Dick Van Dyke is a revered comedian, actor, singer, dancer, and writer. He is now 94 years old, and his reputation precedes him. With television beginnings on sketch shows and game shows, Van Dyke was known in the early 60s for his lead role in the stage and screen productions of Bye Bye Birdie. He continued to make waves in movies like Chitty Chitty Bang-Bang and Mary Poppins.
The award-winning entertainer has had decades of brilliant work, and he even made a cameo appearance in Mary Poppins Returns a couple of years ago. To celebrate Dick Van Dyke's legacy in film and television, here are his 10 best roles in movies and TV shows, according to IMDb.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - 6.9
Dick Van Dyke gets top billing in the 1968 classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He plays an inventor named Caractacus Potts in the fantasy film opposite Sally Ann Howes' character, Truly Scrumptious.
Only Van Dyke can bring the magic required to transform a broken-down car into a flying masterpiece. The musical is beloved by many, and it showcases Van Dyke's extensive talents.
What a Way to Go! - 7.0
Though it is not one of his most well-known roles, Dick Van Dyke played Edgar Hopper in What a Way to Go!
The 1964 comedy is about a woman (played by Shirley MacLaine) with four rich, dead husbands. Edgar Hopper, one of the husbands, provides the physical comedy as the keeper of a country store.
The Gin Game - 7.0
In 2003, Dick Van Dyke did a TV movie called The Gin Game. He plays Weller Martin, a retirement home resident who falls in love over a card game.
Weller's leading lady, Fonsia Dorsey, is played by none other than Mary Tyler Moore, a phenomenal talent in her own right. It's lovely to see these two acting together years later.
Diagnosis Murder Movies: A Twist of the Knife And Without Warning - 7.1 / 7.2
It is a fairly well-known fact that Dick Van Dyke did a collection of TV movies under the Diagnosis Murder umbrella. He also did a television show by the same name. Two of these crime dramas were more highly rated than all the others: A Twist of the Knife (1993) and Without Warning (2002).
Van Dyke's Diagnosis Murder character is Dr. Mark Sloan, an established physician who always has a mystery to solve.
The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited - 7.4
In 2004, fans of The Dick Van Dyke Show got the reunion they needed. Surviving cast members came back to reprise their roles for this hour-long comedy event.
Carl Reiner's character, Alan Brady, enlists Rob Petrie and Sally Glimscher (Dick Van Dyke and Rose Marie) to help him write his eulogy before his death.
Scooby-Doo Meets Dick Van Dyke - 7.5
Okay, how awesome is it that there is a cartoon Dick Van Dyke in a Scooby-Doo episode? The episode is part of The New Scooby-Doo Movies and it aired in 1973.
Van Dyke did the voice-over for himself, and he hires the kids to help him find out why no one is attending his carnival. The full episode is available to purchase on YouTube, or to try with a Boomerang channel trial on Prime.
The Morning After - 7.6
In 1974, Dick Van Dyke took on a much darker role as Charlie Lester in a TV movie called The Morning After.
The drama is about Charlie's struggle with alcoholism. He is a public relations professional, but his problem gets in the way of his work and family life.
Mary Poppins - 7.8
It is no surprise that Mary Poppins (1964) is one of Dick Van Dyke's best performances. He stole viewers' hearts in the lovable role of Bert, the chimney sweep. Van Dyke and Julie Andrews are a match made in heaven, and their singing and dancing defined the movie musical genre for decades.
The movie continues to remain important in popular culture, as fans learn about its origins and watch it over and over again. The colorful scenes of Bert and Mary's laughter and storytelling are priceless.
The Dick Van Dyke Show - 8.3
The original Dick Van Dyke Show is, of course, a crowning jewel of the man's career. As TV writer Rob Petrie, Van Dyke keeps the laughter rolling at work and at home.
Rob and wife Laura (Mary Tyler Moore) are one of the best television couples of all time. Their sitcom originally ran from 1961 to 1966 but has been enjoyed in reruns ever since. Several years ago, some of the black and white episodes were shown in color for the first time.
The Carol Burnett Show - 8.8
Although his own show did extremely well, Dick Van Dyke was on another very highly rated program -- The Carol Burnett Show. He acted in 11 episodes, all of them in 1977. The sketch show's substantial run would end the following year.
A versatile comedian, Van Dyke took on a variety of roles for Carol Burnett. A classic example is his pantomime work as an owner taking an imaginary dog to obedience school, with Vicki Lawrence and Tim Conway. Van Dyke also delighted viewers by lending his musical talents to the show.