10 Underrated Dick Van Dyke TV Shows & Movies To Celebrate His 100th Birthday

As Dick Van Dyke celebrates his 100th birthday, it’s a wonderful time to remember his incredible career, including some of his lesser-known roles in movies and television. Since first appearing on screen in 1956, Dick Van Dyke has become a beloved figure for audiences around the world, known for his cheerful personality both on and off camera.

Dick Van Dyke is known for his memorable roles in classic musicals like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, and Bye Bye Birdie. This makes sense, as he’s a remarkably talented singer and dancer. If you haven’t seen his performance of “Me Ol’ Bamboo” in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, it’s a must-see – the dance numbers are incredible! He also has a background performing on Broadway.

Dick Van Dyke is known for many iconic performances, but some of his best roles don’t get the attention they deserve. To celebrate his 100th birthday, we’ve highlighted ten of his most underrated TV and movie appearances that are worth another look.

10. Alfred Hitchcock Presents

Though Dick Van Dyke was only in one episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, his appearance is still well-remembered. The episode features a story about Thomas Craig, a man consumed by greed who will do anything to get his uncle’s money.

Okay, so this movie has a brilliantly twisted setup: a man’s uncle leaves his fortune to his dog, and if the dog kicks the bucket, it goes to the man – our protagonist. The entire film follows him and his girlfriend as they attempt, in the most hilariously absurd ways imaginable, to… well, let’s just say expedite the dog’s demise. It’s a dark comedy, and it really gave Dick Van Dyke a chance to shine. He’s fantastic, even when the situations get genuinely stressful, managing to pull off the humor beautifully.

9. Columbo

Unlike most mystery shows that focus on who committed the crime, the TV series Columbo starts each episode by revealing the crime and the killer’s identity. The story then follows Columbo as he figures out how they did it. In the episode “Negative Reaction,” actor Dick Van Dyke plays the role of the killer, Paul Galesko.

Casting Dick Van Dyke in this role was a gamble, as he was already famous for playing charming and funny characters. However, his performance in Columbo was surprisingly dramatic and captivating. While known for his warmth, it was unusual to see him play such a cold character, and he didn’t quite pull it off.

8. Murder 101

TV movies often don’t receive the same attention as films released in theaters or on streaming services. Because of this, even dedicated Dick Van Dyke fans may not be aware of his involvement in the four-part movie series, Murder 101. What makes this series special is that it was a real family project, featuring Dick Van Dyke alongside his son Barry and grandsons Shane, Wes, and Carey.

Okay, so these movies aren’t going to win any awards for groundbreaking drama, but they’re genuinely fun. What really works is letting Dick and Barry Van Dyke do what they do best – they’re clearly having a blast, and that energy is infectious. The mysteries themselves are lighthearted and funny, never taking themselves too seriously. Now, let’s be real, Murder 101 was made on a shoestring budget, but honestly? That’s part of its appeal. It’s got a quirky, low-fi charm that I found surprisingly endearing.

7. Diagnosis Murder

Most people probably wouldn’t associate Dick Van Dyke with the medical crime drama Diagnosis Murder, considering he’s famous for musicals and comedies. While it doesn’t get much attention, the show is actually quite good and deserves to be more well-known.

Diagnosis Murder centers around Dr. Mark Sloan, portrayed by Dick Van Dyke, and his son, Steve Sloan, a police detective played by Barry Van Dyke, as they team up to investigate murders. While the show took a couple of seasons to gain traction, it ultimately became a long-running hit, spanning 8 seasons, plus 5 TV movies and 8 novels.

Despite its success, I think Diagnosis Murder doesn’t quite get the recognition it deserves when you look at the rest of Dick Van Dyke’s career. It’s not a criticism of the show itself, but rather a sign of how amazing his other work has been.

6. Never A Dull Moment

Early in his career, Dick Van Dyke starred in a lighthearted comedy called Never A Dull Moment. The movie follows Jack Albany, a not-very-successful actor who is mistaken for a dangerous hitman named Ace Williams. This leads him into a wild art heist with a criminal gang. And yes, the plot is as silly as it sounds!

Disney’s Never a Dull Moment doesn’t try to be a serious or important film. It fully embraces classic comedy tropes and doesn’t mind being lighthearted and fun. It’s a shame the movie has largely been forgotten, especially considering Dick Van Dyke’s enjoyable performance as Jack Albany.

5. The Comic

While often called a comedy, Dick Van Dyke’s film The Comic is actually a blend of dark drama and humor, skillfully balancing both. The movie came about because director Carl Reiner and actor Dick Van Dyke both loved silent comedies.

Dick Van Dyke portrays Billy Bright, a popular silent film star from the 1910s and 20s. However, Bright’s personal life is troubled. He struggles with infidelity, treats his colleagues poorly, and battles alcoholism. When talking pictures become popular, he stubbornly refuses to adapt, ultimately leading to the downfall of his career.

Although it wasn’t a mainstream hit, the movie The Comic has gained a dedicated following over time. It’s praised for its authentic portrayal of silent films. Dick Van Dyke delivers a compelling performance as a character who hides his personal struggles behind a public persona, highlighting the often-sad reality behind comedic talent.

4. The Carol Burnett Show

Carol Burnett, a talented comedian and actress, hosted her own comedy show, The Carol Burnett Show, which was a lot like today’s SNL. It was a huge success, running for eleven seasons from 1967 to 1978, and featured many famous performers, including the wonderful Dick Van Dyke.

He became part of the show in its tenth season, but left after just 11 episodes in a friendly agreement with the producers. Even though his time was short, he created some very funny moments, like the sketches about K-9 obedience school and a complaint to the electric company. Despite his quick departure, he remained close friends with Carol Burnett and Dick Van Dyke.

3. Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N.

Dick Van Dyke worked with Disney on many projects, and one that’s often forgotten is Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N. This fun show puts a new spin on the classic Robinson Crusoe story. Van Dyke stars as Lieutenant Robin “Rob” Crusoe, a Navy pilot stranded on a tropical island, where he discovers it’s inhabited by beautiful women. The show follows his adventures there and his eventual escape.

It’s not surprising this movie has faded from memory. While it features Dick Van Dyke and is the only film with a story credit from Walt Disney, reviews were very mixed. Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N. is a lighthearted and silly comedy, though it occasionally feels unoriginal and could be shorter. Still, fans of Van Dyke’s humor will likely find it entertaining.

2. Buttons: A Christmas Tale

Despite his age, Dick Van Dyke continues to pursue his passion for acting. One project he appeared in, the heartwarming film Buttons: A Christmas Tale from 2020, hasn’t gotten much attention. The story centers around two orphaned sisters hoping to find a family for the holidays, and the two angels who help them believe in the power of magic and miracles.

Considering the talent of stars like Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury, it’s surprising that Buttons: A Christmas Tale isn’t more well-known. It seems like most people haven’t even heard of it, and those who have aren’t particularly impressed.

“Buttons: A Christmas Tale” is simply delightful – charming, magical, and full of sweet songs. Especially with it being the holiday season and Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday, I plan to relax with my dog, a warm blanket, and a cup of coffee while watching it.

1. The Morning After

Dick Van Dyke’s film, The Morning After, is likely his most deeply personal role to date. It centers on Charlie Lester, a charming and accomplished PR professional who struggles with denial about his drinking, and whose life is quickly falling apart as a result.

The producers initially wanted to cast a relatable, average person in the role to demonstrate that anyone can struggle with alcoholism. However, they were surprised to discover that Dick Van Dyke was already battling the disease himself – he’d been in treatment for a year before even receiving the script, according to The El Paso Times. Van Dyke chose to reveal his personal struggle with alcoholism after agreeing to take on the role.

Knowing that Dick Van Dyke drew from personal experience makes his performance in The Morning After especially powerful. It’s what makes it feel so genuine – while watching, you truly believe he is the character, not just playing one. Despite being a departure from his typically cheerful on-screen image, this film is essential viewing for any Dick Van Dyke fan.

2025-12-14 05:31