Dick Van Dyke, 98, seen for first time since cancelling look
Dick Van Dyke was seen for the first time since canceling an upcoming public appearance as the star stepped out to run errands in LA this week.
The screen icon, 98, leaned on a leopard print walking stick as he chatted with a companion during the day.
The Mary Poppins star looked sprightly in a pale blue shirt and joggers as he toted a bag on his outing.
This comes after the star was forced to cancel his first public appearance outside of Los Angeles in months due to old age.
The Diagnosis Murder star – who will turn 99 in December – was due to appear at the three day FanX event from September 26-29 in Salt Lake City.
Dick Van Dyke was seen for the first time since canceling an upcoming public appearance as the star stepped out to run errands in LA this week
A statement from the organizers read: ‘We are sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke is not able to travel to FanX.
‘He expresses his gratitude to all of those who continue to support him but, at almost 99 years of age, traveling and interacting with thousands of people is more than he is able to do at this time.’
Van Dyke previously attended the event back in 2017.
He was last seen in public earlier this month at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards and joked he’s still ‘looking for work’ before turning 99 years of age.
The star attended the Fan Fusion convention in Phoenix in May.
Van Dyke recently tied a record set by Norman Lear as the oldest Emmy winners, both doing so at 98 (Lear in 2020).
He won Outstanding Variety Special for his 2023 birthday special Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic at the Creative Arts Emmys on Saturday.
After receiving the award, Van Dyke told reporters (via People) that he hoped to be remembered for ‘laughter.’ He remained seated on the red carpet in the winner’s room.
‘I hope for making people laugh for 75 years. I’ve been in the business 75 years. I can’t believe that I’m still here and performing,’ he said.
The screen icon, 98, leaned on a leopard print walking stick as he chatted with a companion during the day
The Mary Poppins star looked sprightly in a pale blue shirt and joggers as he toted a bag on his outing
The star was stepping out after pulling out of a recent fan expo
Van Dyke was spotted running errands in Malibu
Van Dyke recently tied a record set by Norman Lear as the oldest Emmy winners, both doing so at 98
The icon played Bert in legendary 1964 musical Mary Poppins – seen with Julie Andrews
The star is also known for his role as Dr Mark Sloan in Diagnosis Murder alongside real life son Barry as his onscreen son Steve – pictured 1993
The legendary funnyman looked around the room and then joked, ‘I’m looking for work if anybody has.’
When asked what advice he would give to younger performers, he said to stick with the craft.
‘You have to stick with it. You’re gonna go through hard times and a lot of auditions … but you have to stay with it,’ Van Dyke said.
‘Be patient if you’ve got the confidence in yourself, and it’s very important to believe that you can do it,’ he added.
When asked if he had any plans for his 99th birthday, the icon said, ‘Just praying that I make it,’ with one of his trademark laughs.
When asked how he was feeling as he walked to the vehicle, Van Dyke just said, ‘I’m very old’ with another laugh,
