Hollywood Legend Dick Van Dyke Just Got the Best Present for His 99th Birthday After Escaping Wildfire

As the weekend approaches, I thought it was a good time to delve into the “Higher Culture” selection which is featured on the front page this time. I trust you will be as excited about what I discovered as I am!

Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke turned 99 years old on Friday… and he got to celebrate it by receiving the best-ever present, one day early. 

Unfortunately, the week did not begin on a positive note as the actor and comedy pioneer, along with his family, had to evacuate their home in Southern California because of a dangerous wildfire threatening the area.

                               

As Van Dyke told NBC News’ Dana Griffin, he considers himself lucky to escape the close call with the help of neighbors.

He recounted the harrowing experience, mentioning, “It was advancing over the hill, visible to the eye, and oh my goodness. We drove away from here,” gesturing toward his residence. Additionally, he mentioned that “[t]hree neighbors arrived” and assisted him in safely evacuating. It is not surprising for those who have seen recent videos of him to learn that despite his age, the actor was actively involved; Van Dyke was attempting to combat the flames with a garden hose.

Luckily, he and his family managed to evacuate without any injuries. But there was one family member unaccounted for–their pet cat Bobo. When his family returned to their Malibu home on Thursday, that “present” I hinted at earlier was there to welcomed them:

Fortunately, Bobo escaped the chaos and is safe. Van Dyke, who turns 99 on Friday, shared they found the cat when they returned to their home.

“There was so much interest in his disappearance that Animal Control was called in to assist,” Van Dyke wrote on Facebook. “But, thankfully he was easy to find and not harmed.”

The actor also shared his home was spared from the flames.

According to authorities, the cause of the fire is still unknown.

As I was finishing up this story, I tripped across a beautiful, second “present” for the great showman–this awesome tribute to the happiness and laughter Van Dyke has given all of us during many of his 99 years–with Coldplay’s just-dropped video.

As Van Dyke says so correctly in a break during the song, “What is love? It’s certainly a feeling, of caring about the welfare and the life of the other person.”

Enjoy (and have a tissue handy)!

                                    

 

Happy birthday, Dick!

You May Also Like
Highland Park parade shooting: Robert Crimo III transferred to Stateville prison to serve life sentence for killing 7, injuring 48

Robert Crimo III moved to Stateville prison for lifelong sentence after Highland Park parade shooting kills 7 and wounds 48

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WLS) — The Highland Park parade shooter will now begin…
How 17-year-old Logan Hall contributed his graphic design skills to new ABC News Studios documentary

“Teen Graphic Designer Logan Hall Contributes Expertise to ABC News Studios Documentary”

NEW YORK — A new documentary by ABC News Studios, “Unleashing Hope,”…
Selma Blair shares unbelievable health update amid years-long MS battle

Selma Blair provides incredible update on her health after battling MS for years

Selma Blair shared a positive update on her battle with Multiple Sclerosis,…
NFL Draft 2025: Chicago Bears set to pick in rounds 2, 3 after selecting Michigan TE Colston Loveland in 1st round

Chicago Bears Will Select in Rounds 2 and 3 of NFL Draft 2025 After Picking Michigan TE Colston Loveland in the 1st Round

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Bears will be back on the clock…
Trump tenderly applies mascara to 'eyeliner man' JD Vance as the pair snuggle in an all-pink bedroom in wild AI image as China unleashes meme warfare on US amid tariff stand-off

“Imagined Image Shows Trump and JD Vance Bonding in a Pink Bedroom as China Engages in Meme Warfare Amid Tariff Stand-Off”

Critics from China are poking fun at Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy…
Democrat-run Los Angeles failing wildfire victims’ rebuilding plans months after Trump visit: GOP rep

GOP Representative says Los Angeles, managed by Democrats, is struggling to help victims rebuild after wildfires despite Trump’s visit earlier this year.

Months after the devastating wildfires caused widespread destruction in Southern California, thousands…
Donald Trump pardons glamorous gun-toting Nevada Republican convicted of using funds raised to honor a slain officer for plastic surgery

Donald Trump granted clemency to a Nevada Republican who misused charity funds for personal use.

Michele Fiore, a Nevada Republican figure, was pardoned by President Donald Trump…
James Robinson, Angel Contreras charged in attempted murder of off-duty Chicago officer in 2024 Morgan Park shootout, police say

Angel Contreras and James Robinson accused of attempted murder of an off-duty Chicago officer during a shootout in Morgan Park in 2024, according to law enforcement officers.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Two men have been charged after an attempted robbery…
Luigi Mangione heads to federal court as DOJ debuts death penalty 'shift': ex-federal prosecutor

Luigi Mangione Appears in Federal Court as Department of Justice Changes Stance on Death Penalty: Former Federal Prosecutor

Luigi Mangione is set to appear in federal court on Friday afternoon…
Indian officials say troops exchanged fire with Pakistani soldiers in disputed Kashmir

Indian authorities report that there was gunfire between Indian and Pakistani soldiers in the contested region of Kashmir

Indian and Pakistani soldiers recently engaged in a brief exchange of fire…
Karoline Leavitt peppered with hardball questions from young journalists

Karoline Leavitt faced tough questions from emerging reporters

During a celebratory weekend for the media, White House Press Secretary Karoline…
George Santos to be sentenced for fraud, identity theft; prosecutors seeking 7-year prison sentence

George Santos Faces Sentencing for Fraud and Identity Theft – Prosecutors Push for 7-Year Prison Term

NEW YORK — Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos, who lied about…