A lengthy lifespan equates to an unwelcome burden or affliction. - Everlasting Life: A Bane Instead of a Blessing
Veteran Actor Dick Van Dyke Contemplates the 'Curse' of a Century-Long Life
As the venerable Dick Van Dyke, 99, prepares to celebrate his centennial birthday in December, the esteemed American actor shares his thoughts on the challenges that come with a long life. During a recent appearance at the "Dick & Arlene Van Dyke Present Vandy Camp" event in Malibu, California, Van Dyke revealed a poignant sentiment about the downsides of living so long, particularly the heartache of outliving friends and colleagues.
Van Dyke shared that he and his longtime associate, the late Ed Asner, had been working towards a remake of the 1968 comedy "The Odd Couple," only to be thwarted by Asner's passing in August 2021 at age 91. The news of Asner's demise served as a stark reminder of the transience that comes with a long life.
When asked about the emotional toll of losing so many dear friends and collaborators over the years, Van Dyke admitted that it had been a challenging aspect of his longevity. However, he remains remarkably buoyant, attributing his sunny disposition to the overall good fortune of his life. "Life's been good to me. I can't complain," he said.
Van Dyke's wife, Arlene Silver, echoed these sentiments, lamenting the feeling of being the sole survivor of countless friendships. "He's outlived everybody. That's the curse of living almost 100 years," she observed.
Despite the hardships, Van Dyke shows no signs of slowing down, expressing an eagerness to continue performing and engaging with audiences. He jokingly referred to himself as a "ham" and insisted on keeping active in his chosen art.
As Van Dyke approaches his milestone birthday, his enduring spirit shines bright, offering an inspiring testament to the resilience of human spirit in the face of adversity. Whether on screen, stage, or public appearances, his infectious enthusiasm and positive outlook continue to delight fans young and old.
In the face of his centennial birthday, Dick Van Dyke, the accomplished actor, shares his insights about the emotional and social challenges of a long life, particularly losing friends and colleagues. His longtime associate, Ed Asner, who was also a dear friend, passed away in 2021, leaving Van Dyke to grapple with the transience of life and the affectionate sorrow that comes from outliving many associates. Yet, Van Dyke maintains an optimistic outlook, crediting his luck and attributing his sunny disposition to the overall good fortunes of his life.
