Dick Van Dyke, named Richard Wayne Van Dyke in West Plains, Missouri, developed to fame as one of the most loved artists of his generation. Renown for his versatility, Van Dyke’s career rocketed with his Tony-winning performance in “Bye Bye Birdie” in 1960, later reprised in the 1963 film adaptation.
However, before becoming famous person, as a young man in Danville, Illinois, he met Margie Willett, the woman who would become his first wife.
“When I was 20, I began dating a local girl I had known for years growing up in Danville, Illinois – Margie Willett,” Van Dyke shared.
Willett, defined by her ex-husband as “earthy and artistic,” was not attracted Hollywood glamor. “She wore her hair short and eschewed makeup, and we were often mistaken for brother and sister,” Van Dyke said.
Instead, she concentrated on their growing family, even as her husband’s star rose. However, their marriage was not without sadness. She dealt with a miscarriage early on, but the couple continued to have four children together.
Amid this trouble, Van Dyke met Michelle Triola, a former actress and legal secretary. Unlike Willett, Triola knew the demands of show business, and the two quickly formed a tie.
“She was feisty, smart and, unlike Margie, knew the showbiz world inside out,” the “Mary Poppins” star admitted. Their relationship began as an affa:ir but turned into a official partnership after Van Dyke and Willett divorced in 1984.
Tragedy occured in 2008 when Willett passed away from pancreatic can.cer.
Despite their divorce, Van Dyke was deeply affected, revealing, “I was deeply affected, even though we were long divorced. With her passing, I lost a part of myself.”
Little did the actor, who was in his darkest hour, know he would find a lover again. In 2006, Van Dyke met Arlene Silver, a makeup artist 46 years his junior, at the SAG Awards.
“I never approached a strange woman in my life,” he admitted. “And she walked by and I jumped and said, ‘Hi, I’m Dick.’ I had no idea she was half my age. Beautiful.”
Their first meeting started the beginning of a friendship that evolved into romance after Triola’s passing. Then, the couple marriend in 2012.
Their marriage paid attention for its significant age gap, but Van Dyke dissolved the concerns.
“We don’t feel the age gap,” he said. I don’t think I’d even be here, to tell you that truth. She keeps me in shape, feeds me, and I love her more every day. We’re just getting closer and closer.”
The couple’s physical activity has played a crucial role in Van Dyke’s longevity over the years. He endured committed to regular exercise, often going to the gym with Silver for light-weight training.
