At 100 years old, Dick Van Dyke is still dancing, singing, and cracking jokes. And he credits much of that youthful energy to one person: his wife, Arlene Silver . They have been married since 2012 .
Their love story is as charming as any movie. They met backstage at the SAG Awards in 2006 . At the time, Silver was a makeup artist working the event. Van Dyke, then 80, was instantly smitten.
This article explores everything you need to know about Dick Van Dyke’s wife, Arlene Silver. We will look at how they met, their controversial age gap, and how their relationship has endured. Silver is Van Dyke’s second wife after a long first marriage to Margie Willett and a decades-long partnership with Michelle Triola .
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arlene Silver |
| Known For | Wife of actor Dick Van Dyke |
| Profession | Makeup Artist, Actress |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | There is no publicly verified information available |
| Date of Birth | There is no publicly verified information available |
| Age | 54 (as of 2025) |
| Height | There is no publicly verified information available |
| Marital Status | Married to Dick Van Dyke (2012–present) |
| Children | None |
| Education | There is no publicly verified information available |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Who Is Dick Van Dyke’s Wife?
Dick Van Dyke’s wife is Arlene Silver . They have been married since February 29, 2012 . It is a second marriage for the legendary actor, who was previously married to Margie Willett from 1948 to 1984 .
Silver is a makeup artist by profession . She also works as a performer. She has made appearances in Dick Van Dyke’s projects, including a 2023 episode of Days of Our Lives .
The Age Gap
One of the most talked-about aspects of their marriage is their 46-year age difference . Van Dyke is 46 years older than his wife . When they met, the age gap concerned some people. But to them, it never mattered.
They met in the middle. Van Dyke has said he’s “infantile to start with” and about “13” in his head. Meanwhile, Silver is “quite mature for her age” . Because of this, “we haven’t had any problem with age at all” .
Keeping Him Young
Silver is more than just a partner. She is credited with keeping Van Dyke active and happy. In his later years, Van Dyke has credited his wife for keeping him from “withered away into a hermetic grouch” .
His book *100 Rules for Living to 100* features anecdotes about their life together. He wrote, “Arlene is half my age, and she makes me feel somewhere between two-thirds and three-quarters my age” . They sing and dance together every day. They enjoy each other’s company .
How Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver Met
The couple met in 2006 at the SAG Awards. Silver was working there as a makeup artist. Van Dyke was attending the event . The moment he saw her, he had to meet her.
“I never said hello to a strange girl in my life,” Van Dyke recalled. “I was too scared. But I was at a show backstage and she walked by, and for some reason, I just jumped up and said, ‘Hi, I’m Dick’ ” . He asked her to sit down and talk. He hired her as his makeup artist on the spot .
A Slow-Burning Romance
Despite their instant chemistry, their romance did not start immediately. For years, they remained friends. At the time, Van Dyke was still in a long-term relationship with Michelle Triola, who passed away in 2009 .
After Triola’s death, Silver was a comforting presence for Van Dyke. “Arlene would come by after work and bring me food. She was such a support, I fell in love,” he recalled . His children approved, calling her “Grandma” .
Their Wedding in 2012
Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver got married on February 29, 2012. The date was a leap day. It was a spontaneous decision . They chose a private ceremony near his home in Malibu .
“He’s made me the happiest man in the world,” the Hollywood icon told the Malibu Times. “Our life is so good together” . His publicist noted that despite the age difference, “Dick has never been happier” .
Life in Malibu
The couple lives together in Malibu, California. They enjoy a quiet life together. Their home was hit by the Franklin Fire, but they count themselves lucky in the scheme of things .
Silver has described their relationship as “eerie” in how well it works . She has said, “We just care about each other so much” . She loves being home with him in Malibu, calling it their favorite place .
Key Takeaways
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Dick Van Dyke is married to Arlene Silver. They wed in 2012 .
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They met at the SAG Awards in 2006, where Silver worked as a makeup artist .
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Their marriage features a 46-year age gap .
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Silver is credited with keeping Van Dyke active and happy in his later years .
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Van Dyke was previously married to Margie Willett from 1948 to 1984 .
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He had a 35-year partnership with Michelle Triola from 1976 until her death in 2009 .
FAQ Section
Who is Dick Van Dyke married to?
Dick Van Dyke is married to Arlene Silver. They got married on February 29, 2012 .
How did Dick Van Dyke meet Arlene Silver?
They met at the SAG Awards in 2006, where Silver was working as a makeup artist .
How old is Dick Van Dyke’s wife Arlene Silver?
Arlene Silver is 54 years old as of 2025 .
What is the age difference between Dick Van Dyke and his wife?
The age gap between them is 46 years .
What does Arlene Silver do for a living?
Arlene Silver is a makeup artist. She has also appeared on screen in projects with her husband .
Was Dick Van Dyke married before Arlene Silver?
Yes, he was previously married to Margie Willett from 1948 to 1984 .
Final Thoughts
Dick Van Dyke’s marriage to Arlene Silver is a beautiful example of love without limits. The couple has faced public scrutiny over their age gap. But they have remained blissfully happy for over a decade.
Silver has not only been a loving wife but also a vital support system. She helps Van Dyke stay active and engaged with the world. At 100, Van Dyke continues to perform. He credits his wife as his “soulmate and the love of my life” . Their relationship proves that true connection can exist between two people, regardless of age.
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