Dick Van Dyke, 97, makes rare stage appearance at event with wife, 52

Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke and his younger wife made a rare public appearance at a photography exhibit honouring his life.

Van Dyke entertains a packed crowd at the opening reception for a new photography exhibition of his portraits in Malibu, California.

Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene Silver, made a rare public appearance Sunday when the duo attended the Malibu Arts Commission’s “Dick Van Dyke – Moments in Time” exhibit, which featured several photographs that spanned the actor’s life.

Captured by photographer Laura Johansen, the stills “chronicles the recent adventures of entertainment icon and longtime Malibu residents Dick Van Dyke”, reports the New York Post.

“The collection captures Dick’s life in recent years, from performances at the Kennedy Center, to Halloween celebrations, to Mary Poppins red carpets, his impact with fans, and his life out of the spotlight, at home, and with family,” the official description reads.

Dick Van Dyke entertains a packed crowd with wife Arlene Silver at the opening reception for a new photography exhibition of his portraits in Malibu, California. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

Van Dyke, 97, was photographed alongside Silver, 52, wearing a light tweed jacket, a white button-down and dark cargo pants. He appeared to be thoroughly enjoying himself throughout the one-hour Q&A session with Johansen.

“Laura Johansen’s photographs are pure artwork, almost like paintings,” the Dick Van Dyke Show star praised, with Silver adding the Australian artist was “a master of shadow and light and always capturing the moment.”

The star delighted fans both young and old in the crowd. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

According to the event’s site, Van Dyke and Johansen became acquainted in 2015 after the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang actor allowed the photographer to take pictures of his family for a fan art exhibit.

Impressed by Johansen’s work, the Grammy winner asked her to be his “personal photographer.”

Dick Van Dyke leaves the event with wife Arlene. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

“I’m so extremely honoured to be taken into their fold, that they value my special type of artwork, and trust me and my photographic eye to bring a little extra magic to their story,” Johansen gushed during the session.

“It isn’t every day a global icon like Dick Van Dyke asks you to come along and join in his whimsical adventures! Oh, and add a little extra whimsy with your camera!”

The Post reached out Van Dyke for comment.

The actor will be honoured with a CBS special ahead of his 98th birthday next month. Picture: Splash News/Media Mode

Van Dyke’s appearance at the gallery comes mere days after CBS announced that they would be airing a tribute show called Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic honouring the Tony Award-winning star on his 98th birthday in December.

“I started with CBS under contract in 1955 with the CBS morning show, then The Dick Van Dyke Show and Diagnosis Murder,” Van Dyke said in a statement. “I’ve been with the CBS family for almost 70 years, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

“I’m incredibly honoured that CBS will be throwing a 98th birthday special for me,” the Emmy Award winner added. “Can’t wait to be part of the show!”

Earlier this year, Van Dyke showed the world that he still had his musical talents by competing on the hit Fox show The Masked Singer.

This article originally appeared in the New York Post and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Dick Van Dyke, 97, makes rare stage appearance at event with wife, 52