His show "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961) was based on the series, "Head of the Family.".
In 1968 he left Hollywood and bought a ranch in Arizona.
In Britain, his attempt at a Cockney accent in Mary Poppins (1964) is so notorious that a "Dick Van Dyke accent" is an accepted slang term for an American's unsuccessful attempt at a British accent. Despite that, he is quite popular in Britain.
In his 30s and 40s he had a talent for playing crotchety, eccentric old men. He played this kind of role in Mary Poppins (1964) as "Mr. Dawes Sr." and in a "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961) episode where he played one of Rob Petrie's elderly relatives.
In July 1999 he was made an honorary life member of The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA), Inc. at their annual International Convention in Anaheim, California. He has sung in an a cappella quartet called "The Vantastix" since 2000. The group released a children's album in 2008.
Is a close friend of his "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961) co-star Mary Tyler Moore.
Is a huge fan of Barbra Streisand.
Is a staunch Democrat and a vocal supporter of gun control. Attended some fundraisers for Eugene McCarthy in the 1968 Democratic primaries.
Is ambidextrous.
Is friends with: Michele Lee, Andy Griffith, Michael Landon, Dick Martin, Tim Conway, Carl Reiner, Rosie O'Donnell and his brother Jerry Van Dyke.
Is one of the two actors to have appeared in every episode of "Diagnosis Murder" (1993).
Lived with Michelle Triola from 1976 until her death in 2009.
Made his acting debut playing the baby Jesus in a church Christmas pageant. Was told he cried all the way through it.
Met Byron Paul in the Army, who offered him a seven-year contract with CBS in 1955.
Met his future wife, his longtime classmate/sweetheart, Margie Torrell Willett, while attending high school, but did not marry her until long after Van Dyke's Army service.
Moved to Atlanta, Georgia, with his best friend, Phil Erickson, and wife Margie, in 1948, after he & Erickson grew weary of the West Coast circuit. This was where Marjorie gave birth to 2 sons, Christian Van Dyke and Barry Van Dyke, within a year.
Often hosted game shows when he was a struggling actor. He hosted "Mother's Day" (1958) and "Laugh Line" (1959) but turned down "The Price Is Right" (1956).
Older brother of entertainer Jerry Van Dyke.
Once rapped and danced with Michele Lee, about who would have won the People's Choice Awards in 1962.
Overcame alcoholism in the 1970s.