Dick Van Dyke Appears in Coldplay Music Video Nearing 99th Birthday

Actor Dick Van Dyke, known for his role in Mary Poppins, features prominently in Coldplay’s newest music video, coinciding with his upcoming 99th birthday. The video, shot at his Malibu residence by the beach, portrays the star reflecting on his life and contemplating the subject of aging. He states, “I’m acutely aware that I could go any day now, but I don’t know why it doesn’t concern me. I’m not afraid of it. I have the feeling that I’m gonna be alright.” The video, set to the ballad “All My Love,” was co-directed by Mary Wigmore and Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Jonze, known for films such as Being John Malkovich, Her, and Adaptation. This seven-minute production offers a poignant and personal depiction of the esteemed actor, whose filmography also includes Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bye Bye Birdie, and the television series Diagnosis: Murder. During the filming, he grants the filmmakers access to his home, where he displays various memorabilia from his career, notably a life-sized replica of Bert, his chimney-sweeping character from Mary Poppins. Additionally, the star performs The Twizzle, a remarkably flexible routine from his 1960s television sitcom, The Dick Van Dyke Show, while Chris Martin serenades him on his home’s patio. He also shares a barefoot dance with his wife, Arlene Silver. A particularly emotional segment occurs when he discusses his four children: Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth. Van Dyke looks tenderly at a photograph of Stacy receiving a bedtime story and discloses: “I’ve had dreams where I’m depressed or lonely or hurt, and she comes to comfort me. She actually comes to comfort me.” Later in the video, his family, including numerous grandchildren, joins him, dancing and singing. He informs Martin that a specific lyric from “All My Love” resonates deeply with him: “Until I die / Let me hold you if I cry.” The video concludes with Martin spontaneously composing a song for Van Dyke, who observes with amazement as the music unfolds. He inquires, “Have we got that on film?” and adds, “Can you believe this man?” “All My Love” serves as the newest single from Coldplay’s tenth studio album, Moon Music, which achieved the number one position in October. The band has adopted an unconventional strategy for promoting the album, including a segment on the shopping channel QVC and an impromptu video shoot for their song “We Pray” on Dublin’s Grafton Street, preceding a concert at the city’s Croke Park Stadium. Previously, a video for “All My Love” featured Chris Martin disguised while walking through the streets of Las Vegas, singing karaoke, and distributing balloons to passersby; Van Dyke briefly re-enacts this scene in the current video. During an interview on the American chat show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Martin disclosed that he and Van Dyke are neighbors in California and have maintained a friendship for several years. Regarding the video, he commented, “This really may be the most fun thing I’ve ever done.” He added, “It makes me so grateful. It’s a big deal for me.” The video debuted on the band’s YouTube channel. A condensed version is scheduled for release on December 13, coinciding with Van Dyke’s 99th birthday.