Though best known for his pioneering work in television, Dick Van Dyke has also excelled in the worlds of film and theatre. And yet for someone who has spent so much time in front of audiences, he remains by all accounts a very private person, unknowable even to his closest friends and family. What is immediately apparent to anyone is his enormous talent.

This page explores one of entertainment’s most versatile performers, whose long and multifaceted career continues to thrive.

Bibliography

Until recently, no book-length biography had been written about Dick Van Dyke. That changed in 2011 with the publication of his memoirs, My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business. Through the years he has also penned several short books dealing lightheartedly with children, school, and religion.

Books by Dick Van Dyke:

Altar Egos. Westwood, N.J.: F.H. Revell Co., 1967. The lighter side of religion.
Faith, Hope and Hilarity. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1970. Like Altar Egos, deals humorously with religion, but this time in relation to kids.
The Meaning of Christmas: A Story in Sound. New York: Harper & Row, 1974. A book and sound recording combo.
My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business. New York: Crown Archetype, 2011. Dick’s memoirs. The audiobook version is read by Van Dyke himself and is recommended for his engaging narration.
Those Funny Kids! Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1975. “A treasury of classroom laughter” containing anecdotes from teachers and students. Also contains reminiscences by Van Dyke about growing up in Danville.

Program Guides:

Van Deusen, David. To Twilo and Beyond! My Walnut Adventures with ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ Cast. iUniverse, Inc., 2005. Available from the Walnut Times website and Amazon.
Waldron, Vince. The Official Dick Van Dyke Show Book: The Definitive History and Ultimate Viewer’s Guide to Television’s Most Enduring Comedy. New York: Hyperion, 1994.
Weissman, Ginny, and Coyne Steven Sanders. The Dick Van Dyke Show. New York : St. Martin’s Press, 1993.

Videos:

Dick Van Dyke: Celebrity Profile — A 60-minute program originally airing on the E! cable television channel in 1999. Features interviews with Dick, colleagues, family, friends, plus footage of his hometown and rare photos of his early days on the nightclub circuit. Many Celebrity Profiles are puff pieces, but this one contains real insight into the actor.
Dick Van Dyke: Put on a Happy Face (video). New York : A&E Home Video, 2000, 1999. Part of A&E’s popular “Biography” series, this 100-minute program is a solid introduction to the performer. Interviews with Van Dyke himself plus family and friends, and rare photos and clips from his early TV work.

Discography

Recordings are listed alphabetically and linked to the All-Music Guide, where full song listings can be found.

Bye Bye Birdie (Original Broadway Cast Recording). 2000. Sony 89254 (CD & Cassette). This recording is generally considered superior to the film soundtrack.
Bye Bye Birdie (1963 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). 1988, 1963. RCA 1081-2-R (CD).
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Rykodisc). 1997. Rykodisc 10702 (CD & Cassette). Includes CD-ROM bonus material.
Mary Poppins (Original Soundtrack). 1992. Disney 60842 (CD); Disney 60842-4 (Cassette). Dick won a Grammy in the category Best Children’s Recording.
Mary Poppins (Remastered Original Soundtrack). 2001. Disney 60706 (CD). Contains bonus material such as interviews and demos.
Put on a Happy Face. 2001. Hallmark 1217 (CD). A children’s album sung by Dick, with tunes by Gershwin, Mercer, Bacharach, and more.
Songs I Like. 1963. Command 860 (LP). Out of print. A collaboration with the Enoch Light Orchestra and the Ray Charles Singers.

Videography

This videography is by no means complete. Dick Van Dyke has made dozens of appearances in everything from commercials to retrospectives to awards shows, and many of those credits are not listed here. A complete list may be found on IMDB.

Dick has also won or been nominated for numerous awards throughout his long career. In addition to winning five Emmy Awards (one Daytime and four Primetime), a Tony, and a Grammy, he has received lifetime achievement awards from a number of organizations: The Screen Actors Guild; Television Critics Association; American Comedy Awards USA; The Golden Apple Awards; and other groups. He also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Items in italics are considered Van Dyke’s best.

TV Series:

Diagnosis Murder (1993-2001) — The popular TV series starring Dick as Dr. Mark Sloan, a doctor who doubles as a police investigator. Van Dyke’s son, Barry, co-stars as a detective. Though the weekly series was cancelled in 2001, the storyline continues through periodic TV movies.
The Van Dyke Show (1988) TV Series — A short-lived sitcom starring Van Dyke as a retired Broadway star who moves to rural Pennsylvania to run a small playhouse with his son (played by Dick’s real-life son Barry).
Van Dyke and Company (1976) — A comedy/variety show highlighted by Dick’s mastery of pantomime and nonverbal comedy. Andy Kaufman was a regular guest. Though the show lasted only half a season, Dick won an Emmy for it.
The New Dick Van Dyke Show (1971-74) — Dick starred as Dick Preston, host of a TV talk show in Phoenix, Arizona. Hope Lange played Dick’s wife. During its first two seasons, the show was filmed on location from Van Dyke’s new production base in Arizona. Dick was nominated for a Golden Globe for the show in 1972.
The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-66) — The classic TV series that made Van Dyke a star remains one of the medium’s greatest situation comedies, thanks to top-notch writing and casting. Dick was backed by a great ensemble including Mary Tyler Moore, Morey Amsterdam, Rose Marie, Richard Deacon, and series creator Carl Reiner. Dick won three Emmy awards for his work on the show. A reunion episode, The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited, aired in 2004.
Laugh Line (1959) — Dick was emcee of this sketch show in which comedians enacted silent comedy routines submitted by viewers.
Mother’s Day (1958-59) — Host of a quirky game show.
The Chevy Showroom Starring Andy Williams (1958-1971) — Dick was a regular during the 1958 season, in this popular variety show that ran off and on for thirteen years, usually under the name The Andy Williams Show.
CBS Cartoon Theater (1956) — A summer series hosted by Dick in which he talked with the cartoon characters by means of special effects.
The Morning Show (1955-56) — Dick was the host of this New York-based show on CBS. His co-workers included Walter Cronkite and Merv Griffin.

TV Movies:

Murder 101: New Age (2008)
Murder 101: If Wishes Were Horses (2007)
Murder 101: College Can Be Murder (2007).
Murder 101 (2006).
The Gin Game (2003) — Dick reunited with Mary Tyler Moore in this critically acclaimed comedy/drama, based on the D.L. Coburn play, about the volatile relationship that develops between two residents of a nursing home.
Without Warning (2002) — A Diagnosis Murder movie.
A Town Without Pity (2002) — Diagnosis Murder movie.
A Twist of the Knife (1993) — Diagnosis Murder movie.
The House on Sycamore Street (1992) — Diagnosis Murder movie.
Diagnosis Murder (1992) — TV movie which led to the successful weekly series.
Daughters of Privilege (1991).
Ghost of a Chance (1987).
Strong Medicine (1986) — Based on the Arthur Hailey novel.
Breakfast with Les and Bess (1985).
Wrong Way Kid (1983).
Found Money (1983).
The Country Girl (1982).
Drop-Out Father (1982).
How to Eat Like a Child (1980).
Columbo: Negative Reaction (1974).
The Morning After (1974) — A breakthrough portrayal by Van Dyke as a successful businessman struggling with alcoholism. Dick’s hard-hitting performance demonstrated his great range and earned him an Emmy nomination. Unfortunately, it is unavailable on video.

Other TV Appearances (selected):

Scrubs in episode “My Brother, My Keeper” (1/23/03).
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch in episode “Welcome Back, Duke” (originally aired 2/25/00).
Becker in episode “Becker the Elder” (2/15/99).
Coach in episode “Christmas of the Van Damned” (12/14/93).
Jake and the Fatman in episode “It Never Entered My Mind” (3/20/91).
The Golden Girls in episode “Love Under the Big Top” (10/21/89). Nominated for an Emmy.
Airwolf in episode “Malduke” (7/17/87).
Highway to Heaven in episode “Wally” (1/14/87).
Matlock in episode: “The Judge” (9/23/86).
Supertrain in episode “And a Cup of Kindness Too” (2/14/79).
The New Scooby-Doo Movies (voice) in episode “Scooby-Doo Meets Dick Van Dyke” (10/27/73).
The Bill Cosby Show in episode “Miraculous Marvin” (1/17/71).
Dick Van Dyke and the Other Woman (1968) — A variety show which reunited Dick and Mary Tyler Moore in song and dance.
The Andy Williams Show in episode airing 2/18/1964.
The Danny Kaye Show in episode airing 12/18/1963.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents in episode “Craig’s Will” (3/6/60).
The United States Steel Hour in episode “Trap for a Stranger” (2/25/59).
The Phil Silvers Show in episodes “Bilko’s Cousin” (1/24/58); and “Hillbilly
Whiz” (10/1/57).

Films:

Night at the Museum (2006).
Curious George (2006) (voice).
Dick Tracy (1990) — A supporting role as the character D.A. Fletcher.
The Runner Stumbles (1979).
Tubby the Tuba (1976) (voice).
Cold Turkey (1971) — Satire about a minister (Van Dyke) trying to convince an entire town to stop smoking to win a contest.
The Comic (1969) — Interesting, little-seen comedy/drama about the rise and fall of an arrogant but brilliant silent film comedian, well-played by Van Dyke.
Some Kind of a Nut (1969).
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) — Popular children’s fantasy based on the Ian Fleming novel.
Never a Dull Moment (1968).
Fitzwilly (1967).
Divorce American Style (1967).
Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N. (1966) — Dick won a Golden Laurel Award for Male Comedy Performance.
The Art of Love (1965) — A nomination for the Golden Laurel Award.
Mary Poppins (1964) — A popular and critical hit, it stands as Dick’s greatest big-screen success, as well as his personal favorite. One of the most charming children’s films, it won numerous Oscars and teamed Dick with Julie Andrews. Dick was nominated for a Golden Globe.
What a Way to Go! (1964).
Bye Bye Birdie (1963) — The film that launched Van Dyke’s movie career, based on the highly successful Broadway musical in which he also starred (and for which he won a Tony).

Webography

Most Dick Van Dyke websites deal solely with The Dick Van Dyke Show. If you know of any website which covers his entire body of work, please email Mike Boedicker at mboedicker@hotmail.com.

The Dick Van Dyke Show — Extensive site featuring links to the many, many other D.V.D.S. sites on the Web.
Elizabeth’s Dick Van Dyke Page — An appreciation page.
Larry King Live — Transcript of interview given in September 2000.
The Petrie Page — A Dick Van Dyke Show fan site.
TV Now — A monthly schedule listing when Dick Van Dyke programs will air on TV.
The Walnut Times — Nicely done site promoting a Dick Van Dyke Show newsletter. Also has sound and media files by Dick and other cast members. Creator David Van Deusen has published a guide to the show.

Dick was born Richard Wayne Van Dyke on December 13, 1925 in West Plains, Missouri. The family moved to Danville when Dick was very young. By all accounts, Danville still holds a special place in their hearts.

A young Dick Van Dyke on pony-back.
Jerry Van Dyke's 1950 high school graduation photo and description.
Dick and Jerry's first house at 930 Hazel St. (Photo courtesy Danville Area Convention & Visitors' Bureau)
Their second house at 923 Grant St. (Photo courtesy Danville Area Convention & Visitors' Bureau)
One of Dick's early dramatic appearances, as the character "Bob Morris" in the Danville High School production Midnight, circa 1941.
The Kathryn Randolph Theater, home of the Red Mask Players since the 1960's. Dick and Jerry performed with Red Mask before it was located here. Jerry performed at a dinner in October 1962 to raise money for a down payment on this building. Likewise, Dick contributed funds during a visit to Danville in 1963. It was built in 1902 as the Cumberland (later Immanuel) Presbyterian Church -- coincidentally, Dick and Jerry's childhood church.
A fanciful self-portrait sketch Dick made when working at Danville radio station WDAN. (Sketch courtesy WDAN/WDNL)
Chief Engineer Don Russell recently restored a rare early sound recording of the 21 year-old Dick co-hosting "Banker's Hours," a 1946 show broadcast from Danville's Wolford Hotel. Years later, Jerry played banjo on the air.
Dick first returned to Danville in March 1963, at the height of his success on The Dick Van Dyke Show. A downtown parade held in his honor attracted thousands. Home-movie footage from the parade appears in the E! Celebrity Profile of Dick. During the visit, he was presented with the key to the city.
Dick first returned to Danville in March 1963, at the height of his success on The Dick Van Dyke Show. Dick and his wife were so overwhelmed by the warm reception they wrote a letter of thanks to the local paper.
In 1973, Jerry and his family actually moved back to Danville for a brief time. Saying he "didn't like what California was doing to [my] kids," he moved into a large home on Logan Avenue with his wife and three children. But Jerry's work forced them to leave the area after only a year.
In May 1988, Dick and Jerry joined Danville natives (from left) Donald O'Connor, Bobby Short, and Gene Hackman for a benefit to raise money for the city's Fischer Theatre. (Photo by Chuck Cannady, courtesy Vermilion County Museum)
By mayoral proclamation, June 4, 1994 was Jerry Van Dyke Day in Danville. Jerry was honored with a parade in downtown Danville, an event featured in People magazine. A dance concert at Danville High School and a dinner at the Lamplighter restaurant completed the busy day. (Photo by Chuck Cannady, courtesy Danville Commercial News)
By mayoral proclamation, June 4, 1994 was Jerry Van Dyke Day in Danville. Jerry "directs" traffic on Vermilion St. during his visit. (Photo by Roy Dabner, courtesy Danville Commercial News).
In his first visit to Danville in 16 years, Dick returned from April 29-May 2, 2004. Though he came primarily to attend two Danville High School performances of Bye Bye Birdie (the show that launched his career in 1960), the weekend was packed with other events:
The events began with a press conference featuring "The Burfords," the nickname Dick and his childhood friends used to describe their tight-knit group in high school. From left, Jerry Seawright, Dick, Harold Brown, and Bob Hackman (uncle of Danville native Gene Hackman).
Dick takes to the Danville High School stage to rehearse a number with the students. The 78-year old demonstrated that he still has a dancer's moves.
After the rehearsal, Danville Public Library Director Barb Nolan (right) presents Dick with the Danville Community Encyclopedia and a library tote bag.
The busy day continued with a tour of the WDAN/WDNL studios, where Dick worked as an announcer in the early 1940's. Station owner Geoff Neuhoff presents Dick with a broadcasting award.
Dick records sound bites for this website, for the station, and for the Red Mask Players website.
At the end of each performance, he took to the stage to perform a number with the students. Afterward, a specially-commissioned documentary short about Dick and his friends, created by award-winning filmmaker Craig Lindvahl, was screened.
Because he enlisted in the Air Force several months before his high school graduation ceremony, Dick never picked up his diploma. Danville School District Superintendent Gary Tucker remedied the problem by presenting Dick with his diploma after the performance.
Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer, who proclaimed April 30 and May 1 "Dick Van Dyke Days," presented Dick with the key to the city because, although Dick received the key during a visit in 1963, "the locks have been changed since then." Danville High School Principal Mark Denman used the opportunity to announce the creation of the Dick Van Dyke Scholarship for the Performing Arts. The first four winners -- Rhoda Lewis, Graham Peck, Emily Hoffman, and Scott Turner -- were presented with the award by Van Dyke himself. On Saturday, Dick continued his demanding schedule with more appearances, including a visit to the Fischer Theatre, where his feet and handprints were pressed in cement. The busy weekend was covered extensively in the local press. The Danville Commercial News produced an 8-page Special Section incorporating photos, reminiscences by Dick and his friends and fans, a quiz, and the videography from this website.
The Bye Bye Birdie playbill included an article from the January 31, 1944 issue of the Danville High School newspaper, announcing Dick's departure from school to join the Air Force. Note the prescient final line.
In 2005, the McDonald's restaurant on Gilbert Street in Danville was remodeled to showcase an impressive salute to famous Danville natives, including Dick and Jerry, with permanent displays of photographs and memorabilia. Glass etching of Dick Van Dyke
In 2005, the McDonald's restaurant on Gilbert Street in Danville was remodeled to showcase an impressive salute to famous Danville natives, including Dick and Jerry, with permanent displays of photographs and memorabilia. Photo of Dick and Jerry from 1968
The two DVDs: author David Van Deusen talks with Dick Van Dyke by phone.
WDAN Station Manager Mike Hulvey broadcasts the interviews.
Dick's lifelong friend, Bob Hackman, talks with Dick.