A heartfelt memoir from one of Hollywood's greatest icons Dick Van Dyke, indisputably one of the greats of the golden age of television, is admired and beloved by audiences the world over for his beaming smile, his physical dexterity, his impeccable comic timing, his ridiculous stunts, and his unforgettable screen roles. His trailblazing television program, The Dick Van Dyke Show (produced by Carl Reiner, who has written the foreword to this memoir), was one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1960s and introduced another major television star, Mary Tyler Moore. But Dick Van Dyke was also an enormously engaging movie star whose films, including Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, have been discovered by a new generation of fans and are as beloved today as they were when they first appeared. A colorful, loving, richly detailed look at the decades of a multilayered life, My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business, will enthrall every generation of reader, from baby-boomers who recall when Rob Petrie became a household name, to all those still enchanted by Bert’s “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” This is a lively, heartwarming memoir of a performer who still thinks of himself as a “simple song-and-dance man,” but who is, in every sense of the word, a classic entertainer.
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"Dick Van Dyke always makes me smile. I've enjoyed watching him over the years and always thought he was a great guy. This book is so enjoyable as an audio book. I loved having Dick read to me in the car as I drove to/from work. He is such a kid at heart and tried to live his life in such a good way. What a kind and gentle soul. He is someone who hasn't taken life for granted and has tried to get as much out of life as he can. There is so much more to him than a song and dance guy. I will forever love him. I recommend listening to this book so you can get the story from Dick himself."
— Marla (4 out of 5 stars)
" Read this quickly -- skimmed it -- to gain some smiles and perspective on someone who always seemed to be having a good time. Surprised at his addiction troubles -- but who doesn't have them? -- and liked how much he leaned on family and trust that things were going to work out. Book wasn't great, but I'm glad I read it. "
— John, 2/16/2014" WOW! What an amazing life Dick Van Dyke has had. Life like the rest of us has its ups and downs. The stories of his shows and movies are just fascinating. Also the stories of the people that touched his life are true priceless moments. Love Dick's attitude and desire to keep laughing and be happy is really inspiring. "
— Tasha, 2/12/2014" One of my favorite old shows was the Dick Van Dyke show. So I was kind of excited to see that he finally wrote a memoir. the book was a well writen memoir. It really lets you go through his life as if he is living it as you read it. "
— Windy, 1/27/2014" This book was alright. I learned a lot about Dick Van Dyke that I didn't know before, but I wasn't really driven to pick this one up. I would only recommend it die hard Van Dyke fans. "
— Katie, 1/22/2014" The first half was wonderful, just a really fun book. The second half was . . . depressing (until the end, when it started getting a little better). It was like the first half of his life was success after success after success, in his family and his acting. Everything went right for him, but then the Dick Van Dyke Show ended prematurely because the writer wanted to quit while they were ahead, and nothing else he did later could even come close to matching it. Still, it is refreshing to see a Hollywood celeb write so graciously about almost everyone he ever met and worked with, with only a couple of well-justified exceptions. I was also very impressed that he would only act in family-friendly movies (which is why Walt Disney hand-picked him for Mary Poppins). Lots to admire there. "
— Seth, 1/4/2014" A wonderfully written memoir. I learned a lot about Mr. Van Dyke. "
— Lady, 12/27/2013" Been a fan of DVD for years. Memoir is easy to read and very anecdotal. "
— Kathryn, 12/17/2013" Learned a lot of interesting things about one of my favorite actors from childhood. His story unfolds as it would if you'd been a long time friend and you asked how he got to where he is now. Got a long list of TV shows and movies to watch as well. "
— Kaily, 12/16/2013" Excellent; Van Dyke tells the story of his life, TV, movies, family and love "
— Joe, 12/3/2013" I LOVE THIS MAN! :) "
— Chandni, 12/1/2013" I was expecting funny and although there were a few funny moments, for the most part it was a more sedate walk through his life. Good read and I enjoyed the pictures in the middle. "
— SherryMarch, 10/30/2013" Light but interesting quick read. "
— Bill, 8/15/2013" I have seen Dick Van Dyke in many shows so I wanted to read his book. It was a typical biography, not as interesting as I had hoped. "
— Linda, 7/2/2013" I love him :-) "
— Brittany, 5/27/2013" If you are a big fan of Dick Van Dyke's,you will like it. "
— Donna, 12/21/2012" Told is a very typical Dick Van Dyck'ish way the story of his career and life was very interesting and a fun and quick read. "
— Joanna, 6/28/2012" An entertaining read & interesting look at a Hollywood icon everyone remembers from their childhood. "
— Kimberly, 5/16/2012" Had to read for a school project. I thought overall it was good but pretty slow at some parts "
— Samantha, 10/5/2011" I liked this book right up until the ending. I don't agree with many of his political views. Amazing entertainer though. "
— Kaci, 5/24/2011" A pleasant memoir by the lovable Dick Van Dyke, he covers his early years of struggles on the circuit, his alcoholism, and his family. Entertaining. "
— Rosie, 5/22/2011" A pleasant memoir from a pleasant man. No surprises. No "tell-all" Hollywood scandals, just an overview of a well-lived life. Van Dyke comes across as a living avatar for his TV and movie persona. <br/>A good beach read. "
— David, 5/19/2011" This book reads like a conversation you'd have with a new aquaintance over a sandwich at a diner. Interesting, but not outstanding. "
— Hannah, 5/15/2011" Thoroughly enjoyable read. Like spending a great afternoon with a man I've loved my whole life. "
— Jo, 5/15/2011" Very good book. Good Hollywood stories, funny comments, mixed in with an honest sharing of Dick Van Dyke's life. I had the audiobook, so it made it even better as Van Dyke was the narrator. I hIghly recommend this book. "
— J, 5/13/2011" Interesting and fun to read details of his life. I would have liked more about the "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "Mary Poppins", but all in all it was good. I liked that he made a decision early in his career to only do things his family could see and stood for family values. "
— Sue, 5/10/2011" Nice look at Hollywood through the eyes of a really nice guy (except for the part where he transitioned into another relationship before he was technically out of the first). A class act and one of my favorites. "
— Karen, 5/10/2011" Good read, but I was expecting more. Would have like more insight about his career especially more on The Dick Van Dyke Show and Mary Poppins. "
— Wils, 5/8/2011" Nice little collection of Hollywood stories. Dick comes across as a talented, insecure man. And strangely, no discussion of his crimes against Cockney accents. "
— Dave, 5/7/2011Dick Van Dyke is a Hollywood icon and New York Times bestselling author of My Lucky Life in and out of Show Business. He has received the Theatre World Award, a Tony, a Grammy, and four Emmy awards, as well as the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2013. He lives in California.