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In a heartbreaking confession about his health, Hollywood icon Dick Van Dyke has expressed that he "prays" that he manages to survive the rest of the year.
Knewz.com has learned that the 98-year-old was initially meant to be the presenter at the 2024 Emmy Awards on September 16, but he had to ultimately miss out on the opportunity.
It has been reported that he was spotted in Malibu, California, a week later on Monday, September 23, marking his first public appearance since his CBS special Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic won an award for Outstanding Variety Special at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys on September 7.
He was joined by his wife of 12 years, Arlene Smith, for the black-tie occasion.
Speaking to reporters at the event, the Hollywood icon joked that he was still “looking for work.”
The almost-centenarian added that he wanted to be remembered “for laughter.”
"Hopefully for making people laugh for 75 years... I’ve been in the business for 75 years, I can’t believe it that I’m still here and performing! I’m looking for work if anyone’s interested," Van Dyke told reporters at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys.
He was recently spotted wearing a baby blue polo and black pants as he was out running some errands, per reports, the Chitty Chitty Bang Bangactor was stopped by paparazzi in Malibu while he was being escorted to his car by a helper.
Speaking to paparazzi, the veteran actor said that he hopes he can "make it" to the end of 2024 to celebrate his birthday on December 13.
When asked about his plans for the upcoming birthday, Van Dyke responded, "I’m just praying that I make it."
"I’m pretty old," the Mary Poppins actor added.
It has been reported that he had to also cancel his scheduled appearance at the annual multi-genre pop culture and comic convention FanX in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 26.
The cancellation has reportedly left fans concerned about his health and wellbeing.
The event planners shared a statement about the cancellation of the Hollywood icon's appearance at the event, saying:
"We are sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke is not able to travel to FanX at this time. He expresses his gratitude to all of those who continue to support him but, at almost 99 years of age, traveling and interacting with thousands of people is more than he is able to do at this time"
The actor's life has been one of recognition and accolades, including a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and six Emmy Awards.
"Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993, he was also honored with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2013, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2020, and was recognized as a Disney Legend," the FanX website wrote of the veteran actor.
It is worth noting that earlier in 2024, Van Dyke made history by becoming the oldest person ever to win a Daytime Emmy at the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards for his guest appearance as amnesiac Timothy Robicheaux on Peacock's Days of Our Lives.
In his acceptance speech at the awards ceremony on June 7, Van Dyke said, "Thank you. I don’t believe this. I feel like a spy from nighttime television."
"I’m the oldest nominee in history. I’ve been playing old men all my life. If I’d known I was going to live this long I’d have taken better care of myself," the actor further said.