I’ll be the first to admit that Mary Poppins Returns is not exactly a modern classic. But the 2018 sequel will always hold a special place in my heart because it’s the reason I interviewed one Dick Van Dyke. I was told that Van Dyke, who played Mr. Dawes Junior in the movie, is a morning person—which meant that he called me at 7:30 a.m. sharp from his home in Los Angeles.
Though I grew up on his work, including his roles as Bert and Mr. Dawes Senior in the original Mary Poppins, I was still jolted to hear his familiar voice boom on the line. I assure you that he was warm and insightful. He even gamely answered a random question about the Mary Poppins marketing campaign that my dad (who had never been more excited about one of my assignments) wanted me to ask him. What a relief.
Actually … what a national treasure. To not like Dick Van Dyke is to not like apple pie and small-town parades. Filled with an effervescent personality and versatility, the lanky Missouri native has captivated people for generations thanks to his triple-threat talents on display in so many rewatchable all-time best musicals. He’s also considered a pioneer of the Golden Age of Television, with an incredible knack for physical comedy and more than 80 film, television and stage credits to his name.
Much to the delight of his fans, he’s spent his golden years exuding a joie de vivre—and keeping a busy schedule. (Yes, that really was him as a gnome on FOX’s “The Masked Singer” in 2023). In honor of his milestone 100th birthday on Dec. 13, 2025, we’re counting down his best performances, which have unquestionably stood the test of time.
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How we ranked Dick Van Dyke’s top performances
As a longtime entertainment journalist, I made sure to compile my list based on inscrutable statistics such as box-office numbers, TV ratings and awards while also weighing which of his works will still be considered gems 100 years from now. (Pour one out for Lt. Robin Crusoe U.S.N. and The Art of Love.)
Let’s count down to No. 1!
6. Diagnosis Murder (1993–2001)
Three decades after the 1960s hit The Dick Van Dyke Show, the star returned to the small screen in a congenial whodunit that played similar to Murder, She Wrote (but with a stethoscope in place of a typewriter).
He played Dr. Mark Sloan, a former U.S. Army doctor who both presided over a young staff at Community General Hospital and solved mysteries as a medical consultant to the LAPD. What started out as a series of TV movies in 1992 turned into a reliable hit for nearly a decade on CBS, as viewers loved seeing their favorite white-haired actor in a lab coat piecing together clues like a pro. During its fifth season, in 1998, it ranked No. 22 for the week amid phenoms like Friends, Seinfeld and ER. (Prime Video, Pluto TV)
5. Night at the Museum (2006)
At age 81, Van Dyke proved he was no comedic dinosaur in this delightful family movie. Ben Stiller stars as Larry Daley, the new night watchman at New York City’s Museum of Natural History—where exhibits come to life after hours. The film is stuffed with fun turns from the likes of Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais and Owen Wilson, but Van Dyke is a welcome standout as elderly security guard Cecil Fredericks.
Partnered with the equally legendary Mickey Rooney, the two turn crotchety crankiness into high art. (“Gotta keep it moving, Larry. I’m pretty spry for an old man.”) The film earned $328.6 million worldwide and spawned two sequels; Van Dyke later appeared in 2014’s Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. (Hulu, Disney+)
4. Bye Bye Birdie (1963)
In his first big-screen role, Van Dyke plays high-strung songwriter-turned-music agent Albert Peterson. While working with Elvis Presley–like teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie (Jesse Pearson), he helps dream up a PR stunt where a girl (Ann-Margret) gets to kiss the pop idol before he ships out to serve in the Army.
Van Dyke knew the role well. He originated it in the 1960 Broadway musical, where his appealing portrayal won him a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical. The Oscar-nominated movie remains a giddy delight, helped in large part by the singing-and-dancing Van Dyke. Indeed, it’s impossible not to smile when he belts out the ever-catchy “Put On a Happy Face.” (The Roku Channel, Apple TV)
3. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
During our interview, Van Dyke told me that he loves getting letters from kids who have just discovered this charming musical (which was co-written by Roald Dahl!). He clearly has a ball as Caractacus Potts, the kooky inventor and tinkerer who regales two young kids with a tale about the sinister Baron Bomburst (Gert Frobe) and his evil plan to get his hands on Potts’s magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. (It swims! It flies!)
The actor leads the charge on the Oscar-nominated title ditty, as well as other whimsical numbers. The film was the 10th most popular at the U.S. box office in 1969, and Roger Ebert himself called it “the best two-hour children’s movie you could hope for, with a marvelous magical auto and lots of adventure.” (Prime Video, Pluto TV, Tubi)
2. Mary Poppins (1964)
This beloved Disney wonder—a mix of live-action and animation—is pure exuberance. The luminous Julie Andrews is the umbrella-toting British nanny who rejuvenates the lives of her new charges with her toe-tapping joy. It’s Mary who introduces us to Van Dyke’s madcap chimney sweep, Bert. Together, they perform the showstopping “Step in Time” and make movie magic. (And let’s note again that a 36-year-old Van Dyke also put on old-age makeup to play the crusty elder banker, Mr. Dawes Senior.) That wobbly cockney accent aside, he shines big time, even while covered head-to-toe in soot.
Nominated for 13 Oscars, including Best Picture (still a record for any Walt Disney Studios release), Mary Poppins won five trophies and remains one of the most beloved children’s films of all time. In a word, it’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! (Disney+)
1. The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966)
On its surface, The Dick Van Dyke Show resembled Leave It to Beaver meets Father Knows Best. But it was actually way smarter and more sophisticated, which is why it continues to hold up. (For proof, stream the brilliant season three premiere episode, “That’s My Boy?”) The brainchild of the legendary Carl Reiner, The Dick Van Dyke Show centered around the affable Rob Petrie (Van Dyke), who juggled his suburban New York home life with wife Laura (Mary Tyler Moore) and their young son and his exasperating job as a writer for a variety show.
Instead of relying on typical sitcom tropes, this show depicted real people with real flaws interacting with each other—often using razor-sharp wit and observations. The show won 15 Emmys, including three Outstanding Actor trophies for Van Dyke. (Prime Video, Pluto TV, Tubi)
Dick Van Dyke’s most memorable guest-starring roles
His top roles are just the tip of the iceberg of Van Dyke’s storied career. Over the years, he added his star power to a slew of high-profile projects. Here’s a rundown of his greatest mini-hits:
- Columbo (1974): Playing against type, he’s a photographer who murders his wife in the episode “Negative Reaction.” But Peter Falk’s rumpled detective is on to him.
- The Carol Burnett Show (1977): He appeared in several episodes and even joined the cast of this legendary variety sketch show in its final season. This casting was more than a quickie, but with his physical comedy on full display, it’s too good to leave off the list.
- The Golden Girls (1989): He was so funny playing the new boyfriend of Dorothy (Bea Arthur)—as an attorney who longed to be a circus clown!—that he earned an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
- Jake and the Fatman (1991): He actually portrayed Diagnosis: Murder‘s Dr. Sloan for the first time on this CBS drama. Network executives liked his performance and gave the character his own spin-off.
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch (2000): In a season four episode, he was a former con man and old pal of Salem Cat. Notably, Van Dyke trips over an ottoman in a salute to the iconic opening sequence of his titular ‘60s sitcom.
- Scrubs (2003): Van Dyke was back in the white lab coat for this medical comedy. This time, he’s an aged doctor woefully out of touch with modern medical methods.
- Days of Our Lives (2023): More than 60 years after his TV debut, Van Dyke said yes to his first soap opera—and won a Daytime Emmy for his efforts. He popped up in four episodes, playing a mystery man riddled with (what else?) amnesia.
- The Simpsons (2023): Better late than never! He voiced himself—and reprised his Chitty Chitty Bang Bang character Caractacus Potts—in the animated comedy’s season 35 episode “McMansion & Wife” (a play on ’70s TV show McMillan & Wife).
- “All My Love” (2024): Ahead of his 99th birthday, he took center stage for this Coldplay music video. While chatting with lead singer Chris Martin, he engages in song and dance and reminisces about his best work. Not only does the collaboration highlight Van Dyke’s enduring talent, it shows his optimistic outlook on life.
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Sources:
- Box Office Mojo: “Franchise: Night at the Museum”
- Deseret News: “‘Diagnosis Murder’ is a hit; ‘Corners’ is not”
- Roger Ebert: “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”
- Television Academy: “Dick Van Dyke”
- IMDB: “Dick Van Dyke”
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