Van Dyke, Dick

Van Dyke, Dick

(1925– ) television/movie actor, comedian; born in West Plains, Mo. He appeared in television variety shows during the 1950s, making his Broadway debut in Bye, Bye Birdie (1960). Star of the Dick Van Dyke Show on CBS (1961–66), he also danced and sang in the films Mary Poppins (1965) and Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang (1968). After The New Dick Van Dyke Show (1971–74), he appeared infrequently, due to alcoholism, but after conquering this he returned in 1991 with television mystery movies.