Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke Reads Impassioned Speech, Makes BIG Announcement

There are few Disney Legends as beloved as Dick Van Dyke. The 98-year-old star is best known for his iconic role as Bert the chimney sweep (and Mr. Dawes Sr.) in the 1964 classic Mary Poppins. He also made a memorable return as Mr. Dawes Jr. in Mary Poppins Returns (2018), where he wowed audiences with an unforgettable tap dance performance at the age of 92.

Van Dyke was named a Disney Legend in 1998, and since then, he has made numerous appearances at Disney events, including the D23 Expo, and even narrated the 2001 documentary Walt: The Man Behind the Myth, about the life of Walt Disney.

Related: Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke Just Called Himself WHAT?!

Though he has slowed down in recent years, at 98, Van Dyke made history in 2023 by winning an Emmy Award for his guest role as Timothy Robicheaux on the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives. This win made him the oldest person ever to receive an Emmy.

Despite stepping back from the limelight, Mr. Van Dyke recently took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with his followers.

On November 5, millions of Americans will head to the polls to vote in the 2024 Presidential election, which is shaping up to be a close race between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris.

On November 4, the Disney Legend made a notable return to the public eye by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election.

The 98-year-old entertainment icon announced his support via social media platforms, including an impactful video shared on Instagram and YouTube. In a heartfelt moment, he revisited a speech he had originally delivered in 1964, during a crucial civil rights rally headlined by Martin Luther King Jr. at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

In his social media post, Van Dyke recited portions of the speech written by Rod Serling, famously known for creating The Twilight Zone. The speech voiced powerful themes against hatred and prejudice, illustrating the need for compassion and acceptance in society.

VOTE!!! @kamalaharris @vp @kamalahq

 

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A post shared by Dick Van Dyke (@official_dick_van_dyke)

In part, Mr. Van Dyke read:

“Hatred is not the norm. Prejudice is not the norm. Suspicion, dislike, jealousy, scapegoating, none of those are the transcendent facet of the human personality. They’re diseases. They are the cancers of the soul. They are the infectious and contagious viruses that have been breeding humanity for years. And because they have been and because they are, is it necessary that they shall be? I think not.”

“If there is one voice left to say ‘welcome’ to a stranger,  if there is one hand outstretched to say ‘enter and share,’ if there’s one mind remaining to think a thought of warmth and friendship, then there’s a future in which we will find more than one hand, more than one person, more than one mind, dedicated to the cause of man’s equality.”

 “To those who tell us that the inequality of the human animal is a necessary evil, we must respond by simply saying that first, it is evil, but it’s not necessary. We prove it by reaffirming our faith. We prove it by having faith in our affirmations.”

Related: Beloved Dick Van Dyke Receives Sweet Serenade at Disney

The response to Mr. Van Dyke’s video was mixed, demonstrating the polarized nature of political endorsements in the present day. While many long-time fans praised the actor for his consistency in advocating for civil rights, some expressed disappointment, stating that they had lost respect for him due to his political views.

Nevertheless, a significant portion of the comments supported Van Dyke’s stance, reiterating his history as a proponent of civil rights. Posts on platforms like Instagram and Twitter celebrated his legacy and commitment to equality.

All y’all “I love you but I can’t support you anymore…blah blah blah”, man go somewhere!!! Dick been standing on business against racism for YEEAARRSSS!!! I am thankful that he supports the rights for people to have a fair and equal country! I’m glad he supports a candidate that is for the PEOPLE and not for themselves!! I’m rocking with him until the wheels fall over!! #KamalaHarris4President2024

Dick Van Dyke’s endorsement is the latest in a growing list of celebrities backing Vice President Kamala Harris. Just recently, Star Wars icon Harrison Ford also threw his support behind her. In addition to Ford, Ms. Harris has received endorsements from a wide range of stars, including Mark Hamill, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Cardi B., Eminem, Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez, and Julia Roberts.

On the other side, former President Donald Trump has garnered support from celebrities like country music star Billy Ray Cyrus, Elon Musk, Caitlyn Jenner, and Hulk Hogan.

What’s your favorite Dick Van Dyke role? Share your thoughts in the comments!