Dick Van Dyke has revealed that he has no plans to retire despite at times struggling with his short-term memory.
The iconic actor, 98, admitted he cannot recall his role in 2018’s Mary Poppins Returns, in which he played bank manager Mr Dawes Junior after appearing as Bert and Mr Dawes Senior in the 1964 original.
He told Deadline: ‘I can’t remember what I had for breakfast, but my long-term memory is only getting better.’
Dick spoke of plans to tour in a one man show and recalls stories from his lengthy career but when asked about his memories of retuning to the Mary Poppins franchise said: ‘I have to be honest, I can’t remember. I really can’t.’
Despite this he is not slowing down and recently made his TV comeback with a guest role in soap Days Of Our Lives, for which he’s been nominated for a Daytime Emmy.
Dick Van Dyke, 98, has revealed that he has no plans to retire despite at times struggling with his short-term memory (pictured last month)
The iconic actor admitted he cannot recall his role in 2018’s Mary Poppins Returns, in which he played bank manager Mr Dawes Junior (pictured)
He originally appeared Bert and Mr Dawes Senior in the 1964 original (pictured with co-star Julie Andrews)
Gushing: ‘I’ve just done my first soap opera, never done that before! I played an old guy, of course, in a wheelchair. My wife [Arlene Silver, 52] played my attendant’.
Mary Poppins Return saw Emily Blunt take over the role of the magical nanny from Julie Andrews and was joined in the cast by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Colin Firth and Meryl Streep.
Dick has become the oldest Daytime Emmy nominee in history for his role as amnesiac Timothy Robicheaux on soap opera Days of Our Lives.
He has previously won two coveted Daytime Emmy awards and four Primetime Emmys.
Producer Norman Lear was 100 when he received his final Primetime Emmy nomination in 2022 and died the next year.
Among those Van Dyke is up against include Australian actor Guy Pearce for Neighbours.
Three of his Primetime Emmy awards came in the 1960s for his classic comedy series The Dick Van Dyke Show.
He’s also known for his memorable roles in the beloved children’s movies Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Dick spoke of plans to tour in a one man show and recalls stories from his lengthy career but when asked about his memories of retuning to the Mary Poppins franchise said: ‘I have to be honest, I can’t remember. I really can’t’ (pictured at the movie’s 2018 premiere with wife Arlene Silver)
He said: ‘I can’t remember what I had for breakfast, but my long-term memory is only getting better.’ (pictured in the movie)
Mary Poppins Return saw Emily Blunt take over the role of the magical nanny from Julie Andrews and was joined in the cast by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Colin Firth and Meryl Streep
Despite this he is not slowing down and recently made his TV comeback with a guest role in soap Days Of Our Lives (pictured) for which he’s been nominated for a Daytime Emmy
He said last year of his role on Days of Our Lives: ‘I have played old men before, but comedy old men….This is the first time I ever just played my 97-year-old self.’
In a recent interview with CBS, he revealed he lacked ambition during his younger years and considers himself a ‘lazy person’ while reflecting on his prolific Hollywood career.
In a sit-down chat with CBS news correspondent Tracy Smith, the legendary entertainer was asked if he planned his career that has spanned more than seven decades in film, television and stage.
‘No. I never did. As a businessman, I’m not much good. I would do a movie or something and come home and just sit down and wait for the phone to ring,’ he said. ‘I wasn’t aggressive. So I was out of work a lot because I didn’t go out and look for it.’
‘And how did that sit with you?,’ Smith asked.
‘Well, I didn’t mind it. I’m pretty lazy really. When I’m having fun, you know, all right. But I’m a lazy person,’ he said with a laugh.