Dick Van Dyke Leads Two-Hour Singalong in Anticipation of His 100th Birthday and Sings ‘Mary Poppins’ Songs: Emphasizing the Importance of Conversation

Legendary entertainer Dick Van Dyke began celebrating his approaching 100th birthday early by hosting a two-hour sing-along charity event with fans on November 30 in Malibu, California. The event, co-hosted by Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene Silver, aimed to raise funds for the Dick Van Dyke Museum and The Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts.

Addressing the audience, Van Dyke shared his motivation: There are many good reasons for gatherings like this, but for me, its about reviving the art of conversation. Everywhere you go, people are glued to their phones. Even couples at dinner are staring at screens. I may be one of the few adults over 10 without a cell phoneI dont own one.

Van Dyke, who will celebrate his 100th birthday on December 13, performed alongside his group, The Vantastix, presenting some of the most beloved songs from his career and personal favorites. The performance began with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from his 1968 film and concluded with Lets Go Fly a Kite from Mary Poppins. Other notable performances included You Two and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

During the event, a fan asked Van Dyke about his favorite part of the holiday season. He replied that he especially enjoys the singing, the caroling, prompting a rendition of Nat King Coles Caroling, Caroling. Additional songs performed included Carolina in the Morning and the theme from his iconic CBS sitcom, The Dick Van Dyke Show, which aired from 1961 to 1966.

Reflecting on his milestone birthday earlier this year, Van Dyke admitted to fans, I sometimes boast about making it to 100, but honestly, if I had known Id live this long, I would have taken better care of myself. Im not sure what I did rightexcept for Arlene, nothing really.

In a previous interview marking his CBS special, Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic, he fondly discussed his career, saying, I enjoyed everything I did, and not many people can say that. I hope I left a positive example for the younger generation. The letters I receive from children show me I had a good impactthey want to emulate that behavior. Thats what makes everything worthwhile.

Author: Sophia Brooks