Dick Van Dyke has expressed that he is “not fearful” of mortality as he is set to celebrate his 99th birthday next week.
The star of Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, who was born on December 13, 1925, shared this sentiment while recognizing that he is “keenly aware that my time could be up any day now.”
Nevertheless, he remarked: “I can’t explain it, it doesn’t trouble me; I am not intimidated by it. I hold this feeling in stark contrast to anything logical I may think, that everything is going to be fine.”
The Hollywood legend shared his thoughts as he featured in a new seven-minute clip for Coldplay‘s latest track, All My Love, from the British band’s 10th studio album, Moon Music.
In the director’s cut, Van Dyke is shown performing a duet with lead vocalist Chris Martin and dancing, while also sharing his perspectives on life and family.
When asked about the essence of love, he responds: “Wow, that question has been debated for centuries; I’m not so sure.”
“It undeniably embodies a concern for the well-being and existence of another person just as deeply as you care for your own.”
The American thespian is also depicted reminiscing over an old photo of himself with his late first wife Margie Willett and their offspring, including his daughter Stacy.
He then shares: “I’ve experienced dreams where I am feeling down, hurt, or isolated, and she (Stacy) comes to offer me comfort, truly comes to comfort me.”
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Dick Van Dyke at the Emmy Awards in September 1977. Pic: AP
As the video progresses, he is prompted to close his eyes and contemplate individuals who have significantly impacted his life, to which he humorously replies: “I’m too old for this, I’ll probably faint and doze off; I’ll take a nap.”
The celebrity is further depicted enjoying moments of laughter and embracing some of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, before Martin wraps up the clip by serenading him with an impromptu tune about aging.
Filmed at Van Dyke’s residence in Malibu, California, a condensed version of the music video is scheduled for release on December 13 to commemorate his 99th birthday.
His illustrious career, which has spanned over seventy years, has earned him numerous accolades, including Emmys and a Grammy for the Mary Poppins soundtrack.
Van Dyke has remained active in his later years, featuring in a cameo appearance in 2018’s Mary Poppins Returns, the sequel to the beloved 1964 film that catapulted him to fame.
Recently, the actor was reportedly involved in a vehicle accident in his home state but fortunately sustained no serious injuries.
