Dick Van Dyke refused assistance and performed an elaborate tap dancing routine on a desk at 93 years old during filming of Mary Poppins Returns in 2017, moving the entire cast and crew to tears. Emily Blunt recently recalled the moment while promoting her new film The Smashing Machine in September 2025, describing how even the emotionally reserved Colin Firth wept watching the performance.
Van Dyke rejected assistance during physically demanding scene
Director Rob Marshall filmed Van Dyke’s cameo at Shepperton Studios in London in 2017, when the actor was 91 years old. The scene required Van Dyke to portray Mr. Dawes Jr., climbing onto a chair and then a desk to deliver a monologue and tap dance sequence that lasted approximately two minutes.
Marshall had positioned Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda on either side of Van Dyke to help him reach the elevated desk, with choreographer John DeLuca creating backup plans including a stool as an intermediate step.
“I will never forget Dick Van Dyke leaping onto the desk tap dancing,” Blunt told People magazine. “Rob Marshall had said that Lin-Manuel and I should help him up. He had to go onto the chair and onto the desk, and we were there to help him up, and he literally pushed our hands away, and was up there, and it made everyone cry.”
Van Dyke completed the entire sequence, which included improvisation and physical choreography, in just two or three takes. Marshall told the New York Times in December 2018 that Van Dyke “just nailed it” and credited the actor’s lifelong commitment to physical fitness for his ability to perform the demanding routine. The performance impacted even the most reserved cast members. “Even Colin Firth, who refuses to show emotion, ever, wept watching him,” Blunt said. “It was just incredible.”
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Director had confidence in actor’s physical capabilities
Marshall had seen Van Dyke’s physical condition firsthand before filming began. The director recalled encountering Van Dyke at a Malibu grocery store where he witnessed the actor “literally dancing up and down the aisles” while shopping. This observation gave Marshall confidence that Van Dyke could handle the choreography without requiring special effects or body doubles.
What audiences see on screen is not computer-generated imagery or stunt work but Van Dyke performing the complete routine himself. His appearance demonstrated physical abilities at an age when most people face significant mobility challenges.
Dick Van Dyke reprised role five decades after original film
In Mary Poppins Returns, Van Dyke appeared as Mr. Dawes Jr., the son of the character he portrayed in the original 1965 Mary Poppins film. His character plays a critical role in the plot by dismissing the corrupt banker William Wilkins, played by Firth, and helping the Banks family save their home from foreclosure.
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Van Dyke had previously played two roles in the original film: Bert the chimney sweep and Mr. Dawes Sr., the elderly bank chairman. His appearance in the 2018 sequel marked a 53-year gap between the two performances. The film also featured Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, and Meryl Streep.
Van Dyke will turn 100 in December 2025. Recent social media posts from September 2025 show him singing to his wife, Arlene Silver, demonstrating that his energy and charisma remain strong.
