Dick Van Dyke Skips Vandy Camp Due to Health

Not gonna lie, this one stings a little. Dick Van Dyke—yeah, the legend himself—had to skip out on his own Vandy Camp event this weekend, and honestly? My inner child is sulking. It’s like finding out Santa called in sick on Christmas Eve. He’s 99, still a total force of nature, but even icons get “not a good day” sometimes. Guess we all have those, just most of us don’t have to disappoint a room full of fans in Malibu.

So here’s what happened: Vandy Camp, that annual Malibu comedy thing where Dick usually steals the show with stories, jokes, and, let’s be real, probably better dance moves than I could ever pull off. But this year? No Dick. His wife, Arlene Silver, had to take the mic and break the news—he just wasn’t up for it. “When you’re 99 and a half, you have good days and bad days,” she told everyone. And Dick himself said, “Today is not a good day.” Honestly, even at my age, I get it. She was super gracious, a little choked up, and honestly handled it way better than I would have. Meanwhile, Dick was at home, watching the livestream, probably in a robe and slippers. Kind of adorable, honestly.
 

Fans didn’t hold back. Someone in the crowd said, “We are all greatly inspired by you and your work.” Another: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, Dick.” Twitter and Instagram went wild with #GetWellDick and so many heart emojis that it looked like Valentine’s Day exploded. One tweet hit: “Dick Van Dyke missing Vandy Camp is the universe’s way of telling us to take care of our legends while we still can.” Yeah, that one got me.

Let’s be honest, it’s wild how much we expect from legends like Dick Van Dyke—even after he made history as the oldest Daytime Emmy winner at 98. He’s always been that ageless, tap-dancing optimist, but even Mary Poppins’ chimney sweep needs a break. 

Not gonna lie, it’s a little emotional seeing him miss something he loves. I just hope he bounces back soon. If I could tell him anything, it’d be: rest up, legend—you’ve more than earned it.

Now I’m just here, thinking about all the joy Dick Van Dyke’s brought us over the years, and honestly, it’s weirdly emotional seeing him have to sit one out when you know how much he loves this stuff. I’m hoping he bounces back and makes it to the next Vandy Camp, cane in hand, probably cracking a joke about being “only 100.” If you could say something to Dick right now, what would you tell him?