Sliced bread is such a fundamental part of modern life that it’s hard to imagine a time before its invention. Yet, the well-known actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday and boasts an impressive collection of awards, predates this kitchen staple. Born on December 13, 1925, Van Dyke arrived three years before the first sliced loaf was ever sold.
The invention of sliced bread, which hit store shelves on July 7, 1928, was a significant milestone, but its path to popularity was nearly derailed by a catastrophic fire. Despite its now ubiquitous presence, the concept of pre-sliced bread was initially met with skepticism from bakers, who viewed it as a fleeting trend, according to Massachusetts-based Gold Medal Bakery.
Bread itself is ancient, with archaeological evidence suggesting its origins date back around 30,000 years. It became a staple with the advent of agriculture and the grinding of grains. However, the convenience of sliced bread didn’t materialize until Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented a bread-slicing machine.
Rohwedder faced significant setbacks, including a devastating factory fire in 1917 that obliterated his blueprints and prototype. It wasn’t until 1928 that Rohwedder perfected his invention, creating a machine capable of slicing and wrapping bread, thus making sliced loaves a retail reality.
Dick Van Dyke’s age in relation to sliced bread has led to some humorous takes on the phrase “the best thing since sliced bread.” One social media user quipped, “[Van Dyke is] the best thing before and since sliced bread,” while another noted, “He was the best until sliced bread.”
Much like the enduring appeal of sliced bread, Van Dyke’s career has been a testament to longevity and success, and he shows no signs of slowing down.