Iconic actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke, born Richard Wayne Van Dyke, entertained audiences for over six decades. His illustrious career began in the 1940s when Van Dyke was persuaded to join a comedy duo with Phil Erickson called Eric and Van-- the Merry Mutes. With a mime act and an affinity for lip synching to old records, the pair toured West Coast night club circuit. After several television appearances, he secured the leading role in the original Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie in 1960, despite lacking any dance experience. He starred in The Dick Van Dyke Show from 1961 to 1966, and the hit series, now considered one of the greatest television shows in history, earned four Emmy Awards for Best Outstanding Comedy Series while Van Dyke took home three for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. During his extensive film career, he starred in several musicals such as Disney's 1964 classic Marry Poppins and the film version of Bye Bye Birdie in 1963. Van Dyke has built a legacy of comedy and excellence with few rivals in the entertainment industry.
