Dick Van Dyke, 99, Beams with Pride as Wife Arlene Silver Steals the Show in Their Annual Halloween Extravaganza — A Love Story That Still Enchants Hollywood
At 99 years old, Dick Van Dyke still knows how to light up a room. Whether it’s through his timeless charm, his infectious smile, or the love he shares with his wife, Arlene Silver, the legendary entertainer continues to radiate the same joy that made him a Hollywood icon more than six decades ago. This Halloween, that joy took center stage once again during the couple’s annual “Halloween at Vandy Manor” extravaganza — a tradition that has quietly become one of the most heartwarming, creative, and personal celebrations in the Van Dyke household.
The event, held at their California home, is far from an ordinary Halloween party. It’s a full-scale production — complete with costumes, live performances, and theatrical flair that could rival a Broadway show. This year, Arlene Silver took on the starring role, stepping into the glamorous villainy of Ursula from The Little Mermaid and delivering a show-stopping performance of “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” As guests cheered, cameras flashed, and laughter filled the air, one person watched from the wings with unmistakable pride: Dick Van Dyke himself.
“He was grinning from ear to ear,” a friend close to the couple told PEOPLE. “Watching Arlene perform brings him pure joy. It’s their shared love of performance and fun that keeps their bond so strong.”
It’s hard not to marvel at Van Dyke’s enduring energy and spirit. At nearly a century old, the Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star remains as spirited as ever, especially when it comes to supporting his wife. Silver, who is 46, has always spoken with deep affection about her husband’s enthusiasm for the holiday season — but not in the way people might expect.
“This is part of Dick that no one knows about him,” she said in a recent interview. “People associate him with Christmas — Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, all that wholesome, magical stuff. But he’s totally Halloween all the way.”
It’s an endearing revelation about a man long considered Hollywood’s symbol of cheer. For decades, Dick Van Dyke has embodied everything light, bright, and family-friendly. But at home, behind the scenes, he’s just as excited about cobwebs, costumes, and spooky decorations as he ever was about musical numbers and chimney sweeps. According to Silver, the couple spends weeks preparing for their Halloween show, with every detail — from set design to choreography — carefully thought out.
“It’s not about the scale of it,” she explained. “It’s about the joy of doing something creative together. Dick loves watching everyone get into it — the costumes, the makeup, the laughter. He’ll tell stories, crack jokes, and by the end of the night, we’re all crying from laughing so hard.”
Those close to the couple say their relationship thrives on shared creativity and humor. Married in 2012, the two first met at the SAG Awards in 2006, when Silver was working as a makeup artist. They formed a friendship that gradually evolved into something deeper — a connection rooted in kindness, laughter, and mutual admiration. Despite their 46-year age gap, the pair has consistently defied skeptics, choosing to focus on what truly matters: love, joy, and living each day to its fullest.
Van Dyke often credits Silver for his vitality. “She’s brought so much energy into my life,” he has said in past interviews. “I wake up happy every day because of her. She makes me feel young again.” And it shows. Even as he approaches 100, Van Dyke continues to sing, dance, and make appearances that remind the world of the boundless charm that defined his career.
At this year’s Halloween celebration, that youthful spark was undeniable. Guests describe the event as a vibrant mix of old-Hollywood nostalgia and modern-day fun. Arlene, in her show-stopping Ursula costume, embodied the mischievous glamour of the character — bold, confident, and utterly captivating. Meanwhile, Dick mingled among guests, cracking jokes and sharing memories from his storied career, from his days on The Dick Van Dyke Show to his unforgettable roles in Disney classics.
“He loves connecting with people,” Arlene shared. “He’ll tell a story from 1962, and it’ll feel like it happened yesterday. His memory is incredible, and his timing — both comedic and emotional — is still razor-sharp.”
Halloween at Vandy Manor isn’t just a party; it’s a reflection of the couple’s shared spirit. It’s about celebrating creativity, laughter, and love in all its forms. “People think of Halloween as spooky or dark,” Silver said. “But for us, it’s about transformation, imagination, and fun. It’s when everyone — no matter their age — can play pretend again. And Dick loves that. He’s been playing pretend his whole life.”
Indeed, for someone whose career has spanned over 70 years, Van Dyke has never lost his sense of wonder. From his Broadway days to his Emmy-winning television roles, he has always approached his craft with childlike enthusiasm. It’s that same energy that makes his presence at these intimate gatherings so special. Guests say he doesn’t just attend the party — he becomes part of it, whether it’s dancing with Arlene, greeting friends with hugs, or encouraging others to join in the fun.
As for Arlene, she says the annual Halloween show has become something deeply personal — not just as a performer, but as a way of honoring their shared love of entertainment. “I think part of why we work so well together is because we both believe in the joy of performing,” she said. “We love making people smile. Dick has done that his entire life. Now, we get to do it together.”
That sentiment couldn’t be truer. In an era when many Hollywood couples fade from the spotlight, Dick and Arlene’s relationship has only grown more radiant with time. Whether they’re dancing together on social media — as they often do in their sweet, lighthearted videos — or hosting their private Halloween spectacle, the two continue to inspire fans with their authenticity and affection.
At 99, Dick Van Dyke remains a living testament to the power of love, laughter, and staying curious. His marriage to Arlene Silver, who brings her own flair of creativity and warmth, has given the world a glimpse into a side of him few have seen — the man who loves a good ghost story, who gets excited about costume details, and who never stops finding reasons to smile.
As Arlene put it simply, “People see Dick as this forever Christmas figure — all light and cheer — but Halloween is where he really shines. It’s his chance to be playful and a little mischievous. And honestly, that’s my favorite version of him.”
Their love story, much like their Halloween celebrations, proves that joy doesn’t have an expiration date. In a world that often moves too fast, Dick and Arlene remind everyone to find wonder in the simple things: a shared laugh, a favorite song, or the thrill of a good costume. And as the curtains closed on this year’s Halloween at Vandy Manor, one thing was clear — for Dick Van Dyke, the magic hasn’t dimmed. If anything, it’s glowing brighter than ever.
