Dick Van Dyke is learning to play the ukulele at 97 and says ‘it’s never too late' to try something new
The 97-year-old actor has a new hobby.
Keryn Donnelly
Dick Van Dyke is learning to play the ukulele at 97.
The acting legend shared his new hobby with his fans on Instagram, posting a video of himself enjoying the intsrument.
"My first ukulele lesson with @getstartedplayingukulele," he wrote in the caption. He also tagged his wife, Arlene Silver, saying it was her third lesson so far.
"It’s never too late to start something new," he added.
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Fans of the Diagnosis Murder star thanked him for showing them it's not too late to try new things.
"Love that you’re still trying new things! A lesson in how to stay young," one person commented.
Another added: "Amen! I started tap dancing at age 60. I’ll never win any awards for it, but I’m having fun."
A third wrote: "At almost 53, I feel like I’m too old to take piano lessons. Seeing you try this, encourages me. You continue to bring joy into my life. Thank you."
In March this year, Van Dyke concerned fans after he was involved in a 'scary accident'. The actor told officers who responded to the crash that he lost control of his 2018 Lexus LS 500 and skidded into a fence.
"The airbags did not deploy, so I just did a face plant right in the steering wheel," he told reporters at the time.
"So I have two stitches here," he said, pointing to his mouth. "But other than that, it just made me a little dumber."
The star then went on to make a joke about his age.
"I'm 97," he said, before adding: "All my friends are dead."
The accident happened one month after the veteran actor was unmasked as the 'Gnome' on the US version of The Masked Singer.
“We are in the presence of an icon, ladies and gentlemen,” host Nick Cannon said when he was revealed. “This is the most seasoned and decorated entertainer we have had on our show, ladies and gentlemen. Truly a legend.”
The Masked Singer panelists were stunned to see Van Dyke, but perhaps no one was more blown away than The Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger, who cried after seeing him.
“I love you so much,” she said, while fighting back tears. “We love you. The whole world loves you so much. It’s an honour to have you on our show.
"I can’t believe you’re here. I’m trying to play it cool, but you look so gorgeous. You look so handsome.”
Ken Jeong said: “You are one of the reasons why I got into comedy. You are comedy...our greatest reveal ever.
Nicole added: “You’re our childhood.