The legendary Dick Van Dyke is making headlines today, 12 February 2026, following a bizarre live broadcasting error in the United Kingdom that briefly sent shockwaves through social media. The 100-year-old icon, who recently celebrated a century of life, remains very much alive and well, despite a premature announcement to the contrary.
During a live broadcast of the Heart Radio Breakfast Show this morning, host Ashley Roberts mistakenly announced that Dick Van Dyke had passed away. The blunder occurred as she intended to report the tragic passing of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, who died at age 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. Roberts quickly issued a heartfelt apology, and co-host Jamie Theakston clarified to listeners that Van Dyke is “still very much with us.”
A Century of Magic
Having reached his 100th birthday on 13 December 2025, Van Dyke continues to be a symbol of longevity and joy in the entertainment industry. To mark his centennial, the actor was recently gifted a full-scale replica of the iconic car from his 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. His wife, Arlene Silver, noted that the actor was “blown away” by the nostalgic tribute.
Fast Facts: The Life of a Legend
- Military Service: Van Dyke served as an Army radio announcer during World War II. Because he left school early to enlist, he did not officially receive his high school diploma until 2004.
- The Age Mystery: For years, Van Dyke did not know his exact birthday. The truth only surfaced when he attempted to enlist in the military and his mother had to reveal his actual birth records.
- Double Duty: In the 1964 classic Mary Poppins, Van Dyke played two roles: the cheerful chimney sweep Bert and the elderly bank director Mr. Dawes Senior.
- Radio Roots: His first major showbiz gig was as a radio announcer in Danville, Illinois. He even married his first wife, Margie Willett, on the radio show Bride and Groom in 1948 because the production paid for the rings and honeymoon.
- Award Pedigree: Over his seven-decade career, he has earned five Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and a Grammy Award.
Despite the morning’s radio confusion, the centenarian remains active. His wife recently shared with PEOPLE that among his most prized possessions are his leather-bound scripts, which he jokingly claims are the first things he would grab in the event of a fire. Fans across Canada and the world continue to celebrate the performer who defined the “Golden Age” of television and film.