Dick Van Dyke, 98, offers rare insight into marriage with wife Arlene, 52

Mary Poppins star Dick Van Dyke has offered a rare glimpse into his marriage with 52-year-old wife, Arlene Silver.

Dick Van Dyke is still head over heels in love with his wife, Arlene Silver.

The comedian, 98, gushed over his spouse of 12 years, saying that they were “meant to be” in his latest interview with Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday, reports Page Six.

“I never approached a strange woman in my life,” Van Dyke told the outlet as he sat next to his wife at the couple’s home. “And she walked by and I jumped and I said, ‘Hi, I’m Dick.’ I had no idea she was half my age. Beautiful.”

The couple met in 2006 while backstage at the SAG Awards. Van Dyke saw Silver while he was sitting on a couch.

Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver. Picture: Monica Schipper/Getty Images

After getting her business card and hiring Silver — who was working as a makeup artist — Van Dyke and Silver started their relationship as friends.

“We were friends for so long that when I told people that I know, they were happy about [our relationship], and I was scared,” Silver, 52, said.

“I mean, the facts, our age difference. But it’s so irrelevant. I think when you see us together, it’s like you don’t think about it,” she continued.

“I’ve never met anyone like him. He’s always happy and just positive. Always singing, and I would never sing in public.”

The pair started out as friends. Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

They tied the knot in 2012. Picture: Paul Morigi/Getty Images

“He got me to sing. He got me to sing up on a stage and sang in front of 1,500 people for the first time. He’s just the most joyful person. He influences everybody else to be more joyful, playful,” she said.

Van Dyke added, “I was fortunate that I didn’t grow up.”

Silver moved in with Van Dyke in 2011 just one year before they were married in February 2012.

At 98, the Bye, Bye, Birdie star continues to spend time with his wife and remains active.

The couple was spotted heading to a workout just before Van Dyke’s 98th birthday last December.

This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Dick Van Dyke, 98, offers rare insight into marriage with wife Arlene, 52