Dick Van Dyke Jokes He’s ‘Praying’ He ‘Makes It’ To His 99th Birthday After Canceling Emmy Appearance: ‘I Feel Old!’

Fans of Dick Van Dyke, 98, were left concerned for his health after the actor was absent from the Primetime Emmy Awards earlier this month.

However, Van Dyke was spotted looking upbeat outside a pharmacy in Malibu last week –  he had a few words to offer. 

“I feel old,” the actor said with a smile when asked how he was doing. 

Asked if he has any special plans for his upcoming 99th birthday, the comedian joked, “Just praying that I make it.”

Van Dyke sparked worry when he was announced as a presenter for the Emmys but did not show up. Last week, it was also announced that he would no longer attend a three-day fan event in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

A statement announcing his abrupt cancellation read, “[Van Dyke] expresses his gratitude to all of those who continue to support him but, at almost 99 years of age, traveling and interacting with thousands of people is more than he is able to do at this time.”

While the star was a no-show at the Emmys, he did make an appearance at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys on Sept. 7, where the CBS special on his life, Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic, won for Outstanding Variety Special.

At the awards ceremony, the actor told reporters how he wanted to be remembered. “Hopefully for making people laugh for 75 years,” he said. “I’ve been in the business for 75 years; I can’t believe that I’m still here and performing! I’m looking for work if anyone’s interested.”