Dick Van Dyke and Wife Evacuate Malibu Due to Fires

Dick Van Dyke and His Wife Flee Malibu as Fires Rage On

In a harrowing turn of events, Dick Van Dyke, days away from his 99th birthday, and his wife, Arlene Silver, have been forced to evacuate their Malibu residence due to devastating wildfires that erupted on December 9. In a heartfelt message shared on Facebook, the 98-year-old legendary actor confirmed their safe evacuation, although he expressed concern about their pet cat, Bobo, who managed to escape during the chaos. “Arlene and I have safely evacuated with our animals except for Bobo, who escaped as we were leaving. We’re praying he’ll be okay and that our community in Serra Retreat will endure these terrible fires,” he wrote.

The Franklin fire has already consumed over 2,700 acres, as reported on Tuesday afternoon. Van Dyke’s message included a tender video of Bobo, reflecting his worries for the feline’s safety.

As a beloved figure in entertainment history, Van Dyke has captured the hearts of fans globally across generations. With accolades including four Emmy Awards, a Grammy, and a Tony, his career has been nothing short of remarkable. He married Arlene in 2012, adding personal joy to his professional accolades.

Malibu, known for its affluent residents including the likes of Cher and Barbra Streisand, has faced these tragic wildfires, prompting evacuations across the area. Cher’s publicist confirmed that the iconic singer had taken her pets and relocated to a hotel as the fires progressed.

The urgency of the evacuation comes just prior to Van Dyke’s milestone birthday on December 13. Earlier this year, he humorously remarked about wanting to be around to celebrate this special occasion. In addition, after canceling numerous public appearances due to health considerations, including an upcoming fan convention, Van Dyke has expressed gratitude for the love and support he continues to receive. Just last month, he also withdrew from the 2024 Emmy Awards, although he made a delightful appearance at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in September, where his special, Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic, won the award for Outstanding Variety Special.

Reflecting on his illustrious career spanning over seven decades, Van Dyke stated that he hopes to be remembered for bringing joy and laughter to audiences. “For making people laugh for 75 years,” he shared, emphasizing his passion for performance even at his advanced age.

As the fires continue to pose a threat, the community and fans rally behind Van Dyke and his family, hoping for the safety of all those affected. The ongoing situation remains a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of community support in times of crisis.