'Mary Poppins' actor Dick Van Dyke details his terrifying escape from Malibu wildfire, recalling being carried to safety by caring neighbors and a heartfelt reunion with his beloved pet cat.
- December 13, 2024
AceShowbiz - Dick Van Dyke, the legendary "Mary Poppins" star, had a narrow escape from the devastating Franklin Fire that ravaged Malibu earlier this week. As the wildfire, which burned over 2,600 acres, approached, Van Dyke found himself struggling to evacuate.
"It was coming from the hill, you could see it," he reported in an interview on the "Today" show. "And oh my God. We got out of here. I was trying to crawl to the car. I had exhausted myself. I couldn't get up." Thankfully, his neighbors stepped in, carrying him to safety and even extinguishing a small fire in his guest house.
The 98-year-old actor, alongside his wife Arlene Silver and their pets, managed to evacuate in time. However, their orange cat, Bobo, went missing amidst the chaos. Van Dyke took to Facebook, sharing their safe evacuation but expressing concern over Bobo's disappearance.
"There was so much interest in his disappearance that Animal Control was called in to assist. But, thankfully, he was easy to find and not harmed," Van Dyke later posted, much to the relief of his fans.
Not just limited to Van Dyke, the Franklin Fire displaced tens of thousands of residents, including other celebrities like Mira Sorvino and Cher. The Santa Monica-Malibu school district closed all Malibu schools, and Pepperdine University students were advised to shelter in place due to the fire's rapid spread. Over 700 firefighters have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze.
Despite the intense circumstances, Van Dyke's resilience remains inspiring as he approaches his milestone 99th birthday on December 13. Recently, he was back in the headlines for his appearance in Coldplay's emotional music video for "All My Love."
In addition, Van Dyke continues to emphasize the importance of staying active, crediting his wife for keeping him fit and young. In an interview with Forbes, he said, "Oh my god! I don't think I'd even be here, to tell you that truth. She keeps me in shape, feeds me, and I love her more every day. We're just getting closer and closer."
Van Dyke's story is a testament to community spirit and the importance of staying active and positive, even in the face of adversity. His account not only underscores the critical role neighbors can play in times of crisis but also reminds us of the strength and resilience that come from mutual support and love.
