Brother of actor Dick Van Dyke.
Daughter, Jerri, runs Jerry Van Dyke's Soda Shoppe in Benton, Arkansas.
Father of actress Nancee Kelly and Jerri Van Dyke.
Father-in-law of Jack Nance.
Started his television career at WTHI-TV in Terre Haute in the 1950s. He and his brother both applied for a job there but Dick did not get hired.
The part of George Utley on "Newhart" (1982) was originally created for him.
Turned down the role of Gilligan on "Gilligan's Island" (1964) because he thought it was "the worst thing" he had ever read. In addition, he was offered to join the cast of "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960) in 1965, when Don Knotts left the show, but he declined. Instead, he chose to do "My Mother the Car" (1965). The cancellation of that short-lived series led him to regret his decision not to do either "Gilligan's Island" (1964) or "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960).
Was considered for the role of Tom Hagen in The Godfather (1972).
Was one of the first people to tour with the Air Force Tops in Blue. Appeared on the Ed Sullivan show with the group.