Dick Van Dyke has shared the screen with many talented stars over his decades in the industry, but by far one of his most rewarding collaborations was working with son Barry Van Dyke.
The father-son duo costarred on the series Diagnosis Murder from 1993 to 2001, and their unique bond was highlighted in the new documentary Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration from Fathom Entertainment.
“My son, he and I love to work together,” Dick, 99, says in never-before-seen documentary footage shared exclusively with Us Weekly. “We’re like Laurel and Hardy. We ran a very loose ship on that show. We didn’t take our murder mystery seriously, and we just had a good time.”
The medical drama centered on Dick as Dr. Mark Sloan, a doctor who solves crimes with the help of his homicide detective son, Steve, played by Barry, 74. The show ran for eight seasons and remains one of Dick’s most memorable roles on his impressive list of accolades.
“Diagnosis: Murder — what’s great about that is again it’s Dick being Dick,” veteran entertainment journalist Gino Salomone says in the film. “It doesn’t matter; he has a mustache, he looks different and then he’s working with Barry, Barry who sounds exactly like Dick. It was almost like, ‘Wait a minute, we get two Dick Van Dykes for one.’”
Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration from filmmakers Steve Boettcher and Michael Trinklein blends nostalgia, behind-the-scenes snippets and celebrity commentary to spotlight the incredible life of the entertainment legend in honor of his 100th birthday on December 13.
“Filled with laughter, music and touching moments, Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration weaves together classic TV and film clips, heartfelt interviews with Van Dyke and his legendary costars and a moving visit with the star to his hometown of Danville, Illinois,” the official synopsis says. “The film offers a first-hand account of the man behind the performances, drawing from three decades of interviews conducted by the filmmakers with Van Dyke’s costars, including Mary Tyler Moore, Carl Reiner, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Betty White and Tim Conway.”
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“In addition, artists from across generations reflect on his enormous and versatile talent: Chita Rivera, in one of her final interviews, recalls Van Dyke’s explosive Tony Award-winning breakout role as her costar in Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie; his The Comic costar Michele Lee praises his heartbreaking dramatic turn in the film; and Derek Hough, who choreographed his Kennedy Center Honors tribute, shares how Van Dyke’s joyful, physical style continues to inspire new generations of performers,” the synopsis continues. “Additional insights from renowned Broadway producer/director Richard Jay-Alexander and veteran entertainment journalist Gino Salomone underscore his lasting cultural impact. Finally, interviews with his hometown neighbors and longtime family friends offer poignant insights into Van Dyke’s early years and the enduring place he holds in the hearts of Danville’s residents.”
The film takes viewers on a journey to Dick’s hometown of Danville, Illinois, explaining how he went from being a radio DJ to one of the most prolific performers in all of Hollywood.
“This film has been a labor of love for more than thirty years,” says Boettcher. “We’ve spent decades interviewing Mr. Van Dyke and his friends and costars, capturing the moments and memories that define his incredible journey. From Broadway to Hollywood to his touching return to Danville, the film is a living tribute to one of the greatest entertainers in history — a man whose career has spanned more than 80 years and who’s still going strong! It’s a joyful celebration of a truly extraordinary life.”
Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration is in theaters nationally on December 13 and December 14. Tickets, theaters and available showtimes can be found here.
