For the first time in his life, Dick Van Dyke had no one looking out for him. Then, at his lowest point, he met someone nearly half a century younger—someone he says he wouldn’t be here without.
From Small-Town Boy to Hollywood Icon
Born in West Plains, Missouri, Dick Van Dyke became one of America’s most beloved entertainers. His career took off with a Tony-winning role in Bye Bye Birdie, then soared with classics like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He won four Emmys, cementing his place as a television legend.
But before the fame, there was Margie Willett.
A Love Story Broadcast to 15 Million People
Van Dyke met Willett in their hometown of Danville, Illinois. Too broke for a proper wedding, they said “I do” on a live radio show in 1948—15 million people listening in.
She never craved the Hollywood spotlight. Instead, she raised their four children while Van Dyke’s star rose. But behind closed doors, their marriage faced struggles—Van Dyke battled alcoholism for 25 years, while Willett quietly fought an addiction to antidepressants.
Eventually, they drifted apart.
A Second Chance with Michelle Triola
In the midst of his turmoil, Van Dyke found solace in Michelle Triola, a former actress who understood the entertainment world. Their affair became a deep, loving partnership after his divorce from Willett in 1984.
For 35 years, Triola stood by his side. They never married, but their bond was undeniable.
Then, in 2008, Willett passed away from cancer. A year later, Triola was diagnosed with lung cancer. Van Dyke stayed by her side until the end, singing to her as she slipped into a coma.
“When she asked if she was going to die, I pretended I didn’t know. The hardest acting I’ve ever done,” he admitted.
When she passed in 2009, Van Dyke realized he was truly alone.
An Unexpected Love That Changed Everything
Then came Arlene Silver.
A 40-year-old makeup artist, Silver met Van Dyke at the 2006 SAG Awards. He was instantly smitten.
“I never approached a strange woman in my life,” he confessed. “But she walked by, and I jumped up and said, ‘Hi, I’m Dick.’ I had no idea she was half my age.”
Their friendship deepened after Triola’s death. By 2011, Silver moved in. In 2012, they got married.
The 46-year age gap raised eyebrows, but Van Dyke didn’t care. “We don’t feel the difference,” he said. “I’m emotionally immature, and Arlene is very wise for her age. We meet in the middle.”
Even his son Christian, initially skeptical, later admitted, “Dad, I get it.”
Keeping Him Young at 98
Van Dyke credits Silver for giving him a new lease on life.
“I don’t think I’d even be here without her,” he said. “She keeps me in shape, feeds me, and I love her more every day.”
Silver says he changed her, too. “He’s made me a better person,” she shared. “He’s so pure in his thoughts and heart—it rubbed off on me.”
At 98, Van Dyke still dances, works out three times a week, and even starred in a Valentine’s Day music video with Silver in 2022.
He also continues giving back. In 2023, he donated $3 million to Malibu public schools, ensuring the arts remain alive for future generations.
Through love, loss, and resilience, Dick Van Dyke has proven that happiness has no age limit. And thanks to Arlene Silver, he’s still dancing through life.
