“I’m 98 Years Old!” Dick Van Dyke Wins Emmy and Makes History

“I’m the oldest nominee in history,” a giddy Dick Van Dyke shared while taking the stage at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Friday, June 7 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in historic downtown Los Angeles. “I’m 98 years old, can you believe it?”

Actually, no! We can’t believe it, as Van Dyke is just as witty today as his days as Rob Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show. With his forever smile and oozing charm, he had the packed audience of soap stars in absolute awe, as they knew they were witnessing a once in a lifetime.

Van Dyke made history when he became the oldest Daytime Emmy winner at age 98 for his guest role on Days of Our Lives, winning a 2024 Emmy for Best Guest Peformance in a Daytime Drama Series.

“I can’t believe it, I’ve been playing old men my entire life,” he said, joking about his guest role on Days of Our Lives.

What Episodes and Where to Watch Dick Van Dyke’s Emmy-Winning Role on “Days of Our Lives”

Van Dyke played an amnesiac brought into Salem University under the name of John Doe on Days of Our Lives. Later, it would be revealed that he was Timothy Robicheaux, the biological father of John Black and the widow of the late Maude Robicheaux. It was a brilliant move casting the acting vet for the role, as well giving him such a poignant storyline. Van Dyke was featured in a four-part arc on Days of Our Lives in September 2023. You can stream the episodes (Sept. 1, Sept. 4, Sept. 8, and Sept. 14) on Peacock.

While comedy and musicals are synonymous with Van Dyke, it actually took him 75 years to land a part on a soap opera. At the awards ceremony he complimented the soap community for welcoming him and noted what a genuine family this group of actors truly was.

“If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself,” he told the crowd. “Thank you so much, this really tops off a lifetime.”