Let the trumpets sound! Disneyland is throwing one BIG fantasy birthday party on Sunday, Dec. 13 to celebrate their favorite son's 90th birthday. (They're going to have a parade, a dedication in the Jolly Holiday Bakery with a birthday cupcake, a serenade in New Orleans Square -- fans are invited to come dressed up as their favorite DVD character for the day .... plus we hear there might be a flash mob performing for him at The Grove in L.A. Dec. 12 at 9 a.m.)
Yes, that's right, comedian Dick Van Dyke will turn 90-years-old on Sunday. Hard to believe that the "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" actor has reached this birthday milestone. Time flies!
The Huffington Post had the pleasure of conducting an in-depth interview with the star of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" when he was just 87. He shared so many personal secrets including the hardest obstacle he ever had to get over, the worst day in his career, the secret to his longevity in the entertainment business, did he ever want to be Cary Grant, and how it felt to be a newlywed when he married his lady -- 46 years his junior -- Arlene Silver (who is the love of his life!). Read the full article here.
We decided to revisit the happiest guy on the planet as he turns 90 and ask him the following 11 questions, just because we love him so much! Enjoy.
At 90, looking back on your life, what are you most nostalgic about in your career?
We -- the cast -- always say that "The Dick Van Dyke Show" was the most fun, creative years of our lives. I'd still be doing it if they'd let me!
We all knew everyday on the set when we were making "Mary Poppins" that we were creating something special. With Walt, Julie, the Sherman Brothers' score ... when I saw the finished movie, I couldn't believe it!
What is your earliest memory that keeps popping back in your head from your childhood?
I remember my childhood better than I remember what I had for breakfast. I guess that's what happens as you get older, your long-term memory improves and your short-term goes out the window. When I was five, my brother Jerry was born. By the time I was seven, I was babysitting him.
What does it feel like to be 90?
I feel better than I thought I would at 90 and I'm having the best time of my life.
Carl Reiner told me -- when he turned 90 -- that he can now tell the truth. Do you feel like you can be more open about anything and everything now that you're 90?
As you get older, you care less and less what other people think.
We did a lengthy interview just after you turned 87. I learned a lot about you and was so inspired! You had a bucket list at 87, so what's on your bucket list at 90?
My bucket list is to live to 100 and to work with some of our great actors: Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Kevin Spacey and Bryan Cranston.
What's the one piece of advice you would really like people to focus on in your book "Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths About Aging" -- if they haven't read it -- that would motivate them in their twilight years?
I say it over and over again in the book, "Don't go down the stairs sideways." At first it feels better, but slowly you start to favor one side and then your whole body is out of balance. Another piece of advice: Don't procrastinate!
What would you tell someone who is 20- or 30-something to stop fretting about?
I would tell young people to stop worrying so much. Most of what you're worried about never comes true. I read somewhere that worrying is a waste of your imagination.
People age differently. Someone who is 50 could look 70 and someone who is 70 might look like they are 50. Do you think stress and fast living can age a person or do you just think it's in the gene pool?
Good genes can only take you so far. Stress and negative thoughts can eat you up inside, and it's been proven time and time again that smoking, drinking, drugs and other hard living [habits] are bad for your insides and outsides. I prefer soft living.
When was the last time you felt pressure to look younger or did you ever feel that pressure?
The one time I wished I were younger was when I met Arlene.
Your wife, Arlene, has clearly been a blessing in your life. Even though she's 44 and you're turning 90, the two of you are compatible on so many levels. What does that kind of happiness feel like?
It feels wonderful. We do everything together. She doesn't have a neurotic bone in her body. She always wakes up on the right side of the bed. She's a pleasure to be around. That's a nice partner to have!
If you had one do-over from your life, a decision you made that you could change -- no matter what age you were -- what would it be?
I would have married Arlene sooner!
Check out this nostalgic clip from "Mary Poppins." -- Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Fans can follow Dick's birthday events at @DVDturns90 on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
You can buy "Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths About Aging" at any Barnes & Noble or online at barnesandnoble.com or Amazon.com
Follow Dick on Twitter: @iammrvandy
Follow Arlene on Twitter: @speakyteeth
Earlier on Huff/Post50:
