Dick Van Dyke, at the remarkable age of 99, has opened up about his thriving marriage to Arlene Silver, who is 46 years his junior. In a recent interview with People magazine, the beloved actor shared insights into their 13-year relationship, emphasizing that their significant age gap has not hindered their bond.
Van Dyke, who is just seven months shy of his 100th birthday, reminisced about the first encounter with Silver, now 53, at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in January 2007. Despite his usual shyness, he felt an unexplainable urge to approach her. "I never said hello to a strange girl in my life. I was too scared," he recalled. "But I was at a show backstage, and she walked by, and for some reason, I just jumped up and said, ‘Hi, I’m Dick.’ There’s something about her that got me, and I was right."
The couple married in February 2012 during a private ceremony in Malibu, and they have faced skepticism about their relationship due to their age difference. However, both Van Dyke and Silver have consistently maintained that their connection transcends age. "We get along so well," Van Dyke stated in the interview. "Everybody said it wouldn’t work." Silver echoed his sentiments, adding, "I mean it’s, like, eerie how well it works. People the same age don’t last."
Their relationship has flourished despite criticism. Van Dyke explained that he married someone half his age, and many thought he was crazy for doing so. However, he describes Silver as "an absolute angel," praising her talents in singing and cooking, which add joy to their home. "Emotionally I’m about 13. She’s very, very wise for her age, so I’m just having the time of my life," he remarked in a previous interview with HuffPost in February 2013.
Silver has also shared her perspective on their age gap, noting that it was never a significant concern for her. In a July 2024 interview with Entertainment Tonight, she mentioned, "We were friends for so long that when I told people that I know, they were happy about our relationship, and I was scared. I mean, the facts, our age difference. But it’s so irrelevant. I think when you see us together, it’s like you don’t think about it."
Van Dyke's previous marriage to Margie Willet lasted from 1948 to 1984, and they had four children together: Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth. After his divorce, he was in a long-term relationship with Michelle Triola Marvin from 1976 until her death in 2009. Now, with Silver, he has found a renewed sense of joy and companionship.
In the face of societal norms and expectations, Van Dyke and Silver's love story stands out as a testament to the idea that age is just a number. Their relationship has sparked conversations about love across generations, challenging preconceived notions about compatibility based on age.
As they continue to navigate life together, Van Dyke's playful spirit and Silver's maturity create a unique dynamic that resonates with many. Their story serves as a reminder that love can blossom in unexpected ways, defying conventional wisdom and societal judgments.
Van Dyke's enduring charm and Silver's youthful energy combine to create a partnership that is both inspiring and heartwarming. With their shared interests and mutual respect, they exemplify how love can thrive, regardless of age differences.
In an era where relationships often face scrutiny, Van Dyke and Silver have proven that their bond is built on a foundation of understanding and affection. As they celebrate their years together, their love story remains a beacon of hope for those who believe in the power of love to transcend barriers.
As Van Dyke approaches his 100th birthday, he reflects on the joy that Silver has brought into his life. Their relationship continues to flourish, demonstrating that true companionship knows no bounds.
