Barry Van Dyke is a well-known American actor who has appeared in many television shows and movies. He is also the second son of legendary actor and entertainer Dick Van Dyke, who starred in classics such as Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. But how close are the father and son in real life? And what are some of the interesting facts about their family and careers? Here are some answers to these questions and more.
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Barry Van Dyke’s Early Life and Career
Barry Van Dyke was born on July 31, 1951, in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the son of Dick Van Dyke and his first wife, Margie Willett, who were married for 36 years. He has an older brother, Christian, and two younger sisters, Stacy and Carrie Beth. According to People, Barry made his television debut as a nine-year-old violinist in an episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show alongside his brother. However, his father advised him to wait before pursuing a show business career. Barry later told a reporter, “He wanted me to have my childhood. He told me that if I still wanted to act after I graduated high school, then it would be OK.”
Barry followed his father’s advice and worked as a gofer on his father’s television series, The New Dick Van Dyke Show, which aired from 1971 to 1974. He also secured a part as an extra on the show He then went on to appear in many other television shows, such as Remington Steele, The Love Boat, Magnum, P.I., The Dukes of Hazzard, Airwolf, The A-Team, Murder, She Wrote, and Mork & Mindy He also starred in Galactica 1980 as Lieutenant Dillon, a role that he later reprised in the 2003 remake of Battlestar Galactica
Barry Van Dyke’s Collaboration with His Father
One of the most notable aspects of Barry Van Dyke’s career is his frequent collaboration with his father. He has worked with him in several television shows and movies, such as The Van Dyke Show (1988), Diagnosis: Murder (1993-2001), Murder 101 (2006-2008), and Night at the Museum (2006). In these projects, they often played relatives or had similar roles. For example, in Diagnosis: Murder, Barry played Lieutenant Detective Steve Sloan, a homicide detective and the son of Dr. Mark Sloan (played by Dick). In the show, their real-life relatives also played their on-screen relatives. For instance, Barry’s sons Shane and Carey appeared as Steve’s nephews
Barry has said that working with his father was a great experience and that they had a lot of fun together. He also said that his father was a terrific role model and taught him how to make the right choices and be his own person. Dick has also praised his son’s acting skills and said that he was proud of him. He once said in an interview, “He’s very good at comedy and drama both. He can do anything.”
Barry Van Dyke’s Personal Life and Family
Barry Van Dyke has been married to Mary Carey since 1974. They have four children: Carey (born in 1976), Shane (born in 1979), Wes (born in 1984), and Taryn (born in 1986). All of them have followed their father’s footsteps and pursued careers in acting or entertainment. Carey is an actor and producer who has appeared in shows like Diagnosis: Murder and The Bold and the Beautiful. Shane is also an actor who has starred in shows like Diagnosis: Murder and The Finder. Wes is a comedian and writer who has performed stand-up comedy and written for shows like Arrested Development and Community. Taryn is an actress and singer who has appeared in shows like Diagnosis: Murder and Nashville.
Barry is also a grandfather to several grandchildren and a great-grandfather to some more. He enjoys spending time with his family and often posts pictures of them on his social media accounts. He also shares his father’s passion for music and plays several instruments, such as guitar, piano, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, saxophone, clarinet, flute, drums, accordion, ukulele, bass guitar, trumpet, trombone, tuba, violin, cello, viola da gamba , recorder , ocarina , melodica , kazoo , harmonium , xylophone , marimba , vibraphone , glockenspiel , and theremin.
Conclusion
Barry Van Dyke is a talented and versatile actor who has had a long and successful career in television and film. He is also the son of one of the most beloved and respected actors in Hollywood, Dick Van Dyke. The father and son have a close and supportive relationship and have worked together in many projects. Barry is also a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loves his family and enjoys music. He is a true example of a successful and happy person who has inherited his father’s charm, talent, and legacy.
