Weeks before celebrating his 100th birthday, Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke made a powerful, poignant claim. “I got to know Walt,” he recently stated, adding, “I’m probably the last person alive who did.” This reflection on a friendship that defined a career establishes Van Dyke as a crucial, final link to the man who built the magic. He offers a rare, personal glimpse into Walt Disney’s true character.
How Dick Van Dyke “Knew” Walt
Although several people who worked with and remember Walt Disney are still alive—including his children and other actors like Julie Andrews—Dick Van Dyke feels he is the last person who truly knew him on a sustained, personal level. The iconic actor readily admitted that he and Walt “just got along.” Van Dyke detailed the core of their deep connection. The two men decided “emotionally we were both 13 years old and that’s why we love to do children’s entertainment.” Van Dyke described Walt as “a big kid, just so full of enthusiasm, and I just loved him.” Though they stood “on opposite sides of the political fence,” this never affected their professional respect or personal friendship.
Van Dyke’s biggest role with the company came about with surprising simplicity. He landed the career-defining role of Bert in Mary Poppins (1964) after Walt heard him in an interview. Van Dyke had simply commented that he did not think enough quality entertainment existed for children. Walt heard the remark, “called me up, and gave me the part. It was that simple.”
Legacy and Final Farewell
The actor’s relationship with Disney extended beyond Mary Poppins. He also starred in Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N. and Never a Dull Moment. He even returned in 2018 for a cameo in Mary Poppins Returns. These recent comments about his friendship with Walt were made at a charity “Vandy High Tea” event at his California home.
Van Dyke concluded his powerful reflection with a sad, specific memory of Walt’s passing. Walt Disney died in 1966 at the age of 65. The cause was lung cancer. Van Dyke noted the reason with a simple, personal sigh: “He just smoked too much! Doggone.” Dick Van Dyke’s position as the final, living friend of Walt Disney offers the world a singular, personal perspective on the man behind the magic.
To keep up to date on all the latest Disney News news and more, be sure to follow Disney Dorks on Facebook!