Dick Van Dyke; Ed Asner.
Dick Van Dyke and Ed Asner were gearing up to delight audiences with their take on the timeless classic, “The Odd Couple,” before fate intervened with Asner’s passing at 91 in 2021.
The Odd Couple, cherished in its many forms from Broadway to television, beautifully encapsulates the zany dynamics between the orderly Felix and the chaotic Oscar, who venture to coexist under one roof.
“It would have been a blast, and we lost it. I’ve lost a lot of friends,” admitted Van Dyke, reflecting on the project that never was.
Now a sprightly 99 years old, Dick opened up during a Q&A with his wife, Arlene Van Dyke, at the Vandy Camp event in Malibu, California. He recalled how he and Asner envisioned breathing new life into the enduring comedy.
Arlene, 53, observed with a smile: “He’s outlived everybody. That’s the curse of living to almost 100.” Still, she marveled at her husband’s unshakable optimism.
When asked about the secret to his sunny outlook, Dick’s answer was simple: “Well, life’s been good to me. I can’t complain.”
The Odd Couple first charmed Broadway in 1965, thanks to playwright Neil Simon. A film followed in 1968 starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, and a hit TV adaptation ran from 1970 to 1975, featuring Jack Klugman and Tony Randall.
Still active as ever, Dick finds deep joy in performing. At the Malibu event, he joined The Vantastix, his beloved barbershop quartet.
“I’m a ham,” he chuckled. “I love it. I get a jolt of energy from an audience.”
He fondly recalled his breakthrough role in Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway (1960–1961), calling it the show that “got me off the ground” and won him a Tony Award.
Dick’s screen career soared with The Dick Van Dyke Show, followed by his iconic role in Mary Poppins (1964), where he played both the playful Bert and the stern Mr. Dawes Sr.
Of Julie Andrews, he said: “She was wonderful. Patient and kind.” He admitted struggling with his singing parts but remembered Julie’s advice: “Think high. Think up there.” Their collaboration, he added, was magical.
