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By Jane LaCroix
Contributing Entertainment Writer
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At 99 years old, Dick Van Dyke is no stranger to adversity, but as deadly wildfires continue to rage in Southern California, the iconic actor has chosen to stay put in his Malibu home, despite the growing danger.
In an Instagram Live on Monday, January 12, Van Dyke's wife, Arlene Silver, revealed that the couple's $8 million property had yet to be evacuated, even though the surrounding areas have been ravaged by flames. The reason? Van Dyke is "more comfortable" at home.
Silver, 53, explained that while the guest house on their estate did catch fire, the damage was minimal. However, with widespread destruction in Malibu, including the Pacific Palisades, the couple has been left without power, relying on a gas generator to keep their home running.
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Silver shared that the lack of power has made daily life more challenging, but her priority remains keeping the Mary Poppins star "warm and entertained" during the ordeal. The couple has even resorted to using a camper to cook meals and charge their devices, and using some of their neighbors "juice" to keep the generator going.
Despite the ongoing danger, Silver emphasized that the couple has no intention of relocating. "Dick is more comfortable here than anywhere else," she said, adding that the familiar surroundings make it easier for her to care for the beloved star. She described Van Dyke as a "trooper" and noted "I don't know of any other person of, you know, senior citizen age that would put up with this."
The couple's resilience comes on the heels of another brush with disaster. Just a few days before his 99th birthday in December 2024, Van Dyke was evacuated from his home during the Franklin fire, which had threatened the area. Van Dyke recalled the harrowing experience, saying, "Three neighbors came and carried me out and came back and put out a little fire in the guest house and saved me." Thankfully, he and Silver, along with their animals, made it to safety.
As the wildfires continue to wreak havoc across the Los Angeles area, many residents, including several celebrities, have been forced to evacuate. The largest fire, the Palisades fire, started on Tuesday, January 7, and has devastated large parts of Malibu and neighboring areas. Unfortunately, several high-profile figures have lost their homes in the blaze, including Paris Hilton, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, Milo Ventimiglia, Tina Knowles, and more.
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