Who is Dick Van Dyke Married To? Meet His Loving Partner Arlene Silver
Arlene Silver – Dick Van Dyke’s Wife and Partner in Life
Dick Van Dyke, the legendary Hollywood actor known for his performances in iconic films such as Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, is married to the talented Arlene Silver. Their relationship has drawn attention due to their remarkable 46-year age difference, but this couple proves that love transcends age. Dick and Arlene met in 2006, and despite their different stages of life, they found common ground in their shared passions for the arts, humor, and life.
This love story has not only captured the interest of fans but also defied Hollywood conventions. Arlene Silver, a professional makeup artist, wasn’t initially aware of Dick’s celebrity status when they first met, which gave them a unique foundation based on genuine connection. Their bond was nurtured over the years, leading to a heartfelt romance.
How Did Dick Van Dyke Meet Arlene Silver?
The couple’s love story began at the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) in 2006, where Arlene was working as a makeup artist. Their first encounter was unorthodox—Dick Van Dyke, known for his joyful personality, jumped up and introduced himself, sparking a friendship that blossomed into romance. Arlene’s radiant spirit caught Dick’s attention immediately. In an interview with People, Dick remarked, “I never approached a strange woman in my life, and I just for some reason had an instinct. She was different.”
Over time, their friendship grew deeper, with Arlene becoming a support system for Dick, particularly during moments of grief, such as the loss of his former partner, Michelle Triola in 2009:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Their bond strengthened as they navigated life together, culminating in a spontaneous decision to marry.
The Age Gap Between Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver
One of the most notable aspects of their relationship is their significant age difference—46 years to be exact. At the time of their marriage in 2012, Dick was 86, and Arlene was 40. Despite the public scrutiny, the couple has expressed how irrelevant the age gap is in their lives. In fact, it has become a subject of humor for the two.
Dick playfully refers to Arlene as his “child bride” and attributes the success of their relationship to their shared joy and love of life. Arlene commented, “We don’t think about it, we just meet in the middle.” Their shared interests in music and dance have helped them build a strong foundation. This sentiment was echoed in their public appearances, where they often perform together.
A Look Back at Dick Van Dyke’s First Marriage
Before Arlene, Dick Van Dyke was married to Margie Willett for over three decades. The couple tied the knot in 1948 and shared four children: Barry, Christian, Carrie Beth, and Stacy. Their marriage lasted until 1984, after which Dick entered a long-term relationship with actress Michelle Triola. Sadly, Michelle passed away in 2009, and it was during this difficult period that Arlene stepped into Dick’s life, providing comfort and support:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Key Milestones in Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver’s Relationship
Their relationship has been filled with memorable moments, both personal and professional. The couple got married on February 29, 2012—Leap Day—adding a whimsical element to their union. As Dick shared with People, “It was on the spur of the moment. We just decided Leap Day would be the best time to do it.” Since then, they’ve celebrated their anniversary on February 28 every year.
In terms of their public appearances, Dick and Arlene have graced red carpets together, including the premiere of Mary Poppins Returns in 2018:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Arlene has also supported Dick in his acting endeavors, and in a 2023 interview, she spoke fondly about their playful dynamic on screen when they appeared together on Days of Our Lives.
The Role of Music and Dance in Their Relationship
A shared love of music and dance has been central to Dick and Arlene’s connection. Arlene, who has a beautiful voice, often performs with Dick, and they are known to sing and dance together at events. Their performances capture the joy and happiness they find in each other. Arlene shared on her Instagram account, “He got me to sing up on a stage and sang in front of 1,500 people for the first time,” revealing how Dick has brought out her confidence.
This shared passion has also been an integral part of their everyday life. “We dance together every day,” Arlene said during an interview with Entertainment Tonight:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. They even entertained fans during the pandemic by posting videos of themselves dancing in their home:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
The Importance of Family in Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver’s Life
Despite the significant age difference, Arlene has been warmly embraced by Dick’s family, including his four children and grandchildren. “My grandkids call her Grandma,” Dick said proudly during an interview. Arlene’s support has not only brought joy into Dick’s life, but she has also become a beloved figure within his family:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
Overcoming Public Scrutiny
Being a high-profile couple, Dick and Arlene have faced their share of public skepticism, primarily due to their age gap. However, they’ve addressed the criticisms with grace, often using humor to deflect negativity. Dick’s positivity and infectious joy have made it easy for the public to root for their love story.
Their love, however, is far from typical Hollywood glamour; instead, it’s grounded in mutual respect, admiration, and companionship. “We take good care of each other,” Arlene remarked in a candid interview, showcasing the authenticity of their relationship:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
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Quotes from Dick Van Dyke:
– “I’ve never approached a strange woman in my life, and I just for some reason had an instinct. She was different.” – People
– “We dance together every day.” – Entertainment Tonight
Quotes from Arlene Silver:
– “I’m very aware that I have a national treasure on my hands.” – HuffPost
– “We don’t think about it, we just meet in the middle.” – People
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| Character | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Dick Van Dyke | Born December 13, 1925. Legendary actor, known for his roles in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. Married to Arlene Silver since 2012. |
| Arlene Silver | Born September 21, 1971. Professional makeup artist, singer, and dancer. Married to Dick Van Dyke since 2012. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dick Van Dyke married to now?
Dick Van Dyke is married to Arlene Silver. The couple tied the knot in 2012 after several years of friendship.
How did Dick Van Dyke meet Arlene Silver?
The couple met at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2006, where Arlene was working as a makeup artist.
What is the age difference between Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver?
There is a 46-year age difference between Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver, but the couple insists it does not affect their relationship.
Did Dick Van Dyke have children with Arlene Silver?
No, Dick Van Dyke’s children are from his first marriage to Margie Willett.
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References:
people.com
hollywoodlife.com
huffpost.com
etonline.com
