Dick Van Dyke is obviously one of the most well-known names in television, having received three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series in The Dick Van Dyke Show, and then going on to star in the long running medical drama Diagnosis Murder. He is known for his filmwork in the Disney Classic Mary Poppins and his roles in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bye Bye Birdie, and his more recent appearances in the two Night at the Museum films.
What the average joe wouldn’t know about Dick Van Dyke is that he has a bit of a Laurel and Hardy connection, as he was a huge fan, admirer, and friend of Stan Laurel. In fact, Stan’s influence can be seen very heavily in Van Dyke’s performances.
I have never gotten the chance to meet Dick Van Dyke – although I came very close during one brief sighting in Beverly Hills (as related here) – but I’m still holding out that one day it may happen. It would be nice to tell him that I am a member of the Sons of the Desert and see him feign interest.
Currently I have two autographs of Dick Van Dyke. The one seen directly below was given to me by my friend Bill Cappello. I’m not sure why Bill gave this to me other than the fact that he is a nice guy. But it is good to have his signature on a recent photo from the Diagnosis Murder era.
The second one I got for myself through the mail. This photo orginally appeared in the book When Hollywood Was Fun, a collection of great rare pictures from photographer Gene Lester. I had my Dad scan in this particular photo and make two prints for me, which I sent off to Dick Van Dyke in late 1997. He signed both of them, inscribing on to me. I’m ashamed to say that I sold one of them for the paltry sum of $50 seven years later. But I am extremely pleased to have this great photo of Van Dyke with his hero and mine Stan Laurel, taken during one of their visits together as a shining gem in my collection.
Autographs collected in 1997 will continue..
DVD wasn’t in both the night at the museum films, only the first one.
eric flinn
February 27th, 2010
From Wikipedia: Alhough he is not seen in the regular release of Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, Dick van Dyke’s work can be seen in the “Deleted Scenes” section of the film’s DVD
Editors note: DVD in this case meaning Digitial Video Disc, not Dick Van Dyke
Brad
February 27th, 2010
Is this the origin of Brad’s famous pointing pose?
Chris
March 3rd, 2010
I think Dick and Stan are doing “The Pucker” and “The Squint-and-Beam” poses…now if you could only produce a photo of them doing “The Duckface” and “The Tongue” poses!!!
Dave Chasteen
March 3rd, 2010