Dick Van Dyke’s health is coming into question after the longtime entertainer canceled another upcoming public appearance for a fan convention in Utah.
In a Sept. 23 announcement, “FanX” event organizers confirmed Van Dyke—who will turn 99 in December—pulled out of the three-day convention in Salt Lake City, citing challenges of old age.
“We are sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke is not able to travel to FanX at this time,” the statement read.
“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.”
“Sad! I was really hoping to get a chance to see him since I missed him previously. But I get that it’s a lot for someone of his age. Hopefully he gets feeling better,” said one Facebook user, citing Van Dyke’s previous 2017 “FanX” appearance.
“Totally understandable at his age he should be resting and being retired. We enjoy the memories and movies that he gives us,” wrote another.
This would have marked his first public appearance outside of Los Angeles in months, after the “Mary Poppins” actor skipped the 2024 Emmy Awards on Sept. 15.
Van Dyke was named as a presenter for the Television Academy along with many other celebrities, but was the only talent who missed it.
The Epoch Times has reached out to both event representatives for comment.
Speaking to the press at the time, the “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” star expressed no intent of retiring and said he was looking for more work.
“I’ve been in the business 75 years. I can’t believe that I’m still here and performing. ... I’m looking for work if anybody has,” he said.
When asked by reporters what he hopes to be remembered by, Van Dyke said “for laughter ... I hope for making people laugh.”
He is now tied with the late comedian Norman Lear, who won the Creative Arts Emmy back in 2020 also at the age of 98, as two of the oldest winners of the award.
“Thank you. I don’t believe this. I feel like a spy from nighttime television,” Van Dyke said in his acceptance speech.
“I’m the oldest nominee in history. I’ve been playing old men all my life. If I’d known I was going to live this long I’d have taken better care of myself.”
