Legendary actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke was recognized for his decades-long career at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Van Dyke, now 98 years old, received the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special for “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic.” The CBS special celebrated Van Dyke’s illustrious 75-year career in show business. With this latest Emmy win, Van Dyke has made history as the oldest winner of a Creative Arts Emmy Award.
When accepting his Emmy award, Van Dyke playfully reminded viewers that he will turn 99 years old next month. “Thank you, that reception, I cannot tell you what it means,” Van Dyke said in his acceptance speech. “I’m 99 next month.” The two-hour CBS special, available on Paramount+, features archival footage and live performances from across Van Dyke’s prolific and varied career.
This is not the first time Van Dyke has broken records at award ceremonies. Last June, he received a Daytime Emmy for his guest role on “Days of Our Lives,” becoming the oldest Daytime Emmy winner ever. Backstage after the Creative Arts Emmys, Van Dyke reflected on why he hopes his career and longevity will be remembered. “For laughter; for making people laugh for 75 years,” Van Dyke said.
With comedy classics like “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and “Bye Bye Birdie,” Van Dyke has brought joy to audiences for generations. However, he cites his eponymous sitcom “The Dick Van Dyke Show” as his most enjoyable role. “It was a pleasure to come to work every day,” Van Dyke recalled of working alongside stars like Mary Tyler Moore. Now at 98, Van Dyke continues to inspire younger performers with his enduring zest for life and witty reminisces of a legendary Hollywood career that is not yet done.
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