Dick Van Dyke Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Dick Van Dyke’s Net Worth?

With a net worth of $50 million, Dick Van Dyke stands out as a legendary actor, comedian, director, and producer. His wealth stems from numerous successful acting roles in films, musicals, TV sitcoms, and dramas, complemented by his skills as a director and producer. He is widely recognized for his performances in classic musical films such as “Bye Bye Birdie” (1963), “Mary Poppins” (1964), and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (1968), among many others.

Beginning his career as a dancer on Broadway in the 1940s, Van Dyke made his film debut in 1949 and subsequently starred in various hit comedies. His portrayal of Bert in “Mary Poppins” catapulted him to international stardom, earning him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards.

Moreover, Van Dyke enjoyed a thriving television career, featuring prominently in the sitcom “The Dick Van Dyke Show” from 1961 to 1966, a series that achieved both critical and commercial acclaim, winning multiple awards including five Emmy Awards. He also appeared in the sitcoms “The New Dick Van Dyke Show” (1971-1974) and “Diagnosis Murder” (1993-2001).

Alongside acting, Van Dyke showcases his talents in singing and dancing. He has released several albums and participated in various Broadway musicals. Additionally, he is known for being a skilled ventriloquist, often performing with his puppet, Mortimer Snerd, over the years.

Some of the other significant accomplishments in Van Dyke’s illustrious career include:

• A total of five Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award.
• Receiving the Kennedy Center Honor in 2004.
• Induction into the Television Hall of Fame in 1996.
• Awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2007.

Early Life

Born Richard Wayne Van Dyke on December 13, 1925, in West Plains, Missouri, he was raised by his mother, Hazel Victoria (née McCord), a stenographer, and his father, Loren Wayne “Cookie” Van Dyke, a salesman. He grew up in Danville, Illinois, alongside his younger brother Jerry Van Dyke, who also pursued an acting career.

In 1944, as a senior in high school, Dick left to join the United States Army Air Forces, aiming to train as a pilot during World War II. Although he faced multiple rejections due to being underweight, he eventually found acceptance as a radio announcer and later served in Special Services, entertaining troops.

Career

In the late 1940s, Van Dyke began his journey as a radio DJ in his hometown. He formed a comedy duo with pantomime performer Phil Erickson, touring the West Coast and appearing on a local television show, “The Merry Mutes,” in Atlanta during the early 1950s. His initial TV appearances also included “Chance of a Lifetime” in 1954, “The Phil Silvers Show” (1957-1958), “The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom” on ABC, and “The Polly Bergen Show” on NBC. Van Dyke made his Broadway debut in 1959 with “The Girls Against the Boys” and went on to star in “Bye Bye Birdie” from 1960 to 1961, earning a Tony Award for Best Featured.

In 1961, the musical won four additional Tony Awards.

From 1961, Van Dyke headlined his CBS sitcom, “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” portraying comedy writer Rob Petrie. The series aired until 1966, during which he earned three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. The show itself garnered four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series. Joining him was a stellar cast, featuring notable actors like Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Jerry Paris, Ann Morgan Guilbert, and Mary Tyler Moore. Following this, Van Dyke embarked on a different sitcom titled “The New Dick Van Dyke Show,” which spanned from 1971 to 1974. Although this series didn’t achieve the same success as his debut, he still garnered a Golden Globe nomination for his role. The third show bearing his name, “Van Dyke and Company,” was a brief sketch comedy series that included Andy Kaufman and Super Save Osborne. Though it lasted only three months, it won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy-Variety Series.

Alongside his television roles, Van Dyke had a thriving film career. Making his film debut in 1963 with the adaptation of the hit musical “Bye Bye Birdie,” which he had previously starred in on Broadway, he later featured in the iconic Walt Disney movie “Mary Poppins” (1964) as the character Bert, who speaks with a cockney accent. However, Dick’s portrayal of that accent is often regarded as one of the least convincing in cinematic history. During the remainder of the 1960s, he took part in several films that generally underperformed at the box office, with the exception of the musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (1968). In fact, his film roles influenced his television career; after appearing in the movie “Dick Tracy” (1990) as D.A. Fletcher, he was invited to portray Dr. Mark Sloan in an episode of “Jake and the Fatman.” This led to the creation of his own show featuring the Sloan character, “Diagnosis: Murder,” which aired from 1993 to 2001. Various family members, including his son Barry Van Dyke and grandsons Shane and Carey Van Dyke, have appeared in multiple episodes of “Diagnosis: Murder.”

Other Work

Beyond being a celebrated actor, Van Dyke is also an accomplished author, having released five books including “Altar Egos” (1967) and “Faith, Hope, and Hilarity.”

(1970), “Those Funny Kids!” (1975), “My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business” (2011), “Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths About Aging” (2015).

Personal Life

In February of 1948, Dick Van Dyke tied the knot with his first wife, Margerie Willett, during a live broadcast of the radio show “Bride and Groom.” Together, they raised four children. After a lengthy separation, the couple finalized their divorce in 1984.

Subsequently, Dick shared his life with his long-term partner, Michelle Triola Marvin, until her death in 2009; their relationship spanned over three decades.

In 2012, Van Dyke wed makeup artist Arlene Silver, who is 46 years younger than him.

Dick has been candid about his battle with alcoholism, having sought treatment for his addiction in 1972. Additionally, he was a heavy smoker for the majority of his adult life but announced in 2013 that he had quit, opting for Nicorette gum to manage his cravings.

Malibu Mansion

In September 1986, Dick acquired a sizable property in Malibu, California, for $750,000. Presently, the property is valued at $7-8 million.