Dick Van Dyke added another prop to his gifted bow when he shared a sweet video of himself learning to play the ukulele at the age of 97 on Monday.
The 97-year-old acting icon said it’s “never too late to start something new,” while strumming the ukulele and saying, “Where’s the F?”
Revealing that his wife Arlene Silver was also studying alongside him, he captioned an Instagram video: “My first ukulele lesson with @getstartedplayingukulele @bijouboxs third.”
“It’s never too late to start something new.”
The star was praised by fans for his dedication to learning a new skill, writing, “I love that you’re still trying new things! A lesson in staying young.”
Is there anything he can’t do? Dick Van Dyke added another prop to his gifted bow when he shared a sweet video of himself learning to play the ukulele at the age of 97 on Monday
Another wrote: “Thank you Mr Van Dyke for sharing this inspiring adventure of learning something new with us! May God continue to bless you.”
One fan typed, “At almost 53 I feel too old to take piano lessons.” Seeing you trying is encouraging. You continue to bring joy into my life. Thank you very much.’
Others wrote: “You are so inspirational!!” All the best to you and your loved ones!’ and “There is a special place for this amazing soul, unparalleled grace, kindness and talent.”
The ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ star was injured after a surprise car accident in Malibu in March that left her with a bloody nose and mouth and an alleged concussion.
After his hour-long session at the gym, Dick – who will celebrate his next milestone on December 13 – was driven home by Arlene, whom he married in February 2012.
Dick was left covered in blood after crashing his Lexus LS 500 into a gate in Malibu on March 15. He had to have two stitches in his lip after slamming his face into the steering wheel because the car’s airbag failed to deploy.
After the accident, the actor was found to be bleeding from both his nose and mouth. Although he escaped with only minor injuries, Radar Online reported that Silver had his driver’s license revoked to protect himself and others.
The accident happened ten years after Van Dyke was pulled from his Jaguar after it caught fire on Freeway 101 in the Calabasas area of LA on August 19, 2013.
Musical: The acting icon, 97, said it’s “never too late to start something new” while strumming the ukulele and saying, “Where’s the F?”
Praise: The star was praised by fans for his dedication to learning a new skill, writing: “I love that you’re still trying new things!” A lesson in staying young.
A man named Jason Pennington saved the day after spotting the smoky car parked on the side of the road.
Dick married Silver – who is almost half his age – in 2012 and previously revealed that the couple keeps fit by singing and dancing together.
He recently demonstrated his stamina when he appeared on The Masked Singer US, where he wowed audiences with his performance as the gnome.
Discussing the key to his energy, Van Dyke told Yahoo, “For one thing, I think Gene.” Having a beautiful young wife half my age who takes care of me – it works!
“I got my positive attitude from my wife.”
He continued, “And something else is that I’ve written a book called Keep Moving. I still go to the gym and work out three days a week.
“And I advise everyone to do that, because that’s what ages people — it’s just stiffening, not training the muscles and lungs.” “Exercise is the answer.”
As conversation turned to his work on mystery singing competition The Masked Singer, he quipped, “Oh, it was so fun.” It was the weirdest experience. They have a great team there and took good care of me but as soon as I got out of the car they covered my head!
“I never met or saw anyone! I have to go back and meet her in person because no one has ever seen me and I have never seen her. It was strange.’
Iconic: Van Dyke played Cockney jack-of-all-trades Bert alongside Julie Andrews in Robert Stevenson’s 1964 Disney classic Mary Poppins
Grandfather to seven, Van Dyke has four children with his ex-wife Margerie Willet – whom he married on the Bride and Groom radio show in 1948 before divorcing 36 years later.
His longtime partner Michelle Triola Marvin passed away in 2009 after they had lived together for 30 years.
Just one Oscar away from elite EGOT status, Van Dyke served in the US Army during World War II.
Besides Mary Poppins, he is also known for his memorable roles on The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–66), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) and most recently Mary Poppins Returns (2018).