Legendary actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke has set a new milestone by becoming the oldest actor to win a Daytime Emmy award. He won the 2024 Daytime Emmy for guest performer in a daytime drama series through his role on Peacock’s Days of Our Lives.
Dick Van Dyke arrived at the 51st Daytime Emmy Awards as the oldest nominee ever. The event took place live from the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles on June 7. During his acceptance speech, Van Dyke expressed his amazement:
I’m the oldest nominee in history—I can’t believe it. If I had known I was gonna live this long, I would’ve taken better care of myself!
Van Dyke’s sense of humor was a highlight of the evening, adding that he feels like a spy from nighttime television.
Enjoying His Role in Days
On his experience in Days of Our Lives, Van Dyke shared that he had a wonderful time, though he had moments where his laughter ruined a serious scene.
In the show, he took on an intriguing role as “Mystery Man/Timothy Robicheaux”—an amnesiac character whose memory is pieced together with help from Marlena (played by Diedre Hall), John Black (Drake Hogestyn), and Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols). As part of this captivating storyline, viewers were treated to memorable scenes involving memory exercises and even a musical number or two.
Dick’s Bond with Cast Members
Dick Van Dyke’s journey to Days of Our Lives stemmed from his friendship with Drake Hogestyn. The actor appeared in episodes aired on September 1, 4, 8, and 14. Notably, his wife Arlene Silver joined him on the September 1 episode.
Van Dyke’s competitors for the coveted award included notable names like Linden Ashby from The Young and the Restless and Guy Pearce from Neighbours.
A Storied Career
With a rich career spanning several decades, having starred in beloved classics such as Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, and The Dick Van Dyke Show, Van Dyke remains an enduring icon. His achievements remind us why he continues to be celebrated well into his 90s.
The CBS birthday special Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic, honoring his 98th birthday on December 13, aired last year and showcased highlights from his illustrious career—underscoring why this latest achievement is even more remarkable.
CBS Celebration Special
Dick’s previous Daytime Emmy came back in 1984 for outstanding performer in children’s programming for CBS Library. Now with another Emmy at age 98, Dick Van Dyke has certainly proven that he remains a vital and vibrant part of our entertainment landscape.
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