Dick Van Dyke, the beloved actor and legendary star of Mary Poppins, was forced to flee his Malibu home as devastating wildfires raged nearby. At 99 years old, Van Dyke faced an intense battle for survival as the flames encroached on his property in the Serra Retreat area of California.
Van Dyke shared his harrowing experience during an interview with Today, recounting how he struggled to get to safety amid the wildfire’s fierce advance. “It was coming over the hill. You [could] see it,” he explained, describing the blaze as it quickly approached his home.
Determined to escape, Van Dyke attempted to crawl to his car, but exhaustion quickly took its toll. “I had exhausted myself. I couldn’t get up. And three neighbors came and carried me out,” he said, expressing his gratitude for their timely intervention. The neighbors not only helped Van Dyke escape, but they also returned to fight the flames and saved his guest house from catching fire.
In a video taken during the evacuation, Van Dyke can be heard saying he was “soaking wet” as he made his desperate attempt to escape. His home’s security cameras captured the dramatic moment, showing Van Dyke leaving with his wife, Arlene, and their pets in tow.
Despite the terrifying situation, Van Dyke made sure to update fans on his safety via Facebook. “Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo, who escaped as we were leaving,” he wrote. “We’re praying he’ll be ok and that our community in Serra Retreat will survive these terrible fires.”
The wildfires, which started late on Monday night, were part of the larger Franklin Fire that began just north of Pepperdine University. By Tuesday, the fire had spread to over 2,800 acres, forcing over 18,000 people to evacuate, and threatening more than 8,000 buildings. Tragically, the cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s arson teams.
The incident comes at a time when Van Dyke’s life and legacy have been celebrated. His Malibu home was recently featured in Coldplay’s music video for their song “All My Love,” highlighting his illustrious Hollywood career. In a reflective moment from the video, Van Dyke shared his perspective on life and death, revealing, “I’m not afraid of it. I have that feeling, totally against anything intellectual, that I’m going to be all right.”
Alongside Van Dyke, other notable figures in the area, including actress Mira Sorvino and singers Cher and Barbra Streisand, have also been forced to evacuate their homes due to the ongoing fires.
Fans and well-wishers flooded social media with messages of support for the iconic actor, who continues to inspire audiences with his resilience and positive outlook on life. While Van Dyke’s situation was undoubtedly perilous, his focus remains on family, safety, and gratitude for those who helped him through the crisis.
As the wildfires continue to threaten the region, Van Dyke’s escape is a testament to both his strength and the kindness of his community in the face of disaster.
Hear more about the fires in the video below!
What do you think of Dick Van Dyke’s incredible story of survival, and how does his perspective on life and death resonate with you?
