PBS celebrates the life and career of Dick Van Dyke

Category: Television and Streaming

Dick Van Dyke is 100 years old, or as some people might see him, 100 years young. American Masters – Starring Dick Van Dyke on PBS is an in-depth look at the career of this man who has made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Julie Andrews calls him the “consummate” performer.

With comments from Van Dyke himself, along with Julie Andrews, Carol Burnett, Steve martin, Mary Tyler Moore, Carl Reiner, Jim Carrey and more, this documentary is filled with plenty of videos from the long history of Van Dyke’s career. His early years are somewhat forgotten, yet he had several attempts to build his career, only to have each one fade out.

His big break came with his role in the Broadway play Bye Bye Birdie, which he later reprised in the film version. That role led producer Sheldon Leonard to cast him in the iconic role of Rob Petrie in The Dick Van Dyke Show, which is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. 

After that show ended, Van Dyke built a film career as well as continued with television. His role as Bert in the beloved Disney classic Mary Poppins won him fame with not only his TV fans but younger fans around the world. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was yet another of his legendary film roles.

There is so much included in this documentary that delves into the long and legendary career of Van Dyke. It is amazing to see his rise to fame, his continued standing in the entertainment industry, and his zest for life at his age. 

Comedy, drama, singing and dancing are all wrapped up in the talents of Dick Van Dyke. Not only is Dick Van Dyke an iconic entertainer and a six-time Emmy Award winner, he is also an inspiration to many.

American Masters – Starring Dick Van Dyke premieres December 12, 2025 on PBS and the PBS app.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image credit: Calvada Productions, Paul Brownstein, Media Icons
Supplied courtesy PBS