Iconic Actor Dick Van Dyke Sets Record with Daytime Emmy Nomination for ‘Days of Our Lives’ at 98

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Dick Van Dyke, who is 98 years old, made history with his recent Daytime Emmy nomination. He became the oldest person ever to be nominated for the prestigious award on Friday, April 19. The nomination was for his guest star role on Days of Our Lives.

The actor started his journey in soap operas in September 2023 by portraying the character of Timothy Robicheaux. He was featured in a special four-part story arc alongside his long-time friend and gym buddy, Drake Hogestyn, who has been appearing on Days on and off since 1986.

In an interview with Access Hollywood in April 2023, Van Dyke shared how he jokingly asked his friend for a role in the soap opera by saying, "Don't you have any parts for old people? Come on, give me one." To his surprise, his friend took him seriously and managed to secure a role for him on the show.

In preparation for the role, Van Dyke mentioned that he watched several episodes of Days to understand the work done by the actors on the show over the years. "Some of them have been at it for 20 years," he noted. "That's the extent of my research, watching and learning from them. Another important aspect is the rhythm in the dialogue, the pauses, the music of the scene, and the energy we bring to the performance."

During Van Dyke’s time on the show, it was discovered that his character was actually the long-lost father of Hogestyn’s character, John Black.

Even though Van Dyke is the oldest person to be nominated for a Daytime Emmy, he has been nominated before. He won in 1984 for Outstanding Performer in Children’s Programming for CBS Library: The Wrong Way Kid and in 2015 for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for his role in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Pirate Adventure.

Van Dyke is a well-known actor who has won several prestigious awards for his work in television and theater. He has received five Primetime Emmy awards for his iconic sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show and his variety show Van Dyke and Company. In addition, he has also been honored with a Tony Award and a Grammy. The only award he is missing to become an EGOT recipient is an Oscar.

In a lighthearted moment in December 2023, Van Dyke humorously mentioned that he considers himself lucky to have been a part of so many successful projects throughout his long career.

"I wasn't much of a businessman. After filming a movie, I would go home and wait for the phone to ring. I wasn't proactive," Van Dyke revealed in an interview on CBS' Sunday Morning. He admitted, "I was often out of work because I didn't actively seek opportunities."

The beloved Mary Poppins actor confessed that his success in the industry has always been based on simply having fun.

He reflected on how important it is for him to enjoy what he does. He feels blessed to have found a job that he loves and would do for free. He sympathizes with those who dislike their jobs and is grateful to look forward to going to work every morning.

Editor's P/S:

Dick Van Dyke's recent Daytime Emmy nomination is a testament to his enduring talent and the timeless appeal of his work. At 98 years young, he has become an inspiration for aspiring actors and a reminder that age is no barrier to success. His journey in soap operas highlights the importance of embracing new challenges and finding joy in the creative process.

Van Dyke's humble approach to his career and his focus on having fun are refreshing in an industry often driven by ambition and competition. His success underscores the value of following one's passions and finding fulfillment in the work itself. His story serves as a reminder that even in the twilight of one's career, there is always room for growth, recognition, and the pursuit of excellence.