Quick-thinking neighbors and sheer determination helped veteran actor Dick Van Dyke narrowly escape the raging Franklin Fire just before his 99th birthday.
As wildfires swept through Southern California, Dick Van Dyke shared his harrowing survival story during a December 12 MSNBC interview. His experience left netizens relieved yet filled with questions.
A netizen’s comment about Dick Van Dyke surviving the Franklin Fire, posted on December 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/pagesix
The Franklin Fire, driven by dry conditions and high winds, forced evacuations across Malibu, displacing many residents. “It was coming from over the hill, you could see it,” recalled Van Dyke, who just turned 99 on December 13.
Overwhelmed by approaching flames, the “Mary Poppins” actor struggled to escape his Malibu home of 40 years. “I was trying to crawl to the car. I had exhausted myself and couldn’t get up,” he explained.
Fortunately, luck was on his side. Three neighbors came and carried me out and came back and put out a little fire in the guest house and saved me,” he said. The interaction with his neighbors was captured on his home’s Ring camera.
News of his escape prompted an outpouring of concern and love on social media. One user commented, “Poor guy, that’s just awful .” Several netizens responded with relief after hearing about Van Dyke’s narrow escape from the wildfire.
A netizen’s comment about Dick Van Dyke surviving the Franklin Fire was posted on December 12, 2024 | Source: Facebook.com/RollingStone
Another wrote, referencing a beloved late Hollywood actress, “We can’t lose him, he’s our Betty White now.” However, some speculated about his wife, Arlene Silver’s, absence, “Where was his super young wife!?!”
Other users raised the same question about Silver’s whereabouts while her husband was escaping the wildfire.
A netizen’s reaction to the absence of Dick Van Dyke’s wife following the actor’s survival of the Franklin Fire, posted on December 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/pagesix
Many expressed gratitude for the “Night at the Museum” star’s safety and concern for his cat, Bobo, while others questioned how the iconic actor was left alone during such a critical moment.
A netizen’s comment about Dick Van Dyke surviving the Franklin Fire, posted on December 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/nypost
A netizen humorously compared Van Dyke to a cat with nine lives, marveling at his resilience and uncanny luck.
A netizen’s remark about Dick Van Dyke surviving the Franklin Fire, posted on December 12, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/pagesix
Amid the concern and speculation, a Facebook update provided relief. “Dick and Arlene were able to return to their home this morning. Thankfully, their home has been unharmed and Bobo the cat was safe. Thank you to everyone that has sent messages of love and support,” the post read.
The Facebook update came after Van Dyke shared an emotional account of their evacuation, including the moment their cat escaped.
