Dick Van Dyke is one of America’s favorite entertainers. For years, the actor, singer, dancer, and comedian has had incredible success on Broadway, radio, film, and television.
But before he was known around the world for his infectious energy and huge smile, Dick was born on December 13, 1925, in Missouri. And while his upbringing was fairly average, it’s interesting to note that he did not finish high school as he dropped out to join the military during WWII.
Although he was denied repeatedly for being too small, eventually, he joined Special Services and worked as a radio broadcaster to entertain soldiers throughout the USA.
Some say that Van Dyke’s love for performing started when he was in the military, and when he was released at the end of the war, he continued to work in radio broadcasting for years.
In 1954, he finally made his television debut as the MC of a comedy show on NBC. And over the next five years, he guest starred on several programs and really started to make a name for himself.
Many consider Van Dyke’s big break to be his role as Rob Petrie in The Dick Van Dyke Show. While the character was initially set to be played by the show’s creator, Carl Reiner, the studio didn’t like him for it, and Reiner specifically chose Dick to replace himself.
Van Dyke won 3 Primetime Emmys for his role on the show from 1961-1966. And although there have been several spinoffs of the show with varying levels of success, The perfection of The Dick Van Dyke Show has really never been replicated.
And while he was experiencing such immense success on the small screen, he was also making it big on Broadway and in feature films!
In 1961, he starred in Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway, for which he won a Tony Award, and then later revived the role for Hollywood in 1963. At the same time, he was starring in Disney’s Mary Poppins, for which he received a Grammy Award, as well as guest starring on several other shows and in many films.
And although his television and movie career slowed into the 1970s, it has never truly stopped.
Dick continues to land roles in movies, such as the Night at the Museum trilogy, and on television shows, such as Scrubs and Murder 101.
And he certainly has never stopped signing! The star has released several albums over the years, including a solo album titled Songs I Like in 2017.
No matter which character, song, or joke you think of when you think of Dick Van Dyke, there is no doubt that you remember that big smile and charismatic energy he brings to everything he does.
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