Films of the beloved entertainer are screening, fans are dressing up and there’s a carnival in Malibu
This Saturday will mark 100 years of Dick Van Dyke. The beloved entertainer has been popping up everywhere from the Today show to the cover of People magazine recently as generations of comedy fans celebrate the star’s centennial.
Van Dyke himself is marking the occasion at home in Malibu, watching a new documentary about his life with family and friends. You can also participate from home by binging 100 episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show on Catchy Comedy TV this weekend or with the premiere of American Masters: Starring Dick Van Dyke on PBS Friday. You could also contribute to feeding the needy at the Midnight Mission in Dick’s name; the actor has been a big supporter of the downtown nonprofit for many years.
Van Dyke’s wife, Arlene, is planning a public celebration, likely after the holidays, but this weekend, fans are still stepping in time and celebrating him at events all over town.
Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins (1965)Credit: Photo courtesy BT Archives/Fathom Events
Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration film screenings
A new feature-length documentary, Dick Van Dyke 100th Celebration, features rare footage of the performer in films like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in theaters this weekend only. Watch for interviews with old friends like Betty White and Carl Reiner. It’s playing on the big screen Saturday and Sunday at theaters including Universal Citywalk and the Americana at Brand in Glendale.
Dick Van Dyke & Chita Rivera in “Bye Bye Birdie”.Credit: Photo courtesy BT Archives/Fathom Events
Scroll to continue reading
Quentin Tarantino’s Vista Theater in East Hollywood will be screening two of Van Dyke’s films at its Video Archives Cinema Club. The Oscar-winning Mary Poppins and the less well-known Disney comedy Never a Dull Moment as well as a tribute to his silent-era heroes The Comic on December 12 and 13.
The Malibu Film Society presents dinner and a movie night at Ollo restaurant on Sunday, December 14. Registered guests receive 15% off the entire menu at Ollo. Following dinner, Mary Poppins will be screened at the seaside restaurant.
Sign a birthday card and eat Dick Van Dyke’s birthday cake at this two-day celebration at the Malibu Education Foundation Christmas tree lot. You can buy trees and support arts education from 10 to 7 pm. Friday’s festivities include food trucks, vendors, merch and carnival performances. On Saturday, you can enjoy music and photo ops with props and there’s a rumor that the place may fill with chimney sweeps at 1pm.
Unofficial fan meetup at Disneyland
An unofficial meeting of dapper fans dressed in fashions from Van Dyke’s famous films will converge on Disneyland on Sunday, December 21. Meet Bert and Mary from Mary Poppins, hear the Pearly Band and take a group ride on the King Arthur Carrousel.