Malibu local and acting icon Dick Van Dyke accepted the lifetime achievement honor Sunday evening at the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.
The 87-year-old Van Dyke was all smiles as he was greeted with an extended standing ovation. Thrilled to be there, the ever-funny actor began his speech by recognizing his “lord and savior,” Carl Reiner. “Dick Van Dyke Show” creator Reiner was scheduled to present Van Dyke with the lifetime achievement honor but unable to attend. Stepping in for Reiner was Alec Baldwin of “30 Rock.”
In thanking the guild for the award, Van Dyke said “I’m looking at the greatest generation of actors in the history of acting.” He added, “If this very heavy object right here means that I can refer to you as my peers, then I’m a very lucky man. Thank you, god bless.”
Van Dyke has worked as an actor, singer, dancer, writer and comedian. He starred in such films as “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Mary Poppins,” along with the TV series “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” Additionally, he has won five Emmys, a Tony Award and a Grammy.
“Stage, big screen, small screen, literally everywhere he has worked he has inspired millions of fans and has had a tremendously positive impact on the industry and the world,” SAG Co-President Ken Howard said. “He is so deserving of this honor and I congratulate him.”
Van Dyke was given The Malibu Times 2010 Citizens of the Year Dolphin Award for his contributions to local charities and the community.