Margie Willett was best known as the former wife of Dick Van Dyke, a prominent American actor, producer, writer, and comedian. Dick Van Dyke has enjoyed a career spanning over seven decades in the entertainment industry, with notable roles in films and TV series such as Mary Poppins Returns and Diagnosis Murder: Town Without Pity.
Profile Summary
Full name | Margie Willet |
Gender | Female |
Date of birth | 1927 |
Age | 81 years old (at the time of her death) |
Place of birth | Danville, Illinois, United States |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | White |
Religion | Christianity |
Sexuality | Straight |
Height | 5’4″ (163 centimetres) |
Weight | 121 pounds (55 kgs) |
Body measurements | 34-32-36 inches (86-81-91 cm) |
Hair colour | Brown |
Eye colour | Brown |
Marital status | Divorced |
Ex-husband | Dick Van Dyke |
Children | 4 |
Margie Willett: Biography and Life with Dick Van Dyke
Margie Willett became a well-known figure due to her marriage to American actor Dick Van Dyke. Married for over three decades, Margie and Dick shared a long and complex relationship before they divorced in 1984. Margie passed away in 2008 at the age of 81.
Early Life of Margie Willett
Margie Willett was born in Danville, Illinois, USA, and was an American citizen of white ethnicity. She was known for her quiet, private life, only coming into the public eye due to her marriage to Van Dyke.
How Old Was Margie Willett?
Margie Willett lived to be 81 years old, passing away in 2008.
Why Was Margie Willett Famous?
Margie Willett gained recognition primarily for her marriage to Dick Van Dyke, a celebrated American actor known for his iconic roles in film and television.
What Was Margie Willett’s Net Worth?
While Margie Willett’s personal finances were private, her ex-husband, Dick Van Dyke, has an estimated net worth of $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
How Did Margie Willett Meet Dick Van Dyke?
Margie and Dick Van Dyke met in Danville, Illinois, in 1947. After dating for a year, they married on February 12, 1948, on a radio show called Bride and Groom. Due to financial constraints, the show’s producers sponsored their honeymoon. In an interview with The Guardian, Dick recalled:
“We exchanged our vows in front of a minister and two radio microphones while 15 million people listened!”
The End of Their Marriage
Margie and Dick’s marriage ultimately ended due to infidelity. Dick Van Dyke had an affair with Michelle Triola, who was his agent’s secretary at the time. After confessing to Margie in 1974, the couple remained separated for eight years before finalizing their divorce on May 4, 1984. While Margie did not remarry, Dick continued a long-term relationship with Michelle Triola until her death in 2009. In 2012, he married makeup artist Arlene Silver, who is 46 years younger.
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Margie Willett and Dick Van Dyke’s Children
The couple had four children: two daughters, Stacy and Carrie Beth, and two sons, Barry and Christian. Tragically, Margie also experienced a miscarriage and lost twins.
- Barry Van Dyke followed in his father’s footsteps as an actor, known for roles in Diagnosis Murder, Remington Steele, and Heavenly Deposit. He is married to Mary Carey, and they have four children: Carey, Taryn, Wes, and Shane.
- Stacy Van Dyke is a former actress best known for Diagnosis Murder and The New Dick Van Dyke Show. She is married to Mike Breen, with whom she has two children, including a son named Ryan.
- Christian Van Dyke was born on May 13, 1950. He is married to Caroline A. Heller, and they had a daughter, Jessica Lee, who sadly passed away in 1987. They also have two other children.
- Carrie Beth Van Dyke, born on August 27, 1962, is married to Kevin McNally and has two children.
What Happened to Margie Willett?
Margie Willett passed away in 2008 at the age of 81 after battling pancreatic cancer. Despite their divorce, Dick Van Dyke expressed sorrow over her passing, sharing:
“Even though we were long divorced, with her death, I lost a part of myself.”
Why Did Dick Van Dyke Leave His First Wife?
Dick Van Dyke admitted to having an affair with Michelle Triola, which ultimately led to his separation from Margie.
Who Are Margie Willett’s Grandchildren?
Margie Willett has several grandchildren, including Shane, Wes, Carey, and Ryan. Her legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren.
Fast Facts About Margie Willett and Dick Van Dyke
- Margie and Dick met in 1947.
- They were married for 36 years.
- They divorced in 1984.
- Margie was known for her private nature.
Margie Willett, while private, remains remembered for her years with the legendary actor Dick Van Dyke. Their relationship, although ending in separation, was a significant part of both their lives.
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