AIRING THURSDAY, DEC. 18 at 9 PM

Over the course of his life, Dick Van Dyke has dazzled audiences in many iconic works, from his Broadway debut in Bye Bye Birdie to his sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show and his silver screen performances in such beloved films as Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Along the way, he has influenced many of today’s entertainers and his performances have stood the test of time. Discover the career of the Emmy, Tony and Grammy-winning star and hear how he continues to inspire the biggest acts in show business in American Masters – Starring Dick Van Dyke. 

Starring Dick Van Dyke chronicles the star’s career over eight decades, beginning with his stint as a radio DJ and slapstick nightclub act and through his breakthrough television gigs and movie roles. In addition to his memorable work, the documentary features rare and never-before-seen footage and performance clips, as well as new, exclusive interviews with Julie Andrews, Carol Burnett, Jim Carrey, Ted Danson, Steve Martin, Conan O’Brien, Martin Short and more. Also featured are archival interviews with Van Dyke’s former costars and colleagues, including Walter Cronkite, Sheldon Leonard, Rose Marie, Mary Tyler Moore and Carl Reiner. 

During those early days, Van Dyke experienced both high and low points, but finally hit the big time with a successful run as Albert Peterson in the Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie. However, believing that he wouldn’t be able to support his growing family with a career on the stage, Van Dyke kept searching for the ideal television vehicle to utilize his talents. In 1961, he landed his own sitcom, The Dick Van Dyke Show, which also starred comedy legend Mary Tyler Moore. He continued his Hollywood success in beloved classics such as the film adaptation of Bye Bye Birdie, Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

Since then, Van Dyke has continued to reinvent himself in countless film and television roles, in both comedy and drama, including the lead role in the mystery series Diagnosis: Murder. He has won 6 Emmys (the most recent in 2024), one Grammy and one Tony Award.

Upcoming broadcasts of American Masters: Starring Dick Van Dyke include (view the list here) :

• American Masters: Starring Dick Van Dyke — Thu, Dec 18 at 9:00 pm
• American Masters: Starring Dick Van Dyke — Mon, Dec 22 at 9:00 pm
• American Masters: Starring Dick Van Dyke — Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 7:00 pm

Streaming On Demand

The film will be available to stream on demand Fri., Dec. 12 at 9 p.m. for APT Passport subscribers (with any donation of at least $5/month or $60/year) via pbs.org and the free PBS App: available on Roku, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Android TV, and iOS and Android devices. All Alabama APT Passport donations directly benefit Alabama Public Television.