Fans Concerned After Dick Van Dyke Cancels Second Appearance In Two Weeks
on Sep 23, 2024
Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke was scheduled to appear at an upcoming fan convention in Utah, but canceled roughly a week after he missed the Emmy Awards.
At the last minute, Van Dyke opted out of attending last Sunday’s 76th Primetime Emmys, where he was slated to present an award. Fans were disappointed but grew concerned after it was announced Saturday (September 21) that the television legend would also be missing the FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention September 26-28.
A statement posted by the convention announced the cancelation.
“We are sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke is not able to travel to FanX,” the statement reads. “He expresses his gratitude to all of those who 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.”
📣 Show Update 📣
— FanX® Salt Lake Comic Convention™ (@fanxsaltlake) September 21, 2024
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 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. pic.twitter.com/qkFq0Byenk
Fans reacted to the news in overwhelming support of Van Dyke, with many saying that they wholeheartedly supported his decision to put his health first. Others shared their disappointment. One fan wrote, “I admit I’m very slightly disappointed, but I also kind of figured he wasn’t gonna be able to make it because of his age. I still wish him the best and lots of love.”
Others wrote, “Sad! I was really hoping to get a chance to see him since I missed him previously,” and “I hope he’s okay. He’s amazing, and he definitely should take it easy. He’s absolutely a legend.”
At 98 years old, Van Dyke has remained active and is often seen out and about with his wife of 12 years, Arlene Silver.
The New York Post captured a video of the actor leaving the pharmacy after missing the Emmys. When asked how he was feeling, he laughed and replied, “I feel old.”
The “Mary Poppins” star turns 99 in December. When asked about his plans for the big event, he joked, “Just praying that I make it.”
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Dick Van Dyke’s Career And Legacy
With a career spanning more than seven decades, few in the entertainment industry can hold a candle to the success Dick Van Dyke has achieved.
The actor, singer, dancer, and comedian has won a Grammy, 6 Emmys, and a Tony Award. Four of the Emmys were won due to his work on The Dick Van Dyke Show, a comedy show co-starring Mary Tyler Moore that aired from 1961 to 1966.
Most recently, Dick was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors where his “Mary Poppins” co-star Julie Andrews and others paid tribute to his career.
And in 2024, he became the oldest recipient of a Daytime Emmy Award for his guest role on Days of Our Lives. See his Emmy-winning appearance in the video below.
