Dick Van Dyke Jokes He’s ‘Looking for Work’ Ahead of 99th Birthday: 'I Can't Believe I'm Still Here and Performing'

Mar. 15, 2025

Dick Van Dyke at the 76th Creative Arts Emmys Winner’s Walk at Peacock Theater.Photo:Amy Sussman/Getty

Amy Sussman/Getty

Dick Van Dykeis never done working.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, the esteemed actor, 98, said he is “looking for work” after he won an award foroutstanding variety specialat the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards for his 2023 birthday special,Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic.

After accepting his award, he answered questions from reporters, one of which was about how he hopes to be remembered. “For laughter,” Van Dyke said to the press room. “I hope for making people laugh for 75 years.”

The actor continued to reflect on his career, saying, “I’ve been in the business 75 years. I can’t believe that I’m still here and performing.”

He then paused and looked around the room before adding with a laugh, “I’m looking for work if anybody has.”

Dick Van Dyke attends the 76th Creative Arts Emmys Winner’s Walk at Peacock Theater.Amy Sussman/Getty

Van Dyke was later asked about advice he would give to young performers.

Recalling the early days of his career, he said, “You have to stick with it. You’re gonna go through hard times and a lot of auditions … but you have to stay with it. Be patient if you’ve got the confidence in yourself, and it’s very important to believe that you can do it.”

Van Dyke’s recent winties him as the oldest winnerof a Creative Arts Emmy alongside the lateNorman Lear, who won at age 98 in 2020.

While accepting his honor, Van Dyke praised the applause he received, stating, “Thank you! That reception, I cannot tell you what it means.”

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In June,Van Dyke became the oldest Daytime Emmy winner everafter winning best guest performer in a daytime drama series forhis role as Timothy Robicheaux onDays of Our Lives.

Prior to the event, he told PEOPLEin an exclusive statement, “This is a very different honor for me; I seldom get recognized for dramatic or straight acting - comedy and musicals are my specialty after all. I’m so honored and it will be a fun night celebrating with the entire daytime television community.”

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Over the course of his illustrious career, Van Dyke has won several Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award and a Tony Award. His acting credits span decades and genres, with titles such asThe Dick Van Dyke Show,Bye Bye Birdie,Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,Dick Tracy,Night at the MuseumandScrubs.

He told PEOPLE earlier this year thathe wants to do a one-man showabout his vast experience in the industry. “I was thinking of doing — 80 years in the business, I have a lot of stories to tell. I thought I’d just do a one-man show, like this,” he said. “Just sit and talk to the audience.

The 2024 Creative Arts Emmys will air Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. ET on FXX, and can also be streamed on Hulu from Sept. 15 through Oct. 9.

source: people.com