Dick Van Dyke is keeping in good spirits after missing the Primetime Emmy Awards earlier this month.
Fans have expressed concern about Van Dyke’s health since the legendary TV actor, 98, skipped the ceremony after being slated as a presenter.
However, in the exclusive video obtained by The Post, the icon was all smiles as he left a pharmacy in Malibu on Monday morning and even joked about his next birthday.
7 Just shy of his 99th Birthday, acting legend Dick Van Dyke said he hopes he makes it to the big 9-9 after being questioned about his upcoming celebrations on December 13th. NORTH-SUNSET / BACKGRID
7 Dick Van Dyke was all smiles, laughing and joking on Monday Sept. 23 when asked about how he’s feeling following his absence at the 2024 Primetime Emmys. NORTH-SUNSET / BACKGRID
“I feel old,” Van Dyke said with a laugh and a giant grin when asked by a photographer how he’s feeling.
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As for whether the star has any big plans for his upcoming 99th birthday in December, Van Dyke added with his characteristic comedic timing, “Just praying that I make it.”
Earlier on Monday, it was announced that Van Dyke would be skipping a three-day FanX event in Salt Lake City, Utah, from Sept. 26 to 28.
7 Dick Van Dyke sparked concerns about his health recently after cancelling an appearance at a three-day FanX event in Salt Lake City from September 26 to September 29. NORTH-SUNSET / BACKGRID
“He expresses his gratitude to all of those who continue to support him but, at almost 99 years of age, traveling and interacting with thousands of people is more than he is able to do at this time,” the announcement read.
Van Dyke was revealed as a Primetime Emmys presenter on Sept. 9., but did not attend the awards ceremony.
7 Dick Van Dyke with the award for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) for Dick Van Dyke 98 Years Of Magic at the 76th Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater on September 7, 2024. Scott Kirkland/PictureGroup for FXX/Shutterstock
7 Dick Van Dyke, winner, poses at the 51st annual Daytime Emmys Awards at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles on June 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
The “Mary Poppins” star did, however, attend the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys on Sept. 7, where he posed seated in a chair holding an Emmy statue after the CBS special on his life “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic” won for Outstanding Variety Special. Though the show took home a trophy, Van Dyke did not, as he was not a producer on the show.
Reflecting on his body of work, Van Dyke told reporters at the awards that he wants to be remembered “for laughter.”
7 Dick Van Dyke wins Guest Performance in a Daytime Drama Series for “Days of our Lives” at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmys Awards on June 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images for NATAS
7 Dick Van Dyke walks with his cane after posing with US comedian and actress Carol Burnett during her Hand and Footprint ceremony in the courtyard of the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California, on June 20, 2024. AFP via Getty Images
“Hopefully for making people laugh for 75 years,” he said. “I’ve been in the business for 75 years, I can’t believe it that I’m still here and performing! I’m looking for work if anyone’s interested.”
The “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” actor made Emmys history this year, when he won a Daytime Emmy for a guest starring role in “Days of Our Lives,” becoming the oldest Daytime Emmy winner ever.
“I don’t believe this. I feel like a spy from nighttime television,” he said at the awards ceremony in June. “I’m 98 years old. Can you believe it? This really tops off a lifetime of 80 years in the business. If I had known I would have lived this long, I would’ve taken better care of myself.”
The Post has reached out to Van Dyke’s rep for comment.
