Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver are still happy together after 13 years and say age is just a number

Veteran actor Dick Van Dyke and his wife, Arlene Silver, recently opened up about their relationship, which has lasted more than a decade despite a significant age difference between them. The couple has often faced criticism due to their 46-year age gap, but they say they’re proud of their bond and how strong it has remained through the years.

As reported by People magazine, the couple celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary earlier this year. Van Dyke, who is now 99 and set to turn 100 in December 2025, said that many people didn’t believe their marriage would last. He recalled how almost “everybody” told him their relationship would not work because of their age difference. But he and Silver feel they’ve proven those doubts wrong. “We get along so well,” the actor said at an event in Malibu on April 20. The couple was attending the second Vandy Camp, a fundraiser for wildlife support.

Arlene Silver, who is 53, agreed with her husband, adding that their relationship works better than many where both partners are closer in age. She commented, “It’s eerie how well it works” and noted that some same-age couples don’t even last as long. She emphasized that the two genuinely care for each other and support one another in everything they do.

Their love story began back in 2006 when they first met at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. At the time, Silver was working as a makeup artist. Van Dyke said that normally he was too shy to greet strangers, but something about Silver made him walk up to her and introduce himself. He remembered thinking there was something special about her and later felt confident that he was “right” to trust that feeling.

Before meeting Silver, Van Dyke had been in a long-term relationship with Michelle Triola for over 30 years until she passed away due to lung cancer. He began dating Silver in 2009, and the two married in 2012.

Silver once revealed in a past interview that she didn’t initially recognize Van Dyke as a famous actor, although he looked familiar. Despite that, they quickly formed a connection, and she said Van Dyke has always made her feel like she could achieve anything. She added that their relationship is built on mutual encouragement and love.

Now, even with nearly half a century between them in age, Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver say their relationship is thriving. They continue to enjoy life together and support each other every step of the way.