Full Breakdown
Dick Van Dyke Reflects on His Marriage to Arlene Silver Amidst 46-Year Age Gap
11/28/2025, 12:55:32 AM
Enduring Love Despite Age Difference
As Dick Van Dyke approaches his 100th birthday on December 13, 2023, he shares insights into his marriage with Arlene Silver, who is 54 years old, highlighting their 46-year age difference as a non-issue in their relationship. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Van Dyke emphasized that their complementary personalities have fostered a strong bond. He stated, “We thought it might be [a problem] in some regard, to some extent, but it hasn't really. I'm infantile to start with... so I don't think we haven't had any problem with age at all.”
The couple first met in 2006 at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, where Silver was working as a makeup artist. Their relationship blossomed after the death of Van Dyke's longtime partner, Michelle Triola, in 2009. They married in 2012 and have collaborated on various projects, including appearances on the soap opera *Days of Our Lives*.
The Role of Arlene Silver in Van Dyke's Life
Van Dyke credits Silver with keeping him youthful and engaged. He remarked, “She's responsible for keeping me in the moment,” and noted her active lifestyle, which includes singing, dancing, and maintaining a significant online presence. He expressed admiration for her ability to bring joy into his life, stating, “She can get me singing or dancing and she carries so much responsibility.”
Their shared love for Halloween has also become a hallmark of their relationship, with the couple hosting an annual Halloween show at their home, Vandy Manor. Van Dyke described their Halloween celebrations as a point of pride, stating, “Now we're pretty famous for our Halloweens.”
Insights on Longevity and Happiness
In addition to discussing his marriage, Van Dyke has shared his secrets to living a long and fulfilling life, which he elaborates on in his new book, *100 Rules for Living to 100*. He attributes his longevity to a positive outlook, stating that avoiding anger and hate has been crucial to his well-being. “I’ve always thought that anger is one thing that eats up a person’s insides – and hate,” he explained.
Despite his cheerful demeanor, Van Dyke has acknowledged feelings of loneliness as he reflects on the loss of friends over the years, admitting in a health diary for *The Times* that he feels “diminished” both physically and socially.
Official Statements & Responses
In his discussions, Van Dyke has consistently highlighted the strength of his relationship with Silver, noting that their age difference has not hindered their connection. Silver echoed this sentiment, stating, “We just care about each other so much,” and remarked on the surprising compatibility they share, saying, “People the same age don't last.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “We thought it might be [a problem] in some regard, to some extent, but it hasn't really,” — Dick Van Dyke
- “She's responsible for keeping me in the moment,” — Dick Van Dyke
- “I’ve always thought that anger is one thing that eats up a person’s insides – and hate,” — Dick Van Dyke
- “Yeah. I mean it's like eerie how well it works. People the same age don't last.” — Arlene Silver
As Dick Van Dyke prepares to celebrate a century of life, his reflections on love, happiness, and the importance of a positive outlook resonate as a testament to enduring relationships.
