At 98 years old, Dick Van Dyke made history with his recent Daytime Emmy nomination for his guest star role on Days of Our Lives. This nomination made him the oldest person to be recognized for the prestigious award. Van Dyke made his soap opera debut in September 2023 as Timothy Robicheaux, joining the cast for a special four-part arc with his real-life friend and gym buddy, Drake Hogestyn. Van Dyke joked about coaxing his friend to get him a role on the soap, asking if there were any parts for older people.
In preparation for his role on Days of Our Lives, Van Dyke watched a number of episodes of the show to understand the style and approach of the actors. He noted that some of the cast members had been on the show for 20 years, and he learned by observing their performances. During his time on the show, it was revealed that his character was the long-lost father of Hogestyn’s character, John Black.
Although Van Dyke is the oldest person to receive a Daytime Emmy nomination, this isn’t his first time being recognized for his work. He has won two Daytime Emmy awards in the past, as well as five Primetime Emmy awards for his roles in The Dick Van Dyke Show and Van Dyke and Company. Additionally, Van Dyke has a Tony Award and a Grammy, and he joked that he just needs an Oscar to achieve EGOT status. He reflected on his career, saying that he has been lucky with the projects he has been involved in.
In an interview on CBS’ Sunday Morning, Van Dyke shared that he was not very aggressive when it came to pursuing acting roles. Instead, he would come home after filming a movie and wait for the phone to ring. He emphasized that his whole career has been based on having fun, and he believes that enjoying his work has been essential to his success. Van Dyke expressed gratitude for being able to make a living doing something he loves, stating that he feels sorry for those who hate their jobs and that he looks forward to going to work every morning.
Throughout his career, Van Dyke has worked on a variety of projects, including television shows, movies, and stage productions. He has been recognized for his talent with numerous awards, including Emmy awards, a Tony Award, and a Grammy. Van Dyke’s versatility as an actor and his ability to bring joy to audiences have made him a beloved icon in the entertainment industry. His recent Daytime Emmy nomination further solidifies his status as a legendary performer, and he continues to inspire others with his passion for his craft.
