Television Hall of Famer Dick Van Dyke was absent from a comedy event due to having a “bad day.” The Grammy winner’s wife revealed that the veteran actor would not be attending the event due to his current health condition.
Dick Van Dyke cancels hosting Vandy Camp after having a ‘bad day’
Disney legend Dick Van Dyke skipped an event at the Arlene & Dick Van Dyke Theater on Saturday, June 28, because he wasn’t feeling well. The Emmy winner was scheduled to host his event, Vandy Camp, at Malibu High School on Saturday.
At the last minute, the actor’s wife, Arlene Silver, revealed that The Music Man star would not be attending the event. After apologizing to the audience, Silver noted, “When you’re 99-and-a-half years old, you have good days and bad days, and when you’re 40 years old, you have good days and bad days” (via Variety).
“Unfortunately, today is not a good day for him, and he’s sick that he can’t be here.”
Following Silver’s speech, the veteran actor joined fans via a short livestream. His wife stayed optimistic, teasing that he would surely join Vandy Camp next time.
For the uninitiated, Vandy Camp is a special event where Van Dyke, his wife, and their group Vantastix perform. The event generally also features a Q&A session with the actor, live music, and more interactive activities.
The June 28 celebration marked the event’s three-year run. Some of the proceeds from this year’s event will go toward the Dick Van Dyke Museum, which is still in development.
Additionally, Van Dyke will turn 100 this December. Recently, his wife joked about the veteran entertainer “outliving” his peers. While discussing his future plans, Van Dyke and his wife disclosed that he and Ed Asner had once considered remaking the comedy The Odd Couple.
Asner passed away in 2021, and the plan never materialized. Referring to his age, the Mary Poppins actor had said, “That would’ve been such fun, and we lost it. I’ve lost a lot of friends.” Silver had quipped, “He’s outlived everybody” (via Independent).
While Van Dyke is nearing his centennial, his wife also added that he remains “positive.” To which the actor responded, “Well, life’s been good to me. I can’t complain.”
