As a long-time admirer of the timeless talent that is Dick Van Dyke, I can’t help but feel a mixture of awe and concern as his 99th birthday approaches amidst the devastating wildfires in Malibu. The man who brought us laughter with his eponymous sitcom and enchanted us as Bert in Mary Poppins has certainly had more than his fair share of close calls, from car accidents to near-death experiences during fires.
Today marks a significant milestone for me, as I, too, am a fan and admirer of the legendary Dick Van Dyke, who turned 99 on December 13. Known chiefly for his iconic 1960s sitcom and enchanting portrayal of Bert in Mary Poppins, arguably the finest Disney film of its time, it’s unclear what special plans he may have had to commemorate his 99th orbit around our sun. However, following a harrowing encounter with the destructive wildfires that have been ravaging Malibu, California, I can only imagine that he’s simply grateful for having survived this ordeal.
Approximately forty thousand individuals have been forced to leave their homes in the Malibu region since December 9, according to People’s reporting, due to the fiery advance of wildfires. In an interview with a reporter for the Today Show, Dick Van Dyke shared his harrowing personal account of the situation during a segment, stating:
Emerging from the hill, it was clearly visible. Oh my goodness! We hastily fled. I struggled to reach our car, exhaustion setting in. I couldn’t rise anymore. Fortunately, three neighbors appeared, lifted me up, and carried me to safety. They also put out a small fire that had broken out in the guest house, saving both it and me.
Sure thing neighbor! It must have been quite a terrifying ordeal for him and his family. Luckily, they decided to vacate their house in search of safer surroundings. Footage from Dick Van Dyke’s doorbell camera captured the actor evacuating along with his wife Arlene Silver and their pets. They took to Facebook to assure everyone of their safety, and by December 12th, they were fortunate enough to return home.
The family faced another moment of worry when one of their cats slipped away while they were attempting to leave. Fortunately, Bobo was located immediately upon their return, providing Dick Van Dyke with a welcome relief on his birthday, as he confessed that such an incident would have left him in a state of distress.
It’s likely that countless admirers are expressing similar thoughts about how different the entertainment landscape might be if Dick Van Dyke’s neighbors hadn’t intervened during his time of need. After all, this man is a national treasure who has been spreading joy through laughter, dancing, and his endearing British accent for an impressive 75 years.
About two years back, I had quite a scare as a fan when beloved actor Dick Van Dyke got into an alarming car accident. Apparently, this incident occurred while he was driving his 2018 Lexus LS 500 on slippery roads, leading him to collide with a gate. Reports say that he sustained injuries to his nose and mouth, but miraculously managed to avoid a hospital visit for treatment at the accident scene.
Ten years ago, that fateful accident occurred, and it happened a decade following when a kind stranger rescued the Tony Award-winning individual from a fiery car wreck by extracting him. It appears as though angels are guarding Dick Van Dyke, which is fortunate since we must safeguard this cherished figure at any cost.
I’m crossing my fingers that Dick Van Dyke and his family remain safe from the fires, and I’m confident they’re all feeling particularly blessed celebrating his 99th birthday. To celebrate Van Dyke on this special day, consider streaming “Mary Poppins” or “Mary Poppins Returns,” both available with a Disney+ subscription, as these films showcase one of the best roles for Van Dyke.
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2024-12-13 22:37