Dick Van Dyke, 99, Serenades Wife Arlene at Her 54th Birthday Party

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Dick Van Dyke’s love for wife Arlene Silver is like a spoonful of sugar.

The Mary Poppins actor looked delighted while celebrating his wife’s 54th birthday at Aviator Nation Dreamland in Malibu on September 21st. He sang a unique version of “Happy Birthday” to her as she blew out the candles on her cake.

“It’s been 13 years of marriage for us,” Dick excitedly shared in a video from the celebration. “And I’m hoping to turn 100 years old in two and a half months!”

Throughout all of that, the 99-year-old excitedly said, “I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman in my life than her.”

Dick remembered how he and his future wife first met. He said he was behind the scenes at the SAG Awards and that he’d never approached a woman he didn’t know before in his life.

He recalled that she simply walked past, and he instinctively stood up and introduced himself. “I blurted out, ‘Hi, I’m Dick,’” he said. “I learned she worked in makeup, I hired her, and now we’ve been married for 13 years.”

The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star added, “I couldn’t be happier. Happy birthday, sweetheart.”

And Arlene was equally touched, thanking Dick for “coming to my birthday party.”

Oh my gosh, you won’t *believe* this! It all started in 2009. Poor Michelle Triola had just passed away after such a brave fight with pancreatic cancer, and it broke everyone’s heart. But then, Dick met Arlene, and honestly, it was like a match made in heaven! I know, I know, there’s a 46-year age difference, but they just *knew*. They were absolutely meant to be together, I just *knew* it! It’s the most beautiful thing, really.

“We get along so well,” Dick told People in April. “Everybody said it wouldn’t work.”

Arlene added that their love stood the test of time because they “care about each other so much.”

“It’s strange and a little unsettling how effective it is,” she went on. “People my age don’t usually manage to keep up. He’s given me a sense that I’m capable of achieving anything.”

As for their age difference? For the pair, the decades between them are “so irrelevant.”

Arlene explained to Entertainment Tonight in 2024, “When people watch us together, it feels natural – you just don’t overthink it.”

Additionally, as Dick playfully put it, “I was lucky I never really matured,” and he shared that he felt he and Arlene were destined for each other.

For more of what Hollywood couples have said about their age-gap relationships, keep reading. 

The actresses are used to people commenting on their 32-year age difference.

“If anyone chooses to worry about me for loving someone amazing, that’s their issue,” Sarah explained to Modern Luxury in 2018 when talking about her relationship with Holland. “I’m perfectly happy.”

Regarding the former Project Runway host, she simply dismisses any criticism about the 16-year age difference between her and the Tokio Hotel guitarist.

“My boyfriend is significantly younger than me, and many people are curious and ask about it,” she told InStyle in 2018. “That’s usually the only time age is brought up and I feel like I need to explain myself. Otherwise, I don’t really give it much thought.”

And Heidi-who later married Tom-made it clear she intends to keep living life the way she chooses.

“You have to focus on being happy and not worry too much about others’ opinions,” the supermodel added, “because worrying will only make you age faster.”

Meanwhile, the Quantico actress has pointed out what she sees as a double standard.

She observed that people have strong opinions about her being 10 years older than the Jonas Brother singer, but believes the reaction would be different if the roles were reversed.

“We received a lot of criticism for that, and it continues even now,” Priyanka explained to InStyle. “It’s interesting to me that when the man is older, it doesn’t seem to bother anyone, and in fact, it’s often seen as a positive thing.”

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always fascinated by real relationships, and I recently came across something really interesting. If you were to ask the Fifty Shades of Grey director, she’d tell you the 23-year age difference between her and the Kraven the Hunter actor simply isn’t a factor in their daily lives.

“No, it never does,” she shared in a 2024 interview with The Guardian. “It’s only really brought up now that you’re asking about it! And it’s something outsiders notice, I think because we’re a bit unusual. But after 14 years together, you’d think it just wouldn’t matter anymore, right?”

She even made the point that her relationship with Aaron has actually lasted longer than her marriage to her ex-husband Jay Jopling, who was only about four years her senior.

“When you look at it that way,” she added, “the age gap really doesn’t seem to make any difference at all.”

Despite sharing a birthday (September 25th), the couple experiences differing perspectives.

“My husband is 25 years my senior; it’s no secret,” the Chicago star revealed to WSJ. Magazine back in 2021. “Like any relationship, having challenges isn’t unusual. What remains consistent is love and respect.”

The Parent Trap actor believes that only he and the cofounder of Bonniedale Films should be concerned with their relationship-just the two of them. T-H-E-M, them. Do you understand?

However, Dennis shared that he and Laura aren’t bothered by any attention given to her being 39 years younger.

“We honestly don’t even pay attention to it,” he explained to Today in 2021 regarding their age gap. “I’ve never connected with anyone better in my life. We have a wonderful relationship. Love will always find a way, no matter what. You can’t predict when or who you’ll fall in love with, and you can’t control it. We’re incredibly happy together.”

The yoga instructor has confessed that she used to criticize couples with significant age differences, before she began a relationship with an actor 26 years older than herself.

“Alec and I often appear on lists of ‘Celebrities with the Biggest Age Differences,’ and things of that nature,” she shared on her podcast Witches Anonymous in 2022. “I used to see those couples and assume the older man was seeking a young woman with no thoughts of her own. And I’d think the younger woman was only interested in his money, with no genuine feelings.”

However, she now feels differently.

“Being in this relationship myself, and hearing those same criticisms directed at me, I realize how wrong I was,” she explained. “I’m shocked that I used to be so quick to judge others who were simply finding love. Just because a relationship looks different from what you expect doesn’t mean it’s not real or valid.”

Get ready, because The Devil Wears Prada actor revealed he almost broke up with his literary agent early in their relationship.

“I’m 21 years older than she is, and I didn’t want to feel old for the rest of my life!” Stanley explained on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs in 2023. “But I knew she was a truly remarkable person.”

The Alfie actress and the Lift actor are aware that not everyone will understand their relationship.

 “It’s understandable that some people might find it confusing,” Oli explained to Vogue, referring to their 15-year age difference, “but we’ve only experienced love and happiness.” 

And Sienna believes that others don’t need to understand it at all.

“You can’t force feelings or make someone understand love,” she said. “I’ve never been able to, personally.”

The Jurassic Park star shared a funny story about a moment with his wife, who is 30 years younger than him.

“I asked her, ‘If I were a Beatle, which one would I be?’” he recalled on The Hoda Show. “She said, ‘Rex Harrison.’ I pointed out, ‘Hold on, we just watched My Fair Lady yesterday-I think you’re mixing things up!’”

Jeff explained that it didn’t take Emilie long to realize she actually meant George Harrison. 

“That’s just one example,” he said, referencing the couple’s age difference. He added that, aside from having different cultural references, life together is “going well so far.”

The model also isn’t rushing to defend the 20-year age difference between herself and the actor.

“I’m really inspired and drawn to his wisdom and strength, which often come with experience,” she explained to Glamour in 2013. “Our bond isn’t about age at all. Jobs are temporary, but having someone who believes in you at home is what truly matters and keeps you motivated.”

Regarding any criticism about the nearly 35-year age difference between her and the composer, the American Idol star seems to have moved past it.

“I understand the initial judgment, but things aren’t always what they seem,” Katharine explained on Dr. Berlin’s Informed Pregnancy Podcast in 2023. “What truly matters is that I’m in love with our relationship, and I cherish our love story.”

It’s definitely been discussed: Kristin’s feelings about the Mark Estes age difference – 13 years, to be exact.

“I wasn’t looking to date someone 24 years old,” The Hills star explained on her Let’s Be Honest podcast in March 2024. “It wasn’t something I ever anticipated. If you’re a listener, you know I used to think 30-year-olds were too young for me.”

Kristin acknowledged how it might appear to others, but she maintained that Mark wasn’t like most 24-year-olds, and that a person is more than just their age.

“I truly believe age is just a number,” she added. “It’s about your life experiences, your upbringing… there are so many things that contribute to maturity besides age.”

However, some time later, Kristin revealed that she and Mark had broken up.

“I truly believe he needs to go out and live his life to the fullest,” she shared on her podcast in October. “He’s still so young, and I’ve realized how much life experience changes you. When I think back to being 24, I’m amazed by everything that’s happened since then. Those years are incredibly important – they shape who you become – and he needs the freedom to discover himself.”

Despite this, she described their relationship as “the best” she’d ever had and hopes Mark will eventually see that their separation was a positive thing.

“I’m confident that someday he’ll look back and understand,” she continued, “and I even think he’ll eventually be grateful for it.”

When the Oscar-winning actor first developed feelings for the lawyer, he wasn’t sure if she felt the same way.

“I was attracted to her, but I didn’t want to rush things,” George explained on The Howard Stern Show, discussing the beginning of his relationship with Amal. “I couldn’t tell if she reciprocated my feelings. I was 17 years older, so she might have seen me as an older man.”

Despite his worries, she actually felt the same way, and the couple married in 2014.

Oh my gosh, I just *have* to talk about this! I mean, age is seriously just a number for my Bachelor fave! He’s, like, 18 years older than his wife, but he totally owns it. He said it himself, back in March 2025 on his The Viall Files podcast – and I was *listening*, obviously – that “When it comes to age gaps, looks matter.” Seriously, he’s so right! I just adore him.

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2025-09-29 22:26