Meet Arlene Silver: The woman behind Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke

Dick Van Dyke discovered a new love in his life with his wife, Arlene Silver. The 98-year-old star of Mary Poppins first crossed paths with the 52-year-old makeup artist at the SAG Awards in 2006, where Silver was working. Their connection grew, leading Van Dyke to enlist her for additional projects. The duo's bond eventually culminated in marriage in 2012.

The Serendipitous Encounter

Arlene Silver recounts her initial meeting with Dick Van Dyke at the SAG Awards, where she was working as a makeup artist eight years ago. Reflecting on the moment, she vividly remembers spotting Dick at the catering table, donning his bow tie and a wide grin. Their first interaction unfolded with Dick introducing himself, and Arlene's opening question was, "Weren't you in Mary Poppins?"

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A Supportive Presence

After the passing of Van Dyke's longtime love, Michelle Triola, due to lung cancer in 2009, Arlene Silver became his pillar of support during his grieving process. Van Dyke expressed, "Arlene would come by after work and bring me food. She was such a support, I fell in love." In 2011, she officially moved into Van Dyke's Malibu home.

Van Dyke, known for his affinity for love, has shared that he is someone who thrives on being in love. Reflecting on his late-in-life romance, he remarked, "I have a few friends who have always enjoyed living alone, but for some reason, that just isn't the life for me. You gotta have somebody to love."

Silver and Van Dyke exchanged vows on Feb. 29, 2012, opting for a leap day celebration (although they mark their anniversary on Feb. 28 in non-leap years). Describing the decision, Van Dyke shared, "It was on the spur of the moment, we just decided Leap Day would be the best time to do it."

Harmony in Love and Music

The couple shares a strong bond over their passion for singing and dancing, a love endured throughout their marriage. They showcase their talents as part of the Vantastix, a cappella group founded by Van Dyke many years ago.

"We mostly sing and dance together," Van Dyke shared with the Malibu Times. "I've learned countless songs with Dick," Silver mentioned in the same interview. "He loves to sing all the time, and since we can't always have a band here or the Vantastix, I always want to keep him singing."

Aside from collaborating with Van Dyke, Silver took the initiative to form her own band, Arlene & the Vantastix. In February 2022, she assumed the role of director for the band's music video featuring their rendition of "Everybody Loves a Lover," the 1958 hit by Doris Day, and cast her husband as her co-star.

Despite their significant 46-year age difference, Silver underscored that it hasn't presented any obstacles in their relationship. She emphasized that her husband maintains a youthful spirit, portraying him as a fount of fun and highlighting his playfulness in a positive manner, reminiscent of a child's sense of wonder. According to her, they both embrace a youthful essence, feeling like they're reliving a second childhood together.

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