Dick Van Dyke has shared insights into his relationship with his wife, who is significantly younger than him by 46 years, and how they navigate their differences to maintain a strong partnership.
As Van Dyke approaches his 100th birthday this December, he has spoken about the dynamics that make his marriage to 54-year-old Arlene Silver successful.
The couple first met behind the scenes at the SAG Awards in 2006, where Silver was employed as a make-up artist. They later married in a private ceremony in Malibu in 2012.
In a recent conversation with People, coinciding with the release of his new book, 100 Rules For Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life, Van Dyke shared his insights on sustaining a happy marriage.
Van Dyke commented: “We thought it might be [a problem] in some regard, to some extent, but it hasn’t really. I’m infantile to start with.
“I think I’m about 13, so that’s been a problem and she’s quite mature for her age, so I don’t think we haven’t had any problem with age at all.”
Previously, the couple explained that their age difference has actually fortified their relationship, leading them to get ‘along so well’.
In an April interview, Silver expressed: “We just care about each other so much.”
Van Dyke added: “Everybody said it wouldn’t work,” and Silver noted: “Yeah. I mean it’s like eerie how well it works. People the same age don’t last.”
The Mary Poppins actor also highlighted how his wife contributes to him feeling youthful.
In his latest interview, he elaborated: “She’s responsible for keeping me in the moment.
“She’s kept me happy every day of my life, every day. She’s a joy. She can get me singing or dancing and she carries so much responsibility … I’m just lucky.”
His forthcoming book will delve deeper into Silva’s positive impact on his life.
“Arlene is half my age, and she makes me feel somewhere between two-thirds and three-quarters my age, which is still saying a lot,” he shared.
“Every day she finds a new way to keep me up and moving, bright and hopeful and needed.”
Van Dyke credits his wife for his youthful appearance and vitality, alongside maintaining a ‘positive attitude’.
In a 2023 appearance on the show The Masked Singer, he was asked about his youthful energy.
Van Dyke told Yahoo: “Genes, I guess, for one thing.”
He also remarked: “Having a beautiful young wife half my age to take care of me – that works!”
Clearly, Van Dyke is very grateful for the positive influence his wife has in his life.