A live radio broadcast took a shocking turn when fans were briefly led to believe that legendary entertainer Dick Van Dyke had passed away. The 100-year-old star, known for The Dick Van Dyke Show and Mary Poppins, was mistakenly reported as deceased during iHeart Radio’s Breakfast Show. The confusion quickly became clear, leaving hosts and listeners laughing and relieved at the error.
Radio host announces Dick Van Dyke’s death instead of James Van Der Beek
The slip-up occurred on Thursday when radio host and Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts attempted to address the recent death of Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek. “I do have some sad news: Dawson’s Creek’s Dick Van Dyke has passed away,” Roberts said on-air, inadvertently mixing up the names. Her cohost Jamie Theakston quickly intervened, correcting her and reminding the audience that Van Dyke was “very much” alive. “Not Dick Van Dyke,“ Theakston corrected.
Fellow host Amanda Holden clarified further for any listeners who might have been confused. “He’s alive,” she said, while Roberts, realizing her mistake, laughed and added, “Yes — he’s 100 years old!” Theakston echoed the sentiment: “Unbelievably, he’s very much still with us (via Entertainment Weekly).”
Dick Van Dyke marked his 100th birthday on December 13, 2025, with a private celebration and a documentary celebrating his decades-long career. Even with arthritis and limited mobility in recent years, Van Dyke stays active and occasionally returns to the stage for special appearances. His energy and longevity continue to inspire fans worldwide.
Later, Roberts apologized for a mix-up, clarifying she had meant to talk about James Van Der Beek, who tragically passed away. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared the news on Instagram, revealing he had battled stage 3 colorectal cancer with “courage, faith, and grace.” Van Der Beek, known for shows like Overcompensating and The Masked Singer, also actively supported cancer awareness before his untimely death.
