Dick Van Dyke Lost His Love of 35 Years—Then Fate Brought Him an Unexpected Romance!

For the first time in his life, Dick Van Dyke found himself without a partner to share his days. But then, he met someone nearly 50 years younger who, he says, saved him. Here’s the story of the woman who gave the Hollywood legend a third chance at love.

Dick Van Dyke, whose full name is Richard Wayne Van Dyke, was born in West Plains, Missouri. He became one of the most beloved entertainers of his time. His big break came when he won a Tony Award for Bye Bye Birdie in 1960, a role he later played in the 1963 film.

He went on to shine in classics like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, becoming a favorite in both comedy and drama. Over the years, he became a television icon, winning four Emmy Awards and leaving a lasting impact on Hollywood.

Before all the fame, Dick Van Dyke met Margie Willett, the woman who would become his first wife. They had known each other since childhood in Danville, Illinois.

In 1948, they got married in a very unusual way. They were too poor to afford a wedding, so a radio producer paid for it—on the condition that they say their vows live on the air. “So, in 1948, we exchanged our vows in front of a minister and two radio microphones while 15 million people listened!” Van Dyke recalled.

Margie was not interested in Hollywood glamour. “She wore her hair short and didn’t wear makeup. People often thought we were brother and sister,” Van Dyke shared.

The couple faced hardships early on. Margie suffered a miscarriage, but they later had four children together. Van Dyke spoke with pride about their family, saying, “Margie miscarried twins but went on to have four wonderful children. She did the hard work, but I’ll take some credit.”

As a father, Van Dyke admitted that he struggled with alcoholism for 25 years. “I tried to be a good role model, but my drinking affected our family life,” he said. When he sought therapy, he realized he was repeating the mistakes of his own father.

Margie, too, had her battles. When Van Dyke went to rehab, he was shocked to find out that she was also struggling—with an addiction to antidepressants. “When I checked into rehab, she checked in as I checked out. I thought she had come to pick me up, but she needed help too. I had no idea.”

Their struggles eventually led them to grow apart.

During this difficult time, Van Dyke met Michelle Triola, a former actress and legal secretary. Unlike Margie, Michelle understood show business, and the two quickly became close. “She was feisty, smart, and knew the entertainment world inside and out,” Van Dyke said.

Their relationship started as an affair but later became a committed partnership after Van Dyke and Margie divorced in 1984.

Van Dyke and Michelle spent 35 happy years together, though they never married. “We talked about it, but I could never get her to set a date,” he said.

In 2008, Margie passed away from pancreatic cancer. Even though they had been divorced for years, Van Dyke admitted, “Her death deeply affected me. I lost a part of myself.”

A year later, tragedy struck again. Michelle was diagnosed with lung cancer. Van Dyke stayed by her side, singing and talking to her in her final days. “Her doctor said she could still hear me, so I sang to her until the nurses told me she was gone.”

Michelle passed away in 2009 at their home in Malibu. Van Dyke was left alone for the first time in his life. “When she asked if she was going to die, I pretended I didn’t know—it was the hardest acting I’ve ever done.”

At his lowest point, Van Dyke had no idea that love would find him again. In 2006, he met Arlene Silver, a makeup artist 46 years younger, at the SAG Awards. He was immediately drawn to her.

“I never approached a stranger in my life,” he admitted. “But she walked by, and I jumped up and said, ‘Hi, I’m Dick.’ I didn’t even realize she was half my age. She was just beautiful.”

They became friends, and after Michelle’s passing, their friendship turned into something more. By 2011, Arlene had moved in with him, and they got married in 2012.

Their age difference raised eyebrows, but Van Dyke didn’t care. “We don’t feel the gap. I’m emotionally immature, and Arlene is wise for her age. So, we meet in the middle.”

Arlene shared the same feelings. “When people heard about us, they were happy for me, but I was scared. The age difference worried me at first, but when you see us together, you don’t even think about it.”

Even Van Dyke’s son Christian had doubts at first, but after the wedding, he told his father, “Dad, I get it.”

Van Dyke credits Arlene with keeping him young and full of life. “I don’t think I’d even be here if not for her. She keeps me active, feeds me well, and I love her more every day.”

Arlene feels the same way about him. “He’s really made me a better person. I was very cynical when I met him. But he’s such a good person with a pure heart—it’s rubbed off on me.”

Their love extends beyond their personal life. In 2022, they recorded a video of them singing and dancing together for Valentine’s Day, showing that at 96, Van Dyke was still full of energy.

They also stay active together. “We go to the gym three times a week. That’s the secret,” Van Dyke shared. “Most people at 98 don’t want to work out, but if you stop moving, you stiffen up. I’m still pretty flexible!”

Beyond his love life, Van Dyke remains committed to the arts. He donated $3 million to Malibu public schools to help keep theater programs alive.

As a tribute to his lifelong passion for performing, the local high school named its theater the Arlene and Dick Van Dyke Theater.

Dick Van Dyke’s life has been filled with love, loss, and second chances. From his struggles with Margie, his long relationship with Michelle, and his joyful marriage to Arlene, he has shown that happiness can be found at any stage of life.