DANVILLE — Danville’s own Dick Van Dyke will celebrate his 98th birthday on Wednesday.
The community celebrated him and his legacy the last time he was in Danville in 2016.
A CBS television special will air on Dec. 21 to celebrate the iconic actor and performer.
According to the CBS announcement, Dick Van Dyke is celebrating a milestone birthday this year, and CBS is honoring the iconic performer with a birthday bash he’ll never forget.
The network’s “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic” is an entertainment special honoring and celebrating the legendary career of the beloved actor and performer for his 98th birthday.
The extravaganza will air on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ on Thursday, Dec. 21, several days after the Mary Poppins actor celebrates his big day on Dec. 13.
“I started with CBS under contract in 1955 with the CBS morning show, then The Dick Van Dyke Show and Diagnosis Murder,” said Van Dyke in a statement. “I’ve been with the CBS family for almost 70 years, and I couldn’t be prouder. I’m incredibly honored that CBS will be throwing a 98th birthday special for me. Can’t wait to be part of the show.”
According to the press release, the Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award winner is “one of the most beloved and legendary stars. He has inspired generations of performers and will be honored for his incredible contributions to the arts and entertainment.”
“98 Years of Magic” will travel back in time to the iconic set of The Dick Van Dyke Show and feature dazzling music and dance spectacles, heartfelt performances, special guests and a magical holiday number. The two-hour tribute event also will showcase songs and archival footage from the best of his nearly full-century career, including “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and more, according to the special’s press release.
Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene Silver, partly produced the special.
While unfortunately no renovations have occurred with his and his late brother Jerry’s boyhood home on Hazel Street in Danville, many local residents have lasting memories reminiscing about Dick’s past visits here, his long career in show business and his love for and impact on Danville.
“We have a lot of famous people from here, but he was the one celebrity without anyone asking, to be an ambassador for our city,” previously said Jeanie Cooke, executive director of the Danville Area Visitors Bureau.
That’s been important to the entire community, Cooke said.
She remembers when he pulled in front of Danville High School in a replica “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” car and the students sang the Danville High School fight song.
“He knew every word. I thought that was remarkable,” she said.
Cooke said Van Dyke is one of a kind.
“He’s very unique and I think the community feels a lot of warmth for him because he remained a Danville boy and has been such an ambassador,” she added.