Actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke, 98, becomes the oldest actor to receive a Daytime Emmy award for his role in “Days of Our Lives.”
Dick Van Dyke, the iconic actor and comedian, has set a new record by winning the 2024 Daytime Emmy Award for guest performer in a daytime drama series for his role in Peacock’s “Days of Our Lives.” At 98 years old, Van Dyke is now the oldest actor to receive a Daytime Emmy.
Entering the 51st Daytime Emmy Awards, Van Dyke had already made history as the oldest nominee. The awards ceremony took place live on CBS on June 7 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.
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Jokingly, Van Dyke remarked, “I feel like a spy from nighttime television. 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!”
Van Dyke shared that he had a “wonderful time” on “Days of Our Lives,” even recalling a moment during a serious scene when he started laughing and “ruined 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.
Van Dyke appeared in a special four-part story arc on “Days of Our Lives” as “Mystery Man/Timothy Robicheaux.” His character, an amnesiac, was assisted by Marlena (Diedre Hall) and supported by John Black and Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols) in recovering his memory, with musical numbers adding to the episodes’ charm.
His appearance on “Days” came about through his friendship with Drake Hogestyn, who plays John Black. Van Dyke featured in episodes on September 1, 4, 8, and 14, with his wife, Arlene Silver, joining him on September 1.
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Van Dyke’s competition for the award included Linden Ashby (Cameron Kirsten, “The Young and the Restless”), Ashley Jones (Dr. Bridget Forrester, “The Bold and the Beautiful”), Alley Mills (Heather Webber, “General Hospital”), and Guy Pearce (Mike Young, “Neighbours”).
Before his legendary status in television and film, Van Dyke began as a DJ, comedian, and emcee on local radio and TV. He later hosted “CBS Morning Show” alongside Walter Cronkite and Barbara Walters. Van Dyke rose to fame on CBS with “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” playing comedy writer Rob Petrie. CBS will celebrate his illustrious career, featuring archival footage from classics like “Mary Poppins,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”
Last year, CBS honored his 98th birthday with the special “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic.” He was also celebrated with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2021, which aired on CBS.
Dick Van Dyke‘s previous Daytime Emmy win was in 1984 for outstanding performer in children’s programming for “CBS Library.”