Dick Van Dyke, at 98 years old, made history by becoming the oldest person to receive a Daytime Emmy nomination. He was recognized for his guest star role on the soap opera Days of Our Lives, where he portrayed the character Timothy Robicheaux. Van Dyke joined the cast for a special four-part arc alongside his friend, Drake Hogestyn. The actor had lobbied for a role in the series, jokingly asking for a part for “old people,” which eventually led to this nomination.
To prepare for his role on Days of Our Lives, Van Dyke watched episodes of the show to better understand the characters and storylines. He noted the longevity of some actors on the series, with some having been on the show for 20 years. During his time on the soap opera, it was revealed that his character was the long-lost father of Hogestyn’s character, John Black. This development added an emotional depth to his role and further showcased his acting abilities.
Despite being the oldest person to be nominated for a Daytime Emmy, this is not Van Dyke’s first time receiving recognition for his work. He has previously won in 1984 for Outstanding Performer in Children’s Programming and in 2015 for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program. Additionally, Van Dyke has won multiple Primetime Emmy awards for his work on The Dick Van Dyke Show and Van Dyke and Company. He has also earned a Tony Award and a Grammy, leaving him just an Oscar away from becoming an EGOT recipient.
During an interview on CBS’ Sunday Morning, Van Dyke shared his philosophy on his career, admitting that he was not very aggressive in pursuing work. He acknowledged that his success has largely been dependent on having fun and enjoying what he does. He expressed sympathy for those who dislike their jobs, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in one’s work. For Van Dyke, acting has been a fulfilling and rewarding career, and he looks forward to going to work every morning.
Reflecting on his career, Van Dyke humorously mentioned his tendency to come home after filming a movie and wait for the phone to ring for his next job. He attributed his success to luck and emphasized the importance of enjoying what one does. For Van Dyke, acting is not just a job but a passion that he would do for free. This love for his craft has been evident throughout his long and successful career, characterized by acclaimed performances across various mediums and genres.
