Dick Van Dyke admitted he “neglected” his wife and their children to pursue his career. Van Dyke, 99, who is known for his roles in the classic films Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, said in a new interview with People that his family “probably got neglected at some point because I was really working hard to get out of poverty.” The comedian married his late ex-wife, Margie Willett, in 1948, having sons Christian Van Dyke, 75, and Barry Van Dyke, 74, and daughters Stacy Van Dyke, 70, and Carrie Van Dyke, 64. Willett ended the marriage in 1984. Van Dyke admitted to struggling with alcoholism and having an extramarital affair with actress Michelle Triola. His chaotic work schedule included a “show at 5 in the morning, and then at night [he] was working with a partner in nightclubs.” Van Dyke reported “getting, like, three or four hours [of] sleep.” He shared that he hasn’t received “any complaints from anybody.” In 2012, he married his current wife, Arlene Silver, 54. The actor turns 100 on Dec. 13. His new book, 100 Rules for Living to 100, was released last month.
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