Dick Van Dyke Is 'Praying' He Makes It to His 99th Birthday
Dick Van Dyke says he's "just praying" to make it to his next birthday later this year after cancelling a series of highly anticipated public appearances.
The Mary Poppins star was spotted by a member of the paparazzi while running errands with an assistant in Malibu, Calif., on Monday, Sept. 23.
He was captured walking to his car with the assistance of another person and his cane, with a small black leather messenger back draped over his shoulder. He wore a bright baby blue long-sleeved polo with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows and a pair of black trousers and shoes.
The actor paused to speak with the photographer as he got ready to head out, entertaining a question about his plans for his upcoming 99th birthday on Dec. 13. According to Page Six, which obtained the photos, Van Dyke simply smiled as he told the photographer that he's “Just praying that I make it.”
That sparked a follow-up question about how he was doing, to which he simply responded, “I’m pretty old.”
Earlier this month, Van Dyke was noticeably absent from the Emmys despite having just been announced as a presenter days prior. Not long after, he formally cancelled his planned appearance at the upcoming Fan X convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, leaving fans worried about his well-being.
"We are sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke is not able to travel to FanX," organizers announced.
"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."
Fans were more than understanding of his need to "be resting and being retired," appreciating the "the memories and movies that he gives us," but couldn't help but wonder if there was more to the story.
"I hope he's okay," another replied.
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