At 99, Dick Van Dyke Revealed How ‘Everybody Said It Wouldn’t Work’ With Wife 46 Years Younger

Apr 28, 2025 by apost team

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Dick Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene Silver, continue to defy expectations and silence critics who doubted their love story. Despite their 46-year age difference, the couple has proven that age is just a number when it comes to genuine connection and companionship.

On Apr. 20, 2025, the beloved 99-year-old actor spoke exclusively to PEOPLE at the special event “Dick & Arlene Van Dyke Present: Vandy Camp.” Van Dyke reflected on the doubts many expressed when his relationship with Silver, 53, first began.

The couple’s love story began in 2006 at the SAG Awards, where Arlene was working behind the scenes as a makeup artist. Van Dyke, charmed by her personality and professionalism, later hired her for various projects. Their connection blossomed over time, leading to their wedding in 2012.

Thirteen years into their marriage, the couple seems stronger than ever. Van Dyke opened up about the secret to their lasting relationship. “We get along so well,” he shared, offering a simple but powerful explanation for the enduring success of their marriage.

Van Dyke recalled how many people didn’t believe they would make it this far.  However, the couple’s deep bond, shared laughter, and mutual respect have proved otherwise.

Whether walking red carpets or spending quiet days together at home, this couple remains an inspiring example of love that transcends age and expectations. With genuine affection and teamwork, they continue to write a beautiful chapter in their life together.

During the exclusive interview, the iconic couple opened up about their enduring love and the bond that has only grown stronger over the years. Reflecting on their relationship, Silver shared heartfelt sentiments about her husband.

“We just care about each other so much,” she said with a smile, clearly touched by their connection. 

Van Dyke, full of wit and warmth, acknowledged the skepticism that surrounded their relationship in the beginning:

“Everybody said it wouldn’t work.” 

Silver chimed in with a laugh: “Yeah. I mean it’s like eerie how well it works. People the same age don’t last.” 

Their chemistry was evident as they recounted the moment they first met. Van Dyke confessed:

“I never said hello to a strange girl in my life. I was too scared.” 

He continued:

“But I was at a show backstage and she walked by, and for some reason, I just jumped up and said, ‘Hi, I’m Dick.’ There’s something about her and got me, and I was right.”

The couple also touched on how they support and uplift one another.

“He’s made me feel like I can do anything,” Silver said, to which Van Dyke encouraged, “And you can.” She added: “Very supportive of each other,” and noted, “I feel like this Vandy Camp is a great representation of all those things in one event.” Van Dyke added: “It’s a great ... I love that title. Vandy Camp.”

Talking about their quiet life, Silver said:

“We just love being home. We love Malibu, and it’s our favorite place, our house especially. So this is like our, you’re at our house.” 

Despite hardships like the Franklin fire, she reflected:

“We’re so grateful. Our house did get hit by the Franklin fire, but in the scheme of things, we got very lucky.” Van Dyke, never missing a beat, added with a grin: “And I’m seven months from a hundred.”

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Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver prove every day that love knows no age. Can you think of someone else who could use this heartwarming reminder? Then be sure to pass this along to them as well as your friends and family!