The Hollywood legend was mistakenly announced dead this morning, despite being very much alive
Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday in December(Image: Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke was declared dead on live radio this morning in what turned out to be an awkward blunder. During the entertainment news update of the Heart Radio’s Breakfast Show, reporter Ashley Roberts announced the 100-year-old actor, who celebrated his landmark birthday in December, had “passed away”.
Broadcasting live, she announced: “Dawson’s Creek’s Dick Van Dyke has passed away.” Heart presenter Jamie Theakston quickly corrected the error, saying: “Not Dick Van Dyke – come on. If you’re going to do a sensitive moment, if you’re going to do an obituary, you can’t just say Dick Van Dyke.”
Fellow presenter Amanda Holden said “he’s alive” as Roberts added: “Yes, he’s 100-years-old.”
The former Pussycat Doll had intended to announce the death of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, whose death was announced yesterday, February 11. The 48-year-old actor, who also appeared in One Tree Hill and How I Met your Mother, died age 48 following a battle with bowel cancer.
Apologising for the mix-up, Roberts said: “Oh my gosh, we spoke about this, I’m so sorry.”
She then clarified that it was actually James Van Der Beek who had died before offering another apology for her blunder, The Mirror reports.
Van Der Beek became a household name portraying Dawson Leery in the beloved American teen drama, which aired for six series between 1998 and 2003. Former co-star Busy Philipps shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, just months after the cast came together to support fundraising efforts for his cancer care.
Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek died age 48 following a cancer battle(Image: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
She said: “My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today. Every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister.
“But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Kerr Smith, who appeared alongside Van Der Beek for five series as Jack McPhee. He posted on Instagram: “I’m so grateful for being able to call James a brother. I’ll miss him deeply. Rest Easy.”
A statement issued by his wife Kimberly on behalf of the family read: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning.
“He met his final days with courage, faith and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time.
“Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
Meanwhile, Dick Van Dyke continues to flourish after marking his 100th birthday milestone in December.
Speaking on the Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast last year about his remarkable longevity, he said: “Somebody said, ‘To what do you attribute your age and physical condition?’ and I said, ‘I’ve always exercised’. Three days a week, we go to the gym – still. I get down and do a lot of stretching and yoga-type things, sit-ups.”
Ensure our latest news and what’s on headlines always appear at the top of your Google search by making us a preferred source. Click here to activate or add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings.