A Dancing Dick Van Dyke
A Reason To Smile
This week the legendary Dick Van Dyke got a 99th birthday gift from a surprising source.
On Friday, Van Dyke’s birthday, the British rock band Coldplay released a video for their new single “All My Love” as a birthday gift to Van Dyke. Oh, and the song and dance man stars in the video, which is this week’s reason to smile.
The two unlikely collaborators became acquainted when Coldplay frontman Chris Martin reached out to Van Dyke, his musical hero. “Mary Poppins,” which Van Dyke starred in with Julie Andrews 60 years ago, is Martin’s “number one movie.” He (jokingly?) claims to have watched the movie thousands of times.
The music video, directed by Oscar winner Spike Jonze, was shot at Van Dyke’s Malibu home. In it Van Dyke sings, dances, and is surrounded by his wife, children, and bevy of grandchildren.
In a recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” Van Dyke and Martin talked about the making of the video and of their friendship. “This may be the most fun thing I have ever done,” Martin said. Well, I hope you have as much fun watching it as I did.
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Stay Steady,
Dan
It is the best thing I have watched in ages-the infectious joy on Mr. Van Dyke’s face is worth it. Dancing barefoot and with such grace is a testament to good living and a can-do spirit. And Chris? All the respect in the world to you; what a lovely thing to do. Good on ya, man.
We first saw this earlier in the week. We watched it 4 times in a row. Some people just grab you and fill your heart with what you didn’t know was missing. Dick van Dyke is one of them. And for me, the music of Chris Martin is too. Thanks for making it your Reason to Smile post this week.
Also, because Jimmy Carter is also someone I hold deep respect for , I’ll mention here that this year’s WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT is a tribute to Jimmy Carter. Available in the normal places.