Margie Willett, best known for her marriage to the legendary actor Dick Van Dyke, led a life that, while largely private, was filled with significant events. Born in Danville, Illinois, Margie was an American citizen of white ethnicity. Despite being married to a famous actor, she preferred to stay out of the limelight, focusing on her family and personal life instead.
How Did Margie Willett and Dick Van Dyke Meet?
Margie Willett met Dick Van Dyke in 1947 in Danville. After a year of dating, they married on February 12, 1948. Their wedding was quite unconventional, taking place on a live radio broadcast show called “Bride and Groom.” Due to financial difficulties, the show’s producer sponsored their honeymoon. Dick Van Dyke later reminisced about this unique event, saying, “We exchanged our vows in front of a minister and two radio microphones while 15 million people listened!”
What Were the Major Challenges in Their Marriage?
Margie and Dick had four children together: Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth. They also suffered the tragic loss of twins due to a miscarriage. Despite the joys of family life, their marriage faced significant challenges. In 1974, Dick confessed to Margie about his affair with Michelle Triola, his agent’s secretary. This revelation led to their separation, and they eventually divorced on May 4, 1984, after eight years apart.
How Did Margie Willett Live After the Divorce?
Following their divorce, Margie Willett chose to stay out of the public eye. She did not enter into any other relationships and lived a quiet life until her death. In contrast, Dick Van Dyke continued his relationship with Michelle Triola Marvin until her death in 2009. He later married Arlene Silver, a makeup artist 46 years his junior, in 2012. Reflecting on their age gap, Dick commented, “We don’t feel the age gap. I’m emotionally immature, and Arlene is very wise for her age, so we meet in the middle.”
Who Are the Children of Margie and Dick Van Dyke?
Margie and Dick’s children have also led notable lives. Christian Van Dyke, their firstborn, was born on May 13, 1950. He appeared on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” but later pursued a career outside of showbiz. Christian became an attorney and worked as a marketing director for Nike USA. He and his wife, Caroline A. Heller, had a daughter named Jessica Lee, who tragically passed away in 1987 at the age of 13 due to a rare disease. They also have two other children.
Barry Van Dyke, born on July 31, 1951, in Atlanta, followed in his father’s footsteps. He appeared in numerous TV series and films, including “Diagnosis: Murder,” “Remington Steele,” and “Heavenly Deposit.” Barry married Mary Carey in 1974, and they have four children: Carey, Taryn, Wes, and Shane.
Carrie Beth Van Dyke, born on August 27, 1962, also tried her hand at acting. She appeared in two episodes of “The New Dick Van Dyke Show” in 1971. Carrie Beth is married to Kevin McNally, and they have two children.
Stacy Van Dyke, the youngest, also pursued acting briefly. She appeared on “The New Dick Van Dyke Show” and “Diagnosis Murder: Town Without Pity.” Stacy is married to Mike Breen, and they have two children, including a son named Ryan.
What Was Margie Willett’s Life Like in Her Later Years?
Margie Willett lived a private life after her divorce from Dick Van Dyke. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 81 due to pancreatic cancer. Despite their long separation, Dick Van Dyke expressed his sorrow at her passing, saying, “Even though we were long divorced, with her death, I lost a part of myself.”
What Is Margie Willett’s Legacy?
Margie Willett’s life, though largely private, was deeply intertwined with one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors. Her marriage to Dick Van Dyke brought her into the public eye, but she chose to live quietly. Her legacy lives on through her children and the memories shared by those who knew her. Her story is a reminder of the human experiences behind the glamour of Hollywood. Despite the challenges she faced, Margie Willett’s dedication to her family and her choice to live a life away from the spotlight are testaments to her strength and character. Her legacy continues through her children and the lasting impact she had on those who knew her.