As Dick Van Dyke nears the significant milestone of his 100th birthday, he has shared insights on how to live a long and fulfilling life.
The iconic actor, who is currently 99 and will celebrate his centennial on December 13, has unveiled his thoughts in his latest book, 100 Rules for Living to 100.
Within the pages, Van Dyke opens up about his relationship with his wife, Arlene Silver, 54, attributing to her a rejuvenating influence 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 writes.
“Every day she finds a new way to keep me up and moving, bright and hopeful and needed.”
He also recounts the story of how he felt an immediate attraction to Silver upon meeting her and boldly made the first move, admitting it was a rare step for him as he ‘had never approached a strange woman before’.
In a heartfelt email, Van Dyke expressed: “Arlene, I’m afraid I was so smitten with you last night I couldn’t think of anything to say. Still, when the project at Hallmark starts, I’d like to give you a chance to talk with them. Would that be OK?”
During an interview with Today, the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star elaborated on his new book and his journey to turning 100, sharing one of his life-extending secrets.
Van Dyke believes that singing regularly is crucial for longevity.
“Singing is the best thing you can do for yourself,” he noted.
“Usually I wake up with an old tune going through my head,” he mentioned before breaking into song.
In the same interview, Van Dyke disclosed that he was once considered for the role of James Bond.
Reflecting on the offer made after Sean Connery left the role, Van Dyke recalled: “[Producer] Albert Broccoli came to me and said, ‘Would you like to be Bond?’ And I said, ‘Have you heard my British accent?’ Click!”
Though he had the opportunity to accept the role if he wished, Van Dyke felt it might not align with the expectations of his audience.
Given that most of his films were generally family-friendly, he chose not to risk alienating his loyal fans by taking on the iconic spy role.