Dick Van Dyke was born Richard Wayne Van Dyke on a specific date in West Plains, Missouri, to Hazel Victoria (McCord),a diligent stenographer, and Loren Wayne Van Dyke, a skilled salesman. His younger brother was the accomplished entertainer Jerry Van Dyke. Dick's ancestry boasts a rich tapestry of English, Dutch, Scottish, German, and Swiss-German heritage.
Prior to his rise to stardom, Van Dyke had secured small roles in various productions. However, it was his breakthrough performance in the iconic musical "Bye-Bye Birdie" (1960) that earned him a Tony Award, catapulting him to fame. This success was later replicated in the film adaptation, Bye Bye Birdie (1963). Throughout his illustrious career, Van Dyke has starred in numerous films, including the beloved Mary Poppins (1964),Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968),and Fitzwilly (1967),as well as a multitude of successful television series, earning him no less than four Emmy Awards and three made-for-CBS movies.
In the 1970s, Dick separated from his first wife, Margie Willett, and later became involved with Michelle Triola. During his initial decade-long marriage to Margie, the couple welcomed four children: Barry Van Dyke, Carrie Beth Van Dyke, Christian Van Dyke, and Stacy Van Dyke, all of whom are now in their sixties and seventies, and have married themselves. Dick has seven grandchildren, including Shane Van Dyke, Carey Van Dyke, Wes Van Dyke, and Taryn Van Dyke (Barry's children),who often appear alongside him on the popular television series Diagnosis Murder (1993).
