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Magic happens when a friendship or romance blooms on the set of a show or movie. When a connection is sparked, it’s something special, and it can happen anywhere. The only thing we love more than a super-sweet romance origin story is an iconic group of best friends’ origin story. From Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern to Salma Hayek and Penélope Cruz, there are so many amazing A-list BFFs we adore. But arguably the most magical, and wholesome, is the nearly 60-year friendship between former co-stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.
What started on the set of the classic Disney musical Mary Poppins came a friendship full of love, respect, and hours of laughter (we mean, we’re assuming because they’re hysterical together!) Andrews and Van Dyke may have only starred in one film together back in 1964, but that one film changed both of their lives forever.
From their autobiographies to rare interviews, they never miss an opportunity to brag and uplift one another (we love to see it!) So for Van Dyke’s 97th birthday, let’s celebrate one of his sweetest relationships to date.
Check out the sweetest photos and moments from Andrews and Van Dyke’s nearly 60-year friendship.
A version of this article was originally published on Oct 2022.
They Met During Dance Rehearsal
The two best friends met during dance rehearsals for Mary Poppins, striking up a friendship almost immediately, per Vanity Fair.
Julie Andrews Loved His ‘Sunny Mood’
In Julie Andrews’ 2008 biography Home: A Memoir of My Early Years, she wrote about how she was drawn to his whimsical spirit. “He was dazzlingly inventive, always in a sunny mood, and he often made me roar with laughter at his antics.”
Julie’s First Movie Scene Was With Dick
Julie Andrews’ first ever movie scene was with Dick Van Dyke on the set of Marry Poppins, and they got along instantly, and people adored their on-screen chemistry.
Dick Knew Julie Was Going to Be a Star
Along with getting along swimmingly, Dick van Dyke knew the Broadway star was meant for superstardom. He said on The Dick Cavett Show in 1974, “Nobody knew who she was. I thought at that time, ‘Just you wait.”
They’re Always Joking
It’s safe to say that the two were always joking around on set, and this unearthed video of them lip-synching the other’s vocals only proves their light-hearted friendship is truly an amazing one.
Nearly 60 Years of Laughing
Seriously, these two are never not smiling around one another! From Mary Poppins cast photos to red carpet events, their nearly 60 year friendship is one of the sweetest.
Fun on ‘Julie and Dick at Convent Garden’
Okay, this photo of Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke showed just how talented, fun, and lighthearted the two are (and how well that translated on screen!) Besides Mary Poppins, the pair only graced the screen together one another time: the Julie and Dick at Convent Garden. Van Dyke almost got Andrews with him for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but alas, the two continue their magic off screen.
They Have Each Other’s Backs
So when Mary Poppins came out, Van Dyke got a lot of harsh critics for his role, but Andrews defended him every chance she could. She said to Irish Times, “I had the same experience, and he was very aware that he was stumbling about. He was adorable, so talented and charming anyway, so who cares, really!” We feel like this photo perfectly describes their comradery!
Dick Called Julie the “Perfect Partner”
Julie Andrews isn’t the only one who bragged about her friend in an autobiography because Dick Van Dyke also called Andrews the “perfect partner.” In his 2011 autobiography called My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business: A Memoir, Van Dyke said, “She was a lady first and foremost, but she also had a great, whimsical sense of humor.”
Super-Sweet Reunion
Back in 2013, Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke attended the U.S. Premiere Of Disney’s Saving Mr. Banks at Walt Disney Studios, making everyone tear up over the rare and super-sweet reunion.
Julie Thinks of Her Former Co-Star as “Magical”
Most recently, in 2021, Julie Andrews honored Dick Van Dyke at the 43rd annual Kennedy Center Honors, saying, “I think Dick is as magical as [Mary Poppins] is. Like his character, Bert, in that movie, Dick seems to have found the secret to happiness. And, like Bert, Dick is many things. He’s an artist, a one-man band, a profound philosopher, a high-stepping showman and spreader of charm. And there’s a secret—good luck does rub off when he shakes hands with you.”
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