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| Dick Van Dyke in 'Mary Poppins Returns.'. Jay Maidment/Walt Disney/Kobal/Shutterstock |
🕺 Dick Van Dyke’s Wife Arlene Silver Opens Up About Shoe Spat on Mary Poppins Returns Set — “He Couldn’t Dance in Those!”
Even at 92, Dick Van Dyke proved that age is just a number when he danced his way back into our hearts in Mary Poppins Returns (2018). But according to his wife, Arlene Silver, the iconic performance came with unexpected drama — centered entirely around his shoes.
At the third annual Vandy Camp fan event in Malibu, Silver captivated the crowd with an untold behind-the-scenes story that highlighted not only Van Dyke’s dedication but also a small battle of wills with none other than Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood.
👞 The Battle of the Shoes: Authenticity vs. Function
Arlene Silver didn’t hold back as she described the lead-up to her husband’s now-legendary dance scene in the Disney sequel. Playing Mr. Dawes Jr. once again, Van Dyke was determined to give the audience everything he had — but he knew one thing: he needed the right shoes.
“So he was 92, I think, when he did that movie,” Silver recalled. “And I'm with him with everything. I help him rehearse. I do everything for him.”
That commitment took center stage when Silver and Van Dyke came head-to-head with Atwood over footwear.
“She was adamant about him wearing these period-accurate shoes,” Silver explained. “But he said, ‘I am not going to be able to dance in those.’”
The shoes, though visually appropriate for the 1930s setting, were far too heavy for a dance routine Van Dyke had practiced tirelessly. What he needed were his trusty light jazz shoes, ones that allowed fluidity, comfort, and control — not vintage soles that dragged him down.
🎭 “No One’s Looking at His Shoes — They’re Looking at Him”
Determined to ensure Van Dyke could dance safely and confidently, Silver stepped in.
“He can’t dance in those heavy shoes,” she told the production team. “He needs the light jazz shoes.”
As tensions grew over whether to prioritize period accuracy or the actor’s mobility, Silver came up with a practical solution that satisfied everyone:
CGI the shoes in post.
“No one’s looking at his shoes, they’re looking at him,” she reasoned. And with that, the dispute was resolved. Van Dyke got to wear his comfortable jazz shoes during filming, and the film’s costume integrity was maintained in the final edit.
🧙♂️ “That Is Him — Not CGI”
While CGI may have helped with the shoes, Van Dyke’s dance moves were all real.
Silver revealed that several options had been prepared to help the then-92-year-old climb onto a desk during the performance. These included props and even crew assistance.
But Van Dyke wasn’t having it.
“He said, ‘No, no, no, I want to do it, the hardest one.’ And he did,” Silver beamed. “That is him. That is not CGI.”
That choice reflects not only Van Dyke’s enduring work ethic but also his passion for performing — a quality that has made him a beloved figure across multiple generations.
❤️ A Love Story Built on Partnership and Passion
Silver and Van Dyke met in 2006 at the SAG Awards. Despite their 46-year age gap, the pair developed a deep bond, eventually marrying in 2012.
Since then, Silver has remained by his side — both personally and professionally.
Whether it’s rehearsing lines or advocating for better dance shoes, her role has gone far beyond that of a spouse. She’s become his creative partner and biggest supporter, championing his continued presence in Hollywood long past the age when most people retire.
🏆 EGOT Dreams Still Alive at 99
Now 99 years old, Dick Van Dyke shows no signs of slowing down.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, he revealed that he still has one major goal left on his bucket list: winning an Academy Award.
With five Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony for Bye Bye Birdie, and a Grammy for Mary Poppins, Van Dyke only needs an Oscar to complete the coveted EGOT status.
And if Mary Poppins Returns proved anything, it’s that Van Dyke still has the talent, energy, and charisma to take on the big screen in unforgettable ways.
👏 Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Dance
The story of Van Dyke’s dancing shoes may seem like a quirky behind-the-scenes moment, but it speaks volumes about the intersection of art, age, and advocacy.
In an industry that often sidelines older performers, Dick Van Dyke stood firm — not only to continue performing but to do it on his terms. And with Arlene Silver at his side, fighting for every detail that mattered, he delivered a performance that audiences will remember forever.
Whether it’s leaping onto a desk at 92 or dreaming of Oscar gold at 99, Van Dyke continues to inspire — one step, one laugh, one dance at a time.
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