the ceremony.
The TV icon told reporters about his life after the victory and expressed his hope that he would be remembered for "making people laugh for 75 years."
"I don't know how I did it!" Van Dyke stated. "I can't believe it, that I'm still here and performing," then adding, "I'm looking for work if anybody has!"
