Dick Van Dyke made a special public appearance, alongside his wife Arlene Silver, when they attended the new exhibit featuring the works of his longtime photographer Laura Johansen.
Moments In Time Portraits By Laura Johansen, which focuses on the past decade of Van Dyke’s life, opened on Sunday at Malibu City Hall.
The Mary Poppins legend, who happens to be gearing up for his 98th birthday special for CBS, arrived with family and friends by his side, on what turned out to be another gorgeous Southern California day.
Still looking sprightly, the living legend was first seen driving in the front passenger’s seat with his wife, and then moments later making his way to the entrance doors.
Johansen’s work captured the iconic actor and entertainer during a number of important milestone, such as his Kennedy Center Honors ceremony in 2021.
Legendary entertainer: Dick Van Dyke, 97, still had a pep to his step when he and his wife Arlene Silver, 52, attended the opening of Moments In Time Portraits By Laura Johansen at Malibu City Hall on Sunday
Sporting a full beard and mustache, Van Dyke looked amazing dressed in a tweed blazer with black pants, a white dress shirt, black pants and matching sneakers.
The West Plains, Missouri native looked to be in a grand mood, while walking on his own, with the slight help of a cane, with wife Arlene to his right.
Johansen can be seen walking just behind Van Dyke before and after attending her photo art exhibit.
Silver, 52, whose now been married with Van Dyke for more than 11 years, was all smiles next to her husband in an all-black ensemble consisting of slacks and a matching plunging top.
One of his four children, Barry Van Dyke, was also seen lending his support for his father and Johansen’s photography.
The previous couple of days the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star promoted the opening of the exhibit, which went from noon to 2:30pm PT, on his Instagram page.
In the caption he revealed how ‘so many never before seen pictures and prints will be available for purchase.’
A video featuring several pieces from the collection was shared on the actor’s official Instagram page, encouraging fans to come visit the exhibit.
The iconic star of The Dick Van Dyke Show was first spotted arriving in the passenger’s seat of his wife’s vehicle moments before making their way to the exhibit
Celebration upcoming: Van Dyke is just days away from being celebrated in a CBS special, in recognition of his 98th birthday
Show of support: Van Dyke and Silver can be seen walking just in front of Johansen
Looking good: Sporting a full beard and mustache, the iconic Mary Poppins star looked amazing dressed in a tweed blazer with black pants, a white dress shirt, black pants and matching sneakers
Going strong: The couple have been married for more than 11 years and counting
Family matters: Barry Van Dyke, 72, who’s is one of Van Dyke’s four adult children, was also on hand to lend his support for the opening
The couple ended up leaving the reception after Van Dyke took some questions for about an hour in the auditorium.
Fans will also be able to celebrate the iconic entertainer’s life and career when CBS airs Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic special, in honor of his 98th birthday.
‘I started with CBS under contract in 1955 with the CBS morning show, then The Dick Van Dyke Show and Diagnosis Murder,’ Van Dyke said in a statement, as reported by People, before adding, ‘I’ve been with the CBS family for almost 70 years, and I couldn’t be prouder.’
He continued, ‘I’m incredibly honored that CBS will be throwing a 98th birthday special for me. Can’t wait to be part of the show!’
Promo mode: Van Dyke has been promoting the opening of the exhibit the last couple of days on his Instagram page
For sale: ‘Please join us for the opening reception as we celebrate Dick Van Dyke’s personal photographer @alauradesign! So many never before seen pictures and prints will be available for purchase,’ the caption read, also asking fans to come dressed in their favorite Dick Van Dyke inspired outfits
Life in pictures: Moments In Time Portraits By Laura Johansen focuses on the past decade of Van Dyke’s life
The focus: Johansen’s work captured the iconic actor and entertainer during a number of important milestone events, such as his Kennedy Center Honors ceremony in 2021
Classic: The actor, singer and dancer is best known for a number of role, including the hit CBS series The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966); he plated Rob Petrie with co-stars Rose Marie (Sally Rogers), Mary Tyler Moore (Laura Petrie) and Morey Amsterdam (Buddy Sorrell)
Classic: Van Dyke is also forever recognized for his role in Mary Poppins (1964), alongside co-star Julie Andrews, as well as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
An official description of the special reads: ‘A Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award winner, Van Dyke has inspired generations of performers and will be honored for his contributions to the arts and entertainment.
‘The tribute will travel back in time to the iconic set of The Dick Van Dyke Show and feature music and dance, performances, special guests and a special holiday number.’
It goes on to add: ‘The two-hour tribute event will also showcase songs and archival footage from the best of his nearly full-century career, encompassing Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and more.’
Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic is set to air on Thursday, December 21 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
