The 46-Year Secret: How Dick Van Dyke's Wife, Arlene Silver, Keeps The Centenarian Young

Few Hollywood legends have lived a life as long and storied as Dick Van Dyke, and as of late 2024, the iconic entertainer is approaching his monumental 100th birthday. While his career is defined by classics like Mary Poppins and The Dick Van Dyke Show, the secret to his remarkable longevity and youthful spirit is often credited to his current wife, Arlene Silver, a woman 46 years his junior.

The couple’s relationship, which began after the passing of his long-time partner, is a testament to the idea that love truly knows no age. Arlene, a professional makeup artist, has spoken openly about their unconventional romance, emphasizing that their significant age gap is merely a number and that her husband is an "infantile" soul who inspires her daily. Their enduring bond remains a popular and fascinating topic for fans worldwide.

The Wives and Partners of Dick Van Dyke: A Complete Biographical Profile

Dick Van Dyke’s romantic life has spanned nearly eight decades, encompassing two marriages and one long-term partnership. His journey from a young man in Danville, Illinois, to a centenarian icon has been shared with three significant women, each playing a critical role in his personal story.

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• Full Name: Richard Wayne Van Dyke
• Born: December 13, 1925, in West Plains, Missouri
• Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Singer, Dancer, Writer
• Wives:
  • Margie Willett (Married: 1948; Divorced: 1984)
  • Arlene Silver (Married: 2012–Present)
• Long-Term Partner: Michelle Triola (Relationship: 1976–2009)
• Children: Christian Van Dyke, Barry Van Dyke, Stacy Van Dyke, Carrie Beth Van Dyke (with Margie Willett)
• Siblings: Jerry Van Dyke (deceased actor and comedian)
• Notable Works: The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Diagnosis: Murder
• Recent News (2024/2025): Promoting his new memoir, 100 Rules for Living to 100, and planning his 100th birthday celebration.

The First Marriage: Margie Willett and the Four Children

Dick Van Dyke’s first wife was Margie Willett, whom he met as a teenager in West Plains, Missouri. Their wedding in 1948 was a unique event, taking place live on the radio show "Bride and Groom."

The couple had a long marriage that lasted 36 years, during which they welcomed four children: sons Christian and Barry, and daughters Stacy and Carrie Beth Van Dyke. Margie Willett became a foundational figure in his early career, supporting him as he rose to fame on Broadway and television.

The marriage, however, was not without its challenges. The couple ultimately divorced in 1984. Margie Willett passed away in 2008 at the age of 81 from pancreatic cancer.

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The 35-Year Partnership: Michelle Triola

Following the end of his marriage to Willett, Van Dyke entered a decades-long relationship with Michelle Triola. Triola was an actress and the secretary of his agent. Their partnership began in 1976 and lasted for an impressive 35 years, until her death in 2009.

Though they never married, Michelle Triola became a significant companion in Van Dyke's life. She was a stabilizing presence for over three decades. Triola sadly passed away from lung cancer in 2009, just a year after the death of Margie Willett.

Arlene Silver: The Makeup Artist Who Became His Wife

Dick Van Dyke's current wife is Arlene Silver, a professional makeup artist and producer. Their story is one of a chance meeting that blossomed into a deep connection, defying the expectations set by their 46-year age difference.

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Arlene Silver was born in 1971, making her approximately 53 or 54 years old, while her husband is nearly 100. This significant age gap is a detail they have embraced, often discussing it with candor in recent interviews.

How Dick Van Dyke Met Arlene Silver

The couple first crossed paths in 2006 at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. Arlene Silver was working backstage as a makeup artist, and Dick Van Dyke was appearing at the event. They initially became friends, and their professional working relationship evolved into a romance after the death of Michelle Triola in 2009.

They married in 2012 in a small, private ceremony, marking the beginning of Van Dyke's second marriage.

The Secret to Their Age-Gap Romance and Longevity

The relationship between Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver has been a subject of public curiosity, especially as the actor continues to thrive in his late 90s. The couple celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary in February 2024.

The "secret" to their enduring marriage is often discussed in terms of shared joy and mutual energy. Van Dyke himself has openly stated that Arlene is the reason he feels much younger. He credits her with bringing a lot of "light" into his life and keeping him active, mentally and physically.

In a recent interview, Van Dyke admitted that he was initially concerned about the age gap, but Arlene’s youthful spirit and his own "infantile" nature bridged the divide. He has often described himself as a child at heart, which perfectly complements Arlene’s energy.

A Family Welcomes Arlene

The actor's large family, including his children and grandchildren, have fully welcomed Arlene Silver into the fold. The family is extensive, spanning three generations of entertainers. His son, Barry Van Dyke, is a well-known actor who co-starred with his father for years on the long-running procedural drama Diagnosis: Murder. Furthermore, Dick Van Dyke’s grandsons, Shane Van Dyke and Carey Van Dyke, are also actors and have appeared alongside their father and grandfather, demonstrating a strong family legacy in Hollywood.

Recent Updates: The 100th Birthday and New Memoir

As Dick Van Dyke approaches his 100th birthday in December 2024, the focus has shifted to his continued vitality and his latest projects. This period has provided the freshest details about his life with Arlene Silver.

100 Rules for Living to 100

The actor recently released his new memoir, *100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life*. The book serves as a guide to longevity and happiness, with his relationship with Arlene Silver and his commitment to staying active undoubtedly featuring prominently in his "rules."

The Surprising Birthday Plans

In a very recent update, Arlene Silver shared details about her husband's plans for his centennial milestone. Instead of slowing down, the actor is reportedly planning to celebrate his 100th birthday by continuing to work and focusing on new creative projects. Arlene has consistently stated that he is not ready for retirement, a sentiment echoed by Van Dyke himself, who recently welcomed cameras into his stunning Malibu home.

The combination of a supportive, energetic wife, a commitment to fitness, and an unshakeable optimism is clearly the formula for Dick Van Dyke's extraordinary life. Arlene Silver is not just his wife; she is his partner in maintaining the joyful, youthful spirit that has defined his career and continues to inspire millions of fans.