Few actors are as beloved as Mary Poppins star Dick Van Dyke. The 97-year-old is known for his kind heart, warm smile, and ability to radiate warmth to anyone and everyone he meets. Before starring as Bert in the hit movie musical, Van Dyke had a number of smaller roles, but Mary Poppins shot him to superstardom. Many people will remember him for his classic sitcom, The Dick Van Dyke Show, but his role in Mary Poppins will also be the one many people love the most.
Van Dyke became a Disney Legend in 1998 and has always kept the Disney family close to his heart. In 2018, at the age of 92, the beloved actor blew fans away when he appeared in Mary Poppins Returns. It wasn’t just the fact that he was still acting. It was that he climbed onto a table and did a tap dance number, at 92! He truly proves that age is nothing more than a number.
Van Dyke has taken a slight break from acting, having not appeared in anything since 2020, but that does not mean he is just puttering around all day. He can frequently be seen out and about in Malibu, California — the place he calls home. Mr. Van Dyke has been spotted heading to aerobics classes, and even handing out money to those in need.
And now, the nonagenarian has picked up a fun new hobby. On August 22, Van Dyke shared a video of his very first ukulele lesson.
My first ukulele lesson with @getstartedplayingukulele @bijoubox’s third
It’s never too late to start something new
View this post on Instagram
Even though the incomparable Mr. Van Dyke has slowed down in his film career, he’s not fully out of the game. In fact, he has two projects in the works! He will appear in an episode of the hit soap opera, Days of Our Lives.
Van Dyke will also play James Archer in the film Capture the Flag. The film will tell the story of a group of senior citizens who play Capture the Flag in an attempt to get the chance to raise the flag at their retirement community. The movie is in pre-production and will also star Barry Corbin, John Amos, Louis Gossett Jr. and Paul Dooley.
