Richard Wayne Van Dyke was born on December 13, 1925 in West Plains, Missouri to Hazel Victoria, a stenographer, and Loren Wayne "Cookie" Van Dyke, a salesman.12 He grew up in Danville, Illinois alongside his younger brother, actor Jerry Van Dyke.23 Despite the Dutch surname, Van Dyke also has English, Irish, and Scottish ancestry, with his family line tracing back to Mayflower passenger John Alden.2

Van Dyke attended Danville High School, participating in the a cappella choir and dramatic club until leaving in his senior year to join the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.23 After multiple enlistment rejections due to being underweight, he was accepted as a radio announcer before transferring to the Special Services to entertain troops stateside until his discharge in 1946.24 His involvement in the high school drama program had convinced Van Dyke to pursue a career in entertainment, though he briefly considered the ministry as well.2 Sixty years after leaving high school to serve in the military, Van Dyke finally received his diploma in 2004.24

Dick Van Dyke's entertainment career got its start during his service in the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II. In 1944, Van Dyke left high school early to enlist, hoping to become a fighter pilot.12 After struggling to meet the weight requirement, he was eventually accepted and attended basic training.2 However, rather than being sent overseas as a tail gunner, Van Dyke's singing and dancing talents landed him a spot in the Special Services entertaining troops.23 He performed in variety shows, worked as a radio announcer, and honed his comedic skills until his discharge in 1946.24 This experience set the stage for Van Dyke's entry into the entertainment industry, starting with radio gigs and eventually leading to his big break on Broadway and television in the 1950s.54

Dick Van Dyke's breakthrough role came in 1960 when he starred as Albert Peterson in the original Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie. His performance as the struggling songwriter trying to get his music performed on The Ed Sullivan Show before his client is drafted into the army earned Van Dyke a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.12 Van Dyke reprised his role in the 1963 film adaptation alongside Janet Leigh and Ann-Margret, solidifying his status as a major star.2 His iconic rendition of "Put On a Happy Face" in the film remains one of his most memorable musical performances.3 The success of Bye Bye Birdie on both stage and screen launched Van Dyke's career to new heights and showcased his talents as a leading man who could sing, dance, and make audiences laugh.14

Despite his successful career and outward enthusiasm, Dick Van Dyke struggled with alcoholism for many years. He has been candid about using alcohol to overcome his shyness, stating "I was very shy — with strangers — I couldn't talk to people. And I found if I had a drink, it would loosen me up. The barriers went down and I became very social. That's what got me started."12 However, the drinking took a serious toll. Van Dyke admitted "I went through that whole period of alcoholism."2 He finally got sober by checking himself into a hospital for three weeks of treatment in 1972.23 Van Dyke has expressed pride that his openness about his addiction and recovery has helped others feel less ashamed to admit they have a drinking problem and seek help.1 His ability to overcome this significant personal challenge demonstrates his resilience.