Entertainment icon Dick Van Dyke celebrates 99th birthday after narrow escape from wildfire

Entertainment legend Dick Van Dyke is proving that age is just a number as he celebrates his 99th birthday, reflecting on the milestone with his trademark humour and resilience.

The beloved Mary Poppins star marked the occasion just days after surviving a dramatic wildfire that forced him and his wife, Arlene, to flee their Malibu home.

Speaking about the terrifying ordeal, Van Dyke revealed he had to be carried to safety by neighbours.

“It was coming from the hill, you could see it. And oh my God, and we got out of here. I was trying to crawl to the car, I had exhausted myself, I couldn’t get up,” he told the TODAY show.

“Three neighbours came and carried me out and came back and put out a little fire in the guest house and saved me.”

Van Dyke later reassured fans on Facebook that he and Arlene were safe following the fire, thanking his neighbours for their heroic efforts.

Despite the ordeal, Van Dyke remains as optimistic as ever as he marked 99 years around the sun on Friday, December 13.

“Tomorrow, I’ll start my first day of my 100th year. Can you believe that? I don’t. I can’t get my mind around 99 because I don’t feel it. I mean, I don’t feel great, but I don’t feel 99,” he told NBC News.

When asked about his plans for the year ahead, the entertainer expressed his desire to keep working.

“I hope to get work. I’d like to get a job,” he said.

“I could play someone’s grandfather on a sitcom or something. Just to keep busy. I’m not expensive.”

Fans flooded social media with heartfelt birthday wishes, honouring the entertainer who continues to inspire with his boundless energy and positivity.

🎈 Happy 99th birthday to the legend that is Dick Van Dyke 🎈

New, shorter version of the ALL MY LOVE music video we made with him out today.

Watch now, at https://t.co/BRbxPMpzHm pic.twitter.com/mPxC1B7BMA

— Coldplay (@coldplay) December 13, 2024

Happy 99th Birthday to dazzling Dick Van Dyke, the internationally treasured, tireless ray of sunshine who brightened all of our childhoods and, still today, turns our frowns upside down. pic.twitter.com/9pLai7j30w

— Marshall Julius (@MarshallJulius) December 13, 2024

Happy 99th birthday to the brilliant comedian, dancer, and beautiful soul, Dick Van Dyke. I’ve so much love for this man. May he live forever. #DickVanDyke pic.twitter.com/JgjSAWyXgP

— R. J. Crowther Jr. (@RJCrowtherJr) December 14, 2024

Celebrating Dick Van Dyke, who turns 99 today! He is a national treasure, the star of my all-time favorite TV show, and he always makes me smile. pic.twitter.com/TfgOMEQhFF

— Karen (@TheDarkPages) December 13, 2024

Wishing the legend #DickVanDyke, #actor, comedian and entertainer a very happy 99th birthday
Remember the Dick Van Dyke Show?
And at 99, he’s still #dancing – in Coldplay’s latest video!!
🥂🎂⭐️ pic.twitter.com/5AqpmntAeo

— Age Joyfully (@AgeingBetter) December 13, 2024

Happy 99th Birthday, Mr. Dick Van Dyke! You have brought so much joy to many! Thanks for all the years of quality entertainment!🎂 🥳 🥰

— Annagreen (@annagreen99) December 14, 2024

At 99, Van Dyke remains a testament to living joyfully, no matter the challenges.

-with BANG.