Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver | Source: Getty Images
As wildfires ravage Southern California, Dick Van Dyke shared his remarkable survival story in a December 12 MSNBC interview after narrowly escaping the flames. The 98-year-old actor’s ordeal left netizens both relieved and full of questions.
A netizen's comment about Dick Van Dyke surviving the Franklin Fire, posted on December 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/pagesix
The Franklin Fire, driven by dry conditions and high winds, forced evacuations across Malibu, reportedly displacing many residents. “It was coming from over the hill, you could see it,” recalled Van Dyke, who turns 99 the next day, December 13.
Overwhelmed by approaching flames, he struggled to escape his Malibu home of 40 years. “I was trying to crawl to the car. I had exhausted myself and couldn’t get up,” he explained.
Fortunately, luck was on his side. Three neighbors came and carried me out and came back and put out a little fire in the guest house and saved me,” he said. The interaction with his neighbors was captured on his home’s Ring camera.
News of his escape prompted an outpouring of concern and love on social media. One user commented, “Poor guy, that’s just awful 😢.” Several netizens responded with relief after hearing about Van Dyke’s narrow escape from the wildfire.
A netizen's comment about Dick Van Dyke surviving the Franklin Fire was posted on December 12, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/RollingStone
Another wrote, referencing a beloved late Hollywood actress, “We can’t lose him, he’s our Betty White now.” However, some speculated about his wife, Arlene Silver’s, absence, “Where was his super young wife!?!”
Other users raised the same question about Silver’s whereabouts while her husband was escaping the wildfire.
A netizen's reaction to the absence of Dick Van Dyke's wife following the actor's survival of the Franklin Fire, posted on December 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/pagesix
Many expressed gratitude for his safety and concern for his cat, Bobo, while others questioned how the iconic actor was left alone during such a critical moment.
A netizen's comment about Dick Van Dyke surviving the Franklin Fire, posted on December 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/nypost
A netizen humorously compared him to a cat with nine lives, marveling at his resilience and uncanny luck.
A netizen's remark about Dick Van Dyke surviving the Franklin Fire, posted on December 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/pagesix
Amid the concern and speculation, a Facebook update provided relief. Van Dyke and Silver returned to their home after evacuation orders were lifted. Their house remained unscathed, and their beloved cat was found safe.
Dick Van Dyke‘s brush with danger, just days before his birthday, ended with relief as his home remained unharmed—a fortunate outcome made possible by the quick actions of his neighbors and firefighters.
