Beloved Hollywood icon, Dick Van Dyke, recently shared his harrowing experience after being involved in a car accident in Malibu, California. At 97 years old, Van Dyke’s account of the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety, even for experienced drivers.
Van Dyke’s Account: Rainy Weather Mishap
On a rainy day, Van Dyke’s car lost control and collided with a gate in an upscale neighborhood. The Hollywood veteran explained that he skidded in the rain, making it impossible to prevent the accident. When authorities arrived at the scene, Van Dyke was visibly shaken, found behind the wheel of his 2018 Lexus LS 500.
During his first public appearance since the collision on March 25, Van Dyke shared the details of the accident with reporters. He humorously described “face-planting” into his steering wheel and feeling sore all over. Despite the unsettling nature of the incident, Van Dyke maintained a positive attitude throughout.
A Positive Attitude Shines Through
Despite the shock and physical discomfort, Van Dyke managed to keep his spirits high. The beloved actor, well-known for his wit and humor, quipped that the accident had made him “a little dumber,” but assured everyone that he was otherwise fine. With a touch of his trademark humor, he added, “I’m 97. All my friends are dead.” He also expressed deep gratitude to his wife, Arlene Silver, for her care and protection during this challenging time.
Safety First: Concerns Raised
Reports suggest that Van Dyke’s concerned wife has taken away his car keys in an effort to ensure his safety. As a precautionary measure, it seems that Van Dyke’s days behind the wheel may be limited. An unnamed source shared, “Dick has reached the point where he needs to be taken off the road—for his safety and the safety of others. Arlene is scared that it might already be too late if she doesn’t take the keys away now.” This serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety, especially for older adults.
A Brush with Danger: A Decade Ago
This recent incident reminds us of a previous car-related encounter involving Dick Van Dyke. Back in 2013, when he was 87 years old, a bystander named Jason Pennington came to the actor’s rescue. Van Dyke’s Jaguar had caught fire on a Los Angeles freeway, and Pennington’s swift actions saved the Hollywood legend just in the nick of time. This heartwarming story highlighted the kindness and bravery of strangers who can make a significant difference in critical moments.
The Masked Singer Surprise
Just a month before the accident, fans of Dick Van Dyke were delighted to see him on the US version of “The Masked Singer,” a popular talent competition show. Judge Nicole Scherzinger couldn’t hold back her tears when she discovered that the hidden celebrity behind the mask was none other than Van Dyke. The veteran actor delivered a stunning performance of Frank Sinatra’s classic, “When You’re Smiling,” and even surprised the audience with a rendition of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from the beloved film “Mary Poppins.” The audience was thrilled by his unexpected cameo on the show.
Warm Wishes for a Speedy Recovery
We extend our warmest wishes to Dick Van Dyke for a speedy recovery. Hoping to see him back in high spirits soon, enchanting audiences with his timeless talent and infectious smile.