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The 46-Year Age Gap: 5 Surprising Secrets To Dick Van Dyke And Arlene Silver's Enduring Marriage

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The legendary Dick Van Dyke, a true icon of stage and screen, has captivated audiences for over seven decades, but in recent years, the spotlight has often turned to his vibrant and unconventional personal life. As of late 2025, the 99-year-old entertainer continues to defy the odds, crediting much of his youthful energy and remarkable longevity to his wife, Arlene Silver, a professional makeup artist who is 46 years his junior. Their enduring love story, which began in 2006 and led to a 2012 marriage, is a testament to the idea that love truly knows no age, a topic Van Dyke himself has openly discussed in recent interviews as he approaches his centennial birthday.

The couple’s relationship is a fascinating chapter in the life of the Hollywood star, one that followed two significant long-term partnerships. While many are familiar with his iconic roles in Mary Poppins and The Dick Van Dyke Show, the story of his three great loves—Margie Willett, Michelle Triola, and Arlene Silver—offers a deeper look into the man behind the beloved characters. The focus today, however, remains firmly on his current wife, Arlene, and the unique dynamics of their happy, supportive, and very public marriage.

Dick Van Dyke: A Biography and Complete Relationship Timeline

Charles Alden "Dick" Van Dyke is an American actor, comedian, singer, dancer, and writer. His career spans an astonishing 78 years, making him one of the last surviving stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. He is one of the few performers to have earned an Emmy, a Grammy, a Tony, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

  • Full Name: Charles Alden Van Dyke
  • Date of Birth: December 13, 1925
  • Place of Birth: West Plains, Missouri, U.S.
  • Age (as of late 2025): 99 (turning 100 in December 2025)
  • Occupation: Actor, comedian, singer, dancer, writer
  • Notable Works: The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Diagnosis: Murder.
  • Awards: Five Primetime Emmy Awards, one Grammy Award, one Tony Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.
  • Spouses:
    • Margie Willett: (m. 1948; div. 1984)
    • Arlene Silver: (m. 2012)
  • Long-Term Partner (Never Married):
    • Michelle Triola: (1976–2009)
  • Children: 4 (Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth) with Margie Willett.

The First Love: Margie Willett (1948–1984)

Dick Van Dyke met his first wife, Margie Willett, as a teenager in West Plains, Missouri. Their wedding was famously unique—they tied the knot in 1948 on a radio show called "Bride and Groom." Margie and Dick had four children together: Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth. Their marriage lasted 36 years before they divorced in 1984. Margie Willett passed away in 2008 at the age of 81 from pancreatic cancer.

The Companion: Michelle Triola (1976–2009)

During his first marriage, Van Dyke began an affair with his agent's secretary, Michelle Triola, a relationship that eventually led to his divorce from Margie. Van Dyke and Triola were in a long-term, committed relationship for 35 years, from 1976 until her death in 2009. However, despite the duration of their partnership, the couple never officially married. Michelle Triola passed away in 2009 after a battle with lung cancer.

Who is Dick Van Dyke's Current Wife, Arlene Silver?

Dick Van Dyke’s current wife is Arlene Silver. She is a professional makeup artist who has worked extensively in the entertainment industry. The couple’s love story began when they met in 2006 at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. At the time, Silver was working backstage as a makeup artist. They dated for six years before getting married in a small, private ceremony on February 29, 2012—a leap day wedding.

Arlene Silver is significantly younger than her famous husband, a fact that has often been a point of public fascination. She is 54 years old as of late 2025, making the age difference between them 46 years. Despite the substantial gap, the couple has been happily married for over a decade, celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary in February 2025.

The 46-Year Age Gap: 'We Thought It Might Be a Problem'

The 46-year age difference is the most discussed aspect of their relationship, but both Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver have frequently spoken about how it is a non-issue in their day-to-day lives. Van Dyke recently opened up about their relationship in interviews promoting his book, 100 Rules for Living to 100.

In a candid discussion, Van Dyke admitted they initially worried about the public perception of the age gap. "We thought it might be a problem," he said, but quickly added that their shared interests and mutual respect quickly overshadowed any difference in years. Arlene, who is often described as a vibrant and youthful presence, has been credited by Van Dyke as the secret to his longevity and continued vitality.

5 Surprising Ways Arlene Silver Keeps Dick Van Dyke Young and Active

Arlene Silver’s influence on Dick Van Dyke’s life extends far beyond companionship. The actor, who is set to turn 100, attributes his good health and energetic lifestyle directly to her presence. Their relationship is a partnership built on mutual interests, especially music and dance, which keeps the centenarian star active both physically and mentally.

  1. She is His Dance Partner and Muse: Arlene Silver is a talented singer and dancer, and the couple frequently posts videos of themselves dancing and singing together. This shared passion for music and movement is a key element of their bond and ensures Van Dyke remains active, a vital component of healthy aging.
  2. She Encourages His Creativity: Silver is a supportive partner in Van Dyke's ongoing creative endeavors. She has helped him stay connected to his artistic side, including his recent venture into writing about his life and philosophy on aging.
  3. She Provides Modern Context: Being a makeup artist in the contemporary entertainment industry, Arlene keeps Van Dyke connected to the modern world, offering a fresh perspective that prevents him from becoming isolated or stuck in the past.
  4. She Keeps His Schedule Active: As Van Dyke himself noted, Arlene keeps him happy and engaged. Her energy and commitment to a full life ensure their home is a lively and bustling environment, preventing the sedentary lifestyle often associated with old age.
  5. She Offers Candid Support and Care: The greatest secret to their success is the genuine, loving care Arlene provides. Dick Van Dyke has described himself as "infantile to start with," suggesting his wife's maturity and steadfast nature provide the perfect balance to his playful, eternal-child persona.

Their relationship is a beautiful example of how shared values and a commitment to joy can overcome societal expectations. Arlene Silver is not just Dick Van Dyke's wife; she is his caregiver, dance partner, and the driving force behind his incredible, ongoing journey toward his 100th birthday.

dick van dyke wife
dick van dyke wife

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