Dick Van Dyke jokes he’s ‘looking for work’ ahead of 99th Birthday; 'I can't believe I'm still here and performing'

Dick Van Dyke isn’t ready to slow down. On Saturday, September 7, the legendary 98-year-old actor declared he’s "looking for work" after winning the award for Outstanding Variety Special at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards for his birthday special, Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic. After accepting his award, Van Dyke spoke to reporters about his career and legacy.
When asked how he hopes to be remembered, he said, "For laughter. I hope for making people laugh for 75 years." Reflecting on his remarkable career, he added, "I've been in the business for 75 years. I can’t believe I’m still here and performing." Then, with a smile, he looked around the room and quipped, "I’m looking for work if anybody has." Van Dyke also offered advice to young performers, drawing on his own early experiences. "You have to stick with it," he said.
"You’re going to face hard times and a lot of auditions, but you have to stay with it. Be patient, believe in yourself, and know that you can do it." His recent Emmy win ties him as the oldest recipient of a Creative Arts Emmy, sharing the title with the late Norman Lear, who won at age 98 in 2020. During his acceptance speech, Van Dyke expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception, saying, "Thank you! That reception, I cannot tell you what it means."


He was accompanied on stage by his wife, Arlene Silver, who produced the special. Praising her work, Van Dyke joked, "The young lady who got this award, you might think of the word nepotism, but I assure you, she earned it. She knows me inside and out, and doesn’t take any sass from anyone."