Overview
- Van Dyke made the claim during a Nov. 30 Vandy High Tea held at his Malibu home.
- He said their bond came from a shared childlike outlook, noting they agreed they were "emotionally" both 13 years old.
- He recounted that Walt Disney personally called after hearing an interview and offered him the Mary Poppins role.
- The charity event, produced by Chris Isaacson Presents, raised funds for The Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and a planned Dick Van Dyke Museum.
- Approaching his 100th birthday on Dec. 13, he credited giving up alcohol and cigarettes years ago for helping him reach this milestone.