Dick Van Dyke skips another public appearance after missing Emmys, fans say 'protect him at all costs'

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: Dick Van Dyke has canceled another planned public appearance after he skipped the 2024 Emmys on September 15, per The New York Post.

The 98-year-old legendary actor was supposed to appear at the three-day FanX event in Utah from September 26 to 28 but the event organizers announced on Monday, September 23, that he will not be able to attend. 

Dick Van Dyke skips another public appearance

The announcement by the organizers read, "We are sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke is not able to travel to FanX. He expresses his gratitude to all of those who 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."

Van Dyke’s latest public appearance was on September 7 at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys, where his CBS special 'Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic' won the Outstanding Variety Special Award.

He took pictures sitting in a chair with an Emmy in his hand and was wearing a black suit with a white dress shirt and a black bowtie, per the New York Post.

Dick Van Dyke stays positive about his health

Dick Van Dyke stepped out in Malibu on Monday and spoke to a photographer about how he is doing after canceling his recent public appearances.

Van Dyke said that he 'feels old' and added that he is 'praying that I make it' to his 99th birthday in December, per E News. 

Notably, Van Dyke is focused on his health and has got an impressive gym routine. He told CBS News, referring to his wife Arlene Silver, "My wife, god bless her, makes sure I go to the gym three days a week and do a full workout." Moreover, he also called the gym his 'secret weapon' in an exclusive with Entertainment Tonight.

He also revealed that while dealing with alcoholism, he checked into a hospital for three weeks to address his addiction back in 1972. He later worked to change the stigma about the disease, per Today.

Fans express concern as Dick Van Dyke skips another public appearance

Many Dick Van Dyke fans expressed concern as the legendary actor canceled another planned public appearance after he first skipped the 2024 Emmys.

Some online comments read, "Protect this man at all costs," and "He's a national treasure."

A person also stated, "I hope he gets some rest and is cognitive and able to reflect happily on his life," whereas one mentioned, "Traveling and interacting with thousands of people is more than I’ve ever been willing to do. Glad this guy’s finally getting his priorities straight."

A user also wrote, "I think at being almost 99 he definitely gets a free pass in my book to not do s***," while one commented, "He has more than earned the right to sit at home and spend time with his wife. The man has spent the better part of a century entertaining us."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.