Performed in several variety shows while serving in the Army during WW II.
Played Lionel Jeffries's son in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) even though Jeffries is actually six months his junior.
Portrayed "Albert Peterson" in the original Broadway stage version of "Bye Bye Birdie" and reprised his role in the movie Bye Bye Birdie (1963).
Prior to being an actor, he was also a Sunday School teacher and an elder at a Presbyterian church, who ministered every Sunday.
Received a lemon cake every Christmas from Charles Bronson, who lived nearby in Malibu, for 16 years.
Received a phone call from his son and future "Diagnosis Murder" (1993) co-star, Barry Van Dyke, who asked him to play Dr. Mark Sloan, which he accepted after guest-starring on an episode of "Jake and the Fatman" (1987).
Remained good friends with son Barry Van Dyke, Victoria Rowell and Charlie Schlatter during and after "Diagnosis Murder" (1993).
Rob Petrie, Van Dyke's role on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961), was ranked #22 in TV Guide's list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time" [20 June 2004 issue].
Says that his most memorable role is that of Bert the chimney-sweep in Mary Poppins (1964).
Separated from his wife, Margie Willett, after 30 years of marriage - they would later divorce in 1984.
Served in the U.S. Air Force.
Son Barry Van Dyke and grandson Carey Van Dyke also worked on "Diagnosis Murder" (1993) with him. Sons Barry and Christian Van Dyke also appeared in an episode of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961). The storyline showed Dick visiting son Ritchie's grade school class for "Daddy's Day", when fathers visited the classroom to explain what they did for a living.
Son of Loren Van Dyke and wife Hazel Vorice McCord.
The adult Broadway cast (Dick, Paul Lynde, Maureen Stapleton) who recreated their roles for the film version of Bye Bye Birdie (1963) were generally disappointed in the film. It was felt that director George Sidney placed far too much focus on Ann-Margret's teen role, a role that was secondary in the stage hit. Ann-Margret was at the time experiencing a meteoric rise in films.
The album "Songs I Like By Dick Van Dyke" was recorded on Friday, November 22, 1963. Early in the recording session the artists and orchestra were informed of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. In spite of the tragic news, and a deadline from Command Records that had to be met, the recording session continued to a successful conclusion - albeit in an emotionally-charged atmosphere. He said that he scarcely remembers the session because he was in such a state of shock after hearing the news.
Uncle of Kelly Van Dyke (aka Nancee Kelly).
Underwent spinal surgery in April 2011.
Until he reached 30, he lived in five states.
Was a heavy smoker for fifty years, smoking three packs of cigarettes a day for a time. He finally managed to quit using gum and patches.
Was a radio announcer at a Danville Illinois radio station at the age of 16. He did the news as well as spun records.