Legendary actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke has made history, winning the 2024 Daytime Emmy award for Best Guest Performance on a Daytime Drama for his role on Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. At 98, this accomplishment makes Van Dyke the oldest actor to receive a Daytime Emmy win. 
Van Dyke arrived at Friday’s 51st Daytime Emmy Awards already recognized as the oldest Daytime Emmys nominee ever. The event took place live on CBS on June 7, from the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.
I feel like a spy from nighttime television
, Van Dyke humorously remarked. I’m the oldest nominee in history. I can’t believe it. I was playing old men all my life. If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!
He shared that he had a wonderful time
on Days, recounting how he started laughing during one serious scene, ultimately ruining the shot
. I’m 98 years old, can you believe it? This tops a lifetime of 80 years in the business. I love you, God bless
, he added.
A Special Appearance on Days of Our Lives
In a memorable four-part story arc, Van Dyke played a man of mystery, an amnesiac named Timothy Robicheaux. Marlena (Deidre Hall) helps his character bridge the gaps in his memory, calling upon John Black (Drake Hogestyn) and Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols) for assistance. While performing memory exercises, the episodes even included a musical number or two.
The iconic actor landed this role thanks to his friendship with Drake Hogestyn, portraying John Black on Days of Our Lives. Van Dyke appeared on episodes airing September 1, September 4, September 8, and September 14, with his wife Arlene Silver joining him on the September 1 episode. 
The Competitive Field He Conquered
Dick Van Dyke outshone a strong field of nominees that included Linden Ashby as Cameron Kirsten from CBS’s The Young and the Restless; Ashley Jones as Dr. Bridget Forrester from CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful; Alley Mills as Heather Webber from ABC’s General Hospital; and Guy Pearce as Mike Young from Amazon Freevee’s Neighbours. 
An Illustrious Career Recognized Again
Van Dyke is no stranger to accolades and recognition. After beginning his career as a DJ, comedian, and emcee on local radio and TV programs, he hosted CBS’s Morning Show alongside Walter Cronkite and Barbara Walters. He then became a television star with The Dick Van Dyke Show. Last year, CBS celebrated his 98th birthday with an entertainment special titled Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic.
Besides his numerous accolades, Van Dyke also received honors like the Kennedy Center Honors in 2021, which aired on CBS. His previous Daytime Emmy win came in 1984 for outstanding performer in children’s programming through CBS Library. His illustrious career spans beloved classics like Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
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