Dick Van Dyke at 100: Why the Heart Radio “Death” Blunder Left the UK Stunned
On the morning of 12 February 2026, thousands of UK commuters gripping their steering wheels heard the unthinkable on Heart Radio: “Dick Van Dyke has passed away.”
Social media feeds froze. Coffee cups were lowered. For a few frantic minutes, the nation believed it had lost one of its most cherished adopted treasures. But as the tributes began to type themselves out, a correction came through that was just as shocking as the initial report.
The Dick Van Dyke 100th birthday celebrations, which had joyously taken place only two months prior in December 2025, were not in vain. The legend was, and remains, very much alive.
This wasn’t just a rumour; it was a case of live broadcasting wires getting crossed in the most unfortunate way. This article sets the record straight on his verified 2026 health status, explains exactly how the confusion happened, and explores the remarkable regimen that keeps this centenarian dancing.
The 2026 Status Check: Is Dick Van Dyke Still Alive?
Yes. As of early 2026, Dick Van Dyke is alive, active, and currently residing in Malibu.
The confusion that swept through the UK was not a malicious hoax but a genuine on-air error during a high-pressure breakfast slot. It serves as a stark reminder of how quickly misinformation spreads, but also highlights just how deeply the British public cares about the man who once famously butchered a Cockney accent yet still won our hearts.
Setting the Record Straight on the Heart Radio Blunder
The incident occurred during the popular Heart Radio Breakfast Show. Presenter Ashley Roberts, during her showbiz news segment, inadvertently announced the death of Dick Van Dyke.
Listeners were immediately confused. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) saw a spike in queries: “Did I just hear that Dick Van Dyke died?”
The error was quickly rectified on-air. Fellow presenter Amanda Holden stepped in to clarify the situation, apologising to listeners and, presumably, to the Van Dyke family. According to reports from Bristol Live (2026) and the Daily Record, the studio atmosphere was tense but the correction was swift Daily Record – Heart Radio Apology.
How James Van Der Beek’s Passing Caused the Confusion
The root of the error was a tragic mix-up of names. On 11 February 2026, the entertainment world sadly lost James Van Der Beek, the beloved star of Dawson’s Creek, who passed away following a battle with colorectal cancer.
In the fast-paced environment of live radio, the phonetic similarity between “Van Der Beek” and “Van Dyke” led to the slip. While the loss of James Van Der Beek was a genuine tragedy for Hollywood, the conflation with a 100-year-old icon created a brief moment of national mourning for the wrong legend.
Status Verdict: Dick Van Dyke is safe. The news concerned James Van Der Beek.
Celebrating 100 Years: The Landmark Birthday in December 2025
While the radio scare dominated headlines in February, the real story is what happened just weeks earlier. On 13 December 2025, Dick Van Dyke became a centenarian, a milestone reached by fewer than 0.03% of the population.
“100 Years is Not Enough”: Reflections from his Malibu Home
Reaching 100 didn’t slow him down. In exclusive interviews conducted around his birthday, Van Dyke expressed a sentiment that defies his age: boredom with inactivity.
Speaking to outlets like The Independent and PBS American Masters, he admitted that while his body has naturally slowed, his creative mind has not. He famously joked that he is “still looking for work,” a testament to the work ethic that saw him win a Daytime Emmy at age 98 PBS American Masters Archive.
His longevity isn’t just luck; it is a conscious choice to remain engaged. He doesn’t view 100 as a finish line. In fact, following the passing of Glynis Johns (who played Mrs Banks in Mary Poppins) in early 2024, Van Dyke officially became the oldest living Disney Legend, a mantle he wears with characteristic humility.
The Documentary & The Book: 100 Rules for Living to 100
To mark the century milestone, Van Dyke didn’t just have a cake; he released a blueprint. His book, 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life, hit shelves in November 2025.
Unlike typical celebrity memoirs filled with name-dropping, this book serves as a practical manual on optimism. He argues that “positivity is a muscle” that needs as much exercise as the legs or heart. The book details his struggles with alcoholism in his younger years and how overcoming addiction gave him a “second life” that he refuses to waste.
The Van Dyke Longevity Blueprint (2026 Health Update)
How does a 100-year-old man avoid the frailty often associated with extreme age? The answer lies in a routine that would tire out men half his age.
The “Three Times a Week” Gym Routine at Age 100
Verified reports from Men’s Health UK (Feb 2026) and his own video diaries confirm that Van Dyke still visits the gym three times a week.
This isn’t a gentle stroll on a treadmill. His routine is structured and rigorous, focusing on retaining mobility and core strength, two factors gerontologists cite as critical for centenarians.
The Van Dyke Gym Circuit:
He often quips, “I have arthritis, and if I stop moving, I’ll freeze up like a rusty gate.”
Arlene Silver: The “Health Nut” Keeping a Legend Young
Behind this regimen is his wife, Arlene Silver. At 54 (in 2026), she is 46 years his junior, a gap that raised eyebrows when they married in 2012 but is now credited as the secret weapon in his longevity arsenal.
Van Dyke refers to Silver as a “health nut” who ensures his diet is clean and his activity levels are high. Their relationship, built on a shared love of singing and performing, keeps his spirit youthful. They are frequently seen dancing together in videos posted to Instagram, proving that rhythm doesn’t disappear when the clock hits triple digits.
A Legacy Built on British Soil: From Mary Poppins to Chitty Chitty
Though born in Missouri, Dick Van Dyke’s career is irrevocably tied to the UK. His films are staples of the British bank holiday, and his cultural footprint here is arguably larger than in the US.
The 1968 London Premiere of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
While Mary Poppins is the headline act, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) holds a special place in British cinema history. Produced by Albert R. Broccoli (the man behind James Bond) and based on Ian Fleming’s novel, the film had its Royal World Premiere in London.
Van Dyke’s portrayal of Caractacus Potts made him a hero to generations of British children. According to a 2025 survey by GoCompare, Chitty remains one of the top 5 “most beloved family cars” in UK film history, and Van Dyke is frequently voted the “ideal on-screen grandfather” by British viewers.
That Cockney Accent: Why the UK Still Teases Him 60 Years Later
You cannot discuss Dick Van Dyke in the UK without mentioning the accent.
His attempt at a Cockney dialect in Mary Poppins (1964) as Bert the Chimney Sweep has been voted the “worst movie accent of all time” in countless polls by Empire Magazine and The Guardian.
However, the mockery has long since turned into affection. In 2017, when he received a BAFTA for Excellence in Television, he apologised to the members of the academy for the accent, quipping, “I appreciate this opportunity to apologise to the members of BAFTA for inflicting upon them the most atrocious Cockney accent in the history of cinema.”
That self-awareness and ability to laugh at himself is precisely why the British public forgave him. We don’t mind a bad accent; we mind people who take themselves too seriously. Van Dyke never has.
Why Dick Van Dyke Refuses to Retire in 2026
Most people retire at 65. Dick Van Dyke is 35 years past that deadline and still ignores it.
“I’m Looking for Work”: His Current Career Outlook
In a 2026 interview, when asked about retirement, he simply stated, “I don’t know what that word means.”
He continues to do voice-over work and cameo appearances. His philosophy is that retirement is the quickest way to age. By keeping a schedule, having commitments, and maintaining a sense of purpose, he staves off the mental decline that affects many seniors.
The Oldest-Ever Emmy Winner: Breaking Records at 98 and Beyond
His refusal to quit was validated in June 2024. At 98 years old, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for his guest performance as Timothy Robicheaux on Days of Our Lives. This made him the oldest winner in the award’s history, a record previously held by the late Norman Lear.
This wasn’t a “sympathy award.” Critics praised his timing, his charm, and his ability to hold the screen, skills sharpened over 75 years of performance.
Conclusion
The panic caused by the Heart Radio broadcast on 12 February 2026 was a jolt to the system, but it offered a rare opportunity: the chance to celebrate a legend while he is still here to hear it.
Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday and his subsequent months in 2026 serve as a masterclass in living. He has outlived his critics, his peers, and even the “worst accent in history” label. Through a combination of rigorous exercise, the support of his wife Arlene, and an unshakeable optimism, he remains a vital force in entertainment.
So, to clarify for the final time: Dick Van Dyke is alive. He is likely at the gym. And if we are lucky, he will be dancing for quite some time yet.
For more verified updates on legacy stars and UK entertainment news, verify your sources and keep listening, carefully.
FAQs
Did Dick Van Dyke die on 12 February 2026?
No. It was a broadcasting error on Heart Radio where his name was confused with James Van Der Beek. Dick Van Dyke is alive.
How old is Dick Van Dyke now?
He turned 100 years old on 13 December 2025.
Who is Dick Van Dyke’s wife?
He is married to Arlene Silver, a makeup artist and singer. They married in 2012.
Is Dick Van Dyke still going to the gym?
Yes. Verified reports confirm he visits the gym three times a week for water aerobics and treadmill work.
What was the book Dick Van Dyke released in 2025?
He released 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life.
Was Dick Van Dyke in the new Mary Poppins?
Yes. He made a poignant cameo in Mary Poppins Returns (2018), dancing on a desk at the age of 92.
How is Van Dyke’s health in 2026?
He is physically active but admits to feeling “socially diminished” regarding travel, preferring to stay near his Malibu home.
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