At 98 years old, Dick Van Dyke has lived through nearly a century of entertainment history. But his most captivating performance might be his real-life love story.
Behind the cheerful smile and dance moves lies a complex romantic tale filled with heartbreak, devotion, and surprising second chances. How many wives has this beloved entertainer actually had?
Dick Van Dyke is an American entertainer who became famous in the 1960s. He starred in “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “Mary Poppins.”
Born in 1925, he has worked as an actor, comedian, singer, and dancer for over 60 years. Many people know him for his physical comedy and cheerful personality.
At this old age, Van Dyke remains active in show business. His personal life, especially his relationships and marriages, has been just as fascinating as his career.
How Many Times Has Dick Van Dyke Been Married?
Dick Van Dyke has been married twice, once for over three decades and again in his later years.
Despite rumors and speculation over the years, the official count remains at two legal marriages. His first marriage lasted 36 years. His second marriage, beginning at age 86, surprised fans worldwide.
Between these marriages, he also had a significant long-term relationship that never led to a legal union.
| Relationship | Status | Date(s) | Legal Status | Children | Main Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Margie Willett | Married | 1948–1984 | Marriage, Divorce | 4 | Wedding on the radio, 36 years |
| Michelle Triola | Reationship | 1976–2009 (her death) | Domestic Partnership | 0 | Partnered for 33 years |
| Arlene Silver | Married | 2012–present | Married | 0 | 46-year age gap, happy union |
Van Dyke’s Relationship Timeline & Marriages
Take a closer look at each relationship with a verified, date-by-date look at Dyke’s marriages, divorces, and notable relationships, with key legal milestones from court filings to custody agreements.
1. Margie Willett
Dick Van Dyke’s first love story began in his hometown of Danville, Illinois, where he met Margie Willett during their teenage years.
Their romance blossomed into something special when they decided to get married on national radio.
The couple appeared on the popular show “Bride and Groom” on February 12, 1948, exchanging vows before thousands of listeners across America.
This unique wedding made headlines and gave fans an intimate glimpse into Van Dyke’s personal life. Together, they welcomed four children, namely Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth.
However, Van Dyke’s struggle with alcoholism created strain in their relationship. After three and a half decades together, their marriage ended in 1984 when irreconcilable differences became too much to overcome.
Legal Notes:
- Marriage Certificate: Legally married February 12, 1948, during a live radio broadcast.
- Divorce Filing: Van Dyke filed for divorce in 1984 in the California family court.
- Custody Arrangements: Joint custody was established for their four children through court proceedings.
- Divorce Reasons: Court documents cited irreconcilable differences, though Van Dyke’s alcoholism was a contributing factor.
- Settlement Terms: Divorce included property division and spousal support arrangements.
2. Michelle Triola
After his divorce, Dick Van Dyke found companionship with Michelle Triola, an actress and singer who had previously been in a high-profile relationship with actor Lee Marvin.
Triola was already known in Hollywood circles for her legal battle with Marvin over “palimony” rights. She and Van Dyke began their relationship in 1976, just as he was rebuilding his life after a divorce.
What started as a romantic partnership grew into a profound 33-year bond. Despite their deep connection and decades together, the couple chose never to marry legally.
Triola became Van Dyke’s constant companion, supporting him through career changes and personal growth. Their relationship remained strong until Triola’s death from lung cancer in 2009.
Van Dyke cared for her during her final illness, demonstrating the depth of their commitment despite never having a marriage certificate.
Legal Notes:
- No Marriage License: The Couple chose to remain unmarried throughout their 33-year relationship.
- Cohabitation Agreement: Lived together as domestic partners without a legal marriage contract.
- Estate Planning: Triola is included in Van Dyke’s will and estate planning documents.
- Medical Decisions: Van Dyke had medical power of attorney during Triola’s final illness.
- No Legal Proceedings: No court filings or legal disputes during or after the relationship.
3. Arlene Silver
Three years after Michelle Triola’s passing, love found Dick Van Dyke again in an unexpected way. At the 2006 SAG Awards, the 81-year-old entertainer met Arlene Silver, a professional makeup artist working in Hollywood.
Silver, who was 35 at the time, was drawn to Van Dyke’s charm and youthful spirit. Their friendship developed slowly over several years before blossoming into romance.
On February 29, 2012, Leap Day, they surprised the entertainment world by getting married in a private ceremony.
The 46-year age difference sparked media attention and public curiosity, but the couple has proven their critics wrong.
Silver has brought renewed energy to Van Dyke’s life, often accompanying him to events and supporting his continued work in entertainment.
Their marriage has now lasted over 12 years, with both partners frequently expressing their happiness and devotion to each other.
Legal Notes:
- Marriage Certificate: Legally married February 29, 2012, in a private ceremony.
- Prenuptial Agreement: Legal documents filed prior to marriage protecting both parties’ assets.
- Age Gap Considerations: California law requires no special provisions for age differences in marriage.
- Current Legal Status: Marriage remains legally valid and active as of 2025.
- No Legal Issues: No court filings or legal disputes throughout 12-year marriage.
Media Spotlight on Dick Van Dyke’s Love Life
Van Dyke has been relatively private about his personal relationships compared to other Hollywood stars. His marriages and relationships became public through:
Key Public Acknowledgments:
- Divorce proceedings with Margie were reported in the entertainment media in 1984.
- A long relationship with Michelle Triola was confirmed through industry sources.
- Marriage to Arlene Silver was announced through entertainment news outlets.
- The age gap with Silver became the focus of media attention and public discussion.
Privacy Approach:
- Van Dyke rarely discusses personal relationships in interviews.
- Family matters are generally kept private except for major life events.
- Children and grandchildren are protected from media attention.
- Current wife Arlene occasionally appears at public events with Van Dyke.
End Note
As of August 2025, Dick Van Dyke enjoys a happy life with Arlene Silver, the partner who brought renewed joy in his later years.
Dyke’s romantic journey, marked by devotion, resilience, and late-in-life love, mirrors the highs and lows of his celebrated career. His story proves that meaningful relationships can evolve and flourish at any age.
The public record demonstrates how personal struggles like alcoholism can affect marriages, while also showing that love and happiness can be found at any age.
This information reflects publicly available records and verified reporting as of the publication date.
