The Untold Story Of Dick Van Dyke's Two Marriages: Wives, Children, And The 35-Year Love That Wasn't

The legendary Dick Van Dyke, a national treasure whose career spans over seven decades, has officially been married twice, but his personal life includes a significant 35-year relationship that often goes unmentioned in simple counts. As of the current date, December 10, 2025, the beloved actor is happily married to his second wife, Arlene Silver, a union that began in 2012 and continues to thrive despite a notable age difference.

The full story of Dick Van Dyke’s romantic journey is one of enduring love, personal challenges, and finding happiness later in life, encompassing a long first marriage, a decades-long partnership that never led to marriage, and a second, joyful chapter in his late 80s. This article delves into the complete, updated timeline of his relationships, the women who shared his life, and the family he built.

Dick Van Dyke: Full Biography and Relationship Timeline

To fully appreciate the context of his marriages, here is a detailed biographical profile and timeline of the key relationships in Dick Van Dyke's life, including his two wives and one long-term partner.

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• Full Name: Richard Wayne Van Dyke
• Born: December 13, 1925, in West Plains, Missouri
• Current Age: 99 (Approaching his 100th birthday)
• Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Singer, Dancer, Writer
• Notable Works: The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Diagnosis: Murder
• Siblings: Jerry Van Dyke (younger brother, deceased)
• Children: Four (with first wife Margie Willett)

Relationship Timeline

• 1948: Marries first wife, Margie Willett.
• 1948–1984: Marriage to Margie Willett (36 years).
• 1951–1966: Birth of his four children: Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth.
• 1976: Begins relationship with Michelle Triola while still married to Margie Willett.
• 1984: Divorces Margie Willett.
• 1976–2009: Long-term relationship with Michelle Triola (33 years). They never married.
• 2008: First wife, Margie Willett, passes away.
• 2009: Long-term partner, Michelle Triola, passes away.
• 2012: Marries second wife, Arlene Silver.

The First Chapter: Margie Willett and the Family Foundation

Dick Van Dyke's first marriage was a cornerstone of his early life and career, lasting for 36 years.

A Wartime Wedding and Four Children

He met Margie Willett, an aspiring actress, in his hometown of Danville, Illinois.

The couple spontaneously tied the knot on February 12, 1948, during a live radio broadcast on the show Bride and Groom, a moment of whimsy that kicked off their long union.

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Over the course of their marriage, they welcomed four children: sons Christian and Barry, and daughters Stacy and Carrie Beth.

Christian, born in 1951, is the eldest, followed by Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth.

The family grew up alongside Van Dyke's rising fame from *The Dick Van Dyke Show* and *Mary Poppins*.

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The End of a Long Marriage

Despite the length of their marriage, the couple faced significant challenges, including Van Dyke's struggles with alcoholism and his admitted affair with Michelle Triola.

The couple officially divorced in 1984.

Margie Willett passed away in 2008.

The 35-Year Partnership with Michelle Triola

Following his divorce, Dick Van Dyke entered into a long-term, committed relationship with Michelle Triola, a former dancer and secretary to his agent.

This partnership is crucial to understanding his personal timeline, as it spanned over three decades—a period longer than his first marriage.

The relationship began in 1976 and lasted until Triola's death in 2009.

Although they were together for 33 years, they never formalized their union through marriage.

Triola is famously known for her involvement in the landmark "palimony" case against actor Lee Marvin, though she and Van Dyke maintained a quiet, loving life together.

Her passing in 2009 left Van Dyke alone after a lifetime of shared companionship.

The Second Marriage: Arlene Silver and the Secret to Longevity

After a period of being single, Dick Van Dyke found love again with makeup artist Arlene Silver, who is now his second and current wife.

Their meeting was a serendipitous moment at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2006.

Silver was working as a makeup artist at the event, and the two quickly bonded over their shared love of music and life.

The 46-Year Age Gap

The most discussed aspect of their relationship is the 46-year age difference: Van Dyke is 99, and Silver is 54 (as of a recent report).

Despite the scrutiny and initial surprise from some, the couple has consistently defended their bond, emphasizing their deep connection and mutual respect.

Van Dyke has publicly credited Silver with helping him maintain his youthful energy and zest for life.

He often says that his young wife keeps him active and engaged, a sentiment he shares in his recent memoir, *100 Rules for Living to 100*.

A Leap Day Wedding

The couple married on February 29, 2012, a unique "Leap Day" wedding.

In non-leap years, they celebrate their anniversary on February 28, marking over a decade of marriage.

Arlene Silver is an accomplished singer and dancer, and the couple frequently performs together with their band, The Vantastix, showcasing their shared passion for entertainment.

Their marriage is a testament to the fact that love can be found at any age and that companionship is a vital ingredient for a long, happy life.

Summary of Dick Van Dyke's Wives and Key Relationships

In total, Dick Van Dyke has been married two times, but his life has been defined by three significant, long-term relationships.

The list below clarifies the two official marriages and the one enduring partnership that bridged the gap:

• Wife 1: Margie Willett (Married 1948, Divorced 1984)
  • Duration: 36 years
  • Status: Divorced (Margie passed away in 2008)
  • Children: Christian, Barry, Stacy, Carrie Beth
• Long-Term Partner: Michelle Triola (Together 1976, Died 2009)
  • Duration: 33 years
  • Status: Never Married (Michelle passed away in 2009)
  • Children: None with Van Dyke
• Wife 2: Arlene Silver (Married 2012, Present)
  • Duration: Over 13 years and counting
  • Status: Happily Married
  • Age Gap: 46 years

As Dick Van Dyke continues to defy age and remain active in his late nineties, his relationship with Arlene Silver is a central part of his story. His life’s journey, marked by two marriages and a profound partnership, highlights a resilience and capacity for love that mirrors the optimism he brought to the screen for generations of fans.