Born Richard Wayne Van Dyke in West Plains, Missouri, Dick Van Dyke rose to become one of the most adored artists of his time. Van Dyke, who is known for his versatility, shot to fame in 1960 after earning a Tony Award for his performance in “Bye Bye Birdie,” which he later recreated in the 1963 movie adaptation.
But before he became well-known, he met his first wife, Margie Willett, in Danville, Illinois, when he was a young man.
Van Dyke said, “I started dating Margie Willett, a local girl I had known for years growing up in Danville, Illinois, when I was 20.”
Described as “earthy and artistic” by her ex-husband, Willett was not drawn to the glamour of Hollywood. Van Dyke remarked, “We were frequently confused for brother and sister because she avoided makeup and wore her hair short.”
Despite her husband’s rising fame, she focused on their expanding family instead. But there was some melancholy in their marriage. Despite her early miscarriage, the couple went on to have four children together.
Van Dyke met Michelle Triola, a former actress and legal secretary, during this trouble. Triola and Willett rapidly became friends because Triola understood the demands of show business better than Willett did.
The “Mary Poppins” star acknowledged that she was fiery, intelligent, and, in contrast to Margie, well-versed in the entertainment industry. After Van Dyke and Willett’s 1984 divorce, their once-affiliated relationship became an official partnership.
Willett died of pancreatic cancer in 2008, which was tragic.
Van Dyke disclosed, “I was deeply affected, even though we were long divorced,” despite their separation. I lost a piece of myself with her death.
The actor, who was at the bottom of his game, had no idea that he would fall in love again. Van Dyke met 46-year-old makeup artist Arlene Silver at the 2006 SAG Awards.
He said, “I never approached a strange woman in my life.” “I jumped when she passed by and said, ‘Hello, I’m Dick.'” She was half my age, and I was unaware of it. Lovely.
Following Triola’s death, their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship, which began with their first encounter. Then, in 2012, the couple were married.
The considerable age difference in their marriage was noticed, but Van Dyke allayed the worries.
He remarked, “We don’t feel the age gap.” To be honest with you, I doubt that I would even be here. She feeds me, keeps me in shape, and my love for her grows every day. We are simply drawing nearer and nearer.
Over the years, Van Dyke’s longevity has been greatly influenced by the couple’s physical activity. He persisted in his commitment to consistent exercise, frequently joining Silver at the gym for light-weight training.
