Richard Wayne Van Dyke is an American actor, entertainer and comedian. His work spans screen and stage, and his accolades include a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and six Emmy Awards. Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993, he was also honored with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2013, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2020, and was recognized as a Disney Legend in 1998.
Richard Wayne Van Dyke was born on December 13, 1925, in West Plains, Missouri to Hazel Victoria (née McCord), a stenographer, and Loren Wayne "Cookie" Van Dyke, a salesman. He grew up in Danville, Illinois. He is the older brother of actor Jerry Van Dyke, who appeared as his brother in The Dick Van Dyke Show. Van Dyke is a Dutch surname, although he also has English, Irish, and Scottish ancestry. His family line traces back to Mayflower passenger John Alden.
Van Dyke attended Danville High School in 1944, where he participated in the a cappella choir and dramatic club. His involvement in the drama program convinced him to become a professional entertainer, although he also considered a career in the ministry.
Van Dyke left high school during his senior year to join the United States Army Air Forces for pilot training during World War II. Denied enlistment several times for being underweight, he was eventually accepted for service as a radio announcer before transferring to the Special Services and entertaining troops in the continental United States. He was discharged in 1946. Van Dyke received his high school diploma in 2004.
| Date of Birth | 13th December 1925 |
|---|---|
| Age | 98 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Country | United States of America |
| Current City | West Plains |
| Birth Place | West Plains |
| Nationality | United States of America |
| Citizenship | United States of America |
| Language | English |
| Reference | IMDB |
| Spouses | Margie Willett |
|---|---|
| Children | Barry Van Dyke Carey Wayne Van Dyke |
| Relatives | Kelly Jean Van Dyke Shane Van Dyke |
| Education |
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| Danville High School |
| Instruments | voice |
|---|---|
| Occupation | singer, film producer, writer, dancer, voice actor, musician, stage actor, film actor, television actor, screenwriter, comedian, television producer |
| Awards |
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