Everything You Need to Know About Dick Van Dyke’s Four Children
Known for his iconic roles as Bert, the joyful chimney sweep in “Mary Poppins,” and Caractacus Potts, the eccentric inventor in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” as well as from the television series bearing his name, Dick Van Dyke has remained a treasured figure in Hollywood for many years.
Celebrating his 99th birthday on December 13, Van Dyke is much more than an actor — he is also a devoted father and grandfather.
Currently married to makeup artist Arlene Silver, Van Dyke had his four children with his first wife, Margerie Willet, during their marriage from 1948 to 1984.
Continue reading to discover more about Van Dyke’s children: Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth.
Christian Van Dyke
Christian Van Dyke, born on May 13, 1950, started his career in acting by appearing on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” at the age of 11.
However, he chose to step back from the entertainment industry, opting instead to pursue a law degree from Arizona State University.
In his initial legal role, he served as a deputy district attorney in Corvallis, Oregon. He further advanced his legal career in the state, first as an assistant attorney general in Salem and later being elected as the district attorney for Marion County in 1980, as reported by Cascade Business News.
Christian’s career also included positions with Nike and Patagonia.
He married Caroline Heller in 1970, with whom he welcomed three children.
Tragically, their daughter Jessica Lee passed away from Reye’s syndrome at the age of 13 in April 1987, shortly after seeking relief for a fever linked to chickenpox, according to the Los Angeles Times.
By this time, Christian and Caroline had already divorced.
Barry Van Dyke
Barry, born on July 31, 1951, made his first appearance on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” acting in 1962.
Unlike Christian, who transitioned to law, Barry pursued a career in acting, inspired by his father.
He recalled that his father wanted him to enjoy his childhood, stating, “He told me that if I still wanted to act after I graduated high school, then it would be OK,” he told the Los Angeles Times.
Barry successfully became an actor, with notable roles in series such as “Galactica 1980” and “Diagnosis Murder,” which he co-starred in with Dick Van Dyke.
Barry praised his father’s creativity and work ethic, noting, “I’d work with him any time. He is the best to work with, very creative. He has a lot of integrity and he’ll work no matter what, including physical discomfort. He set a fine example.”
In 1974, Barry married Mary Carey, and together they welcomed four children: Carey, Shane, Wes, and Taryn. Barry is also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren.
Stacy Van Dyke
Stacy is the first daughter and third child of Van Dyke.
During her childhood, she engaged in acting alongside her father in “The New Dick Van Dyke Show” and “Diagnosis: Murder.”
She furthered her acting pursuits by joining the Barnstormers, a performing group at the Windmill Dinner Theater in Phoenix, Arizona, according to Phoenix Theater History.
Stacy married Mike Breen, a fellow Barnstormers member, in 1979.
Though she pursued acting, Stacy opted for a more private life, avoiding the level of fame that her father experienced.
Carrie Beth Van Dyke
Carrie Beth, born on October 18, 1961, is the youngest of Van Dyke’s children.
She began her acting journey on “The New Dick Van Dyke Show.”
Similar to her sister, Carrie Beth met her husband, actor Kevin McNally, at the Windmill Dinner Theater, marrying him in 1983.
Kevin later joined the cast of “Diagnosis: Murder,” appearing alongside Carrie Beth’s father and brother for 19 episodes.
In 2015, Kevin released a single titled “Searching Your Eyes” on SoundCloud, which he said he wrote and recorded when he and Carrie Beth first met. Stacy and her husband also contributed to the track.
Carrie Beth and Kevin are the proud parents of two children.
