Dick Van Dyke takes home prestigious award, says he wants to be remembered for making people laugh

Iconic actor Dick Van Dyke took home a prestigious award last weekend, earning him praise and mountains of respect from his colleagues. 

That's especially because he's still alive and with it at 98.

According to Fox News, Van Dyke scored a Creative Arts Emmy win last Saturday evening, tying for the oldest actor to receive the award with the late, great comedic legend Norman Lear.

Van Dyke received a well-deserved standing ovation for taking home the award.

But the real headline is how Van Dyke answered a particular question regarding his legacy. When asked how he would like to be remembered, the beloved actor simply said, "for laughter."

"I hope for making people laugh for 75 years," he said, adding, "I can't believe that I'm still here and performing."

Dick Van Dyke on how he hopes to be remembered:

"For laughter. For making people laugh for 75 years. I can't believe that I'm still here and performing." pic.twitter.com/qrB7eTdGf7

— The American Conservative (@amconmag) September 9, 2024

Van Dyke even delivered a perfectly timed joke as he received the award, showing the audience that not only does he still have "it," but he's nothing less than a grandmaster of his craft.

The iconic comedian was also asked what advice he would impart onto younger actors and comedians trying to make it in the business, which seems more difficult than ever before.

"You have to stick with it," Van Dyke said. "You're gonna go through hard times and a lot of auditions ... but you have to stay with it. Be patient if you've got the confidence in yourself, and it's very important to believe that you can do it."

His wife, Arlene Silver, is 46 years younger, but that doesn't seem to faze Van Dyke in the least, as he showered her with praise after winning the award.

"The young lady who got this award, you may think of the word nepotism and I would understand it, but this lady got the job all by herself as producer of the Dick Van Dyke special because she knows me inside and out, and knows how I work, and don't take no sass from anybody," he said.

One social media user wrote, "He's the true definition of a living legend."

Another added, "A true legend—your laughter and joy have been a gift to generations, and it's incredible you're still going strong!"