My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business

A Memoir

By: Dick Van Dyke

Narrated by: Dick Van Dyke

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Dick Van Dyke, indisputably one of the greats of the golden age of television, is admired and beloved by audiences the world over for his beaming smile, his physical dexterity, his impeccable comic timing, his ridiculous stunts, and his unforgettable screen roles.

His trailblazing television program, The Dick Van Dyke Show (produced by Carl Reiner, who has written the foreword to this memoir), was one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1960s and introduced another major television star, Mary Tyler Moore. But Dick Van Dyke was also an enormously engaging movie star whose films, including Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, have been discovered by a new generation of fans and are as beloved today as they were when they first appeared. Who doesn’t know the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?

A colorful, loving, richly detailed look at the decades of a multilayered life, My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business will enthrall every generation of listener, from baby-boomers who recall when Rob Petrie became a household name to all those still enchanted by Bert’s “Chim Chim Cher-ee”. This is a lively, heartwarming memoir of a performer who still thinks of himself as a “simple song-and-dance man”, but who is, in every sense of the word, a classic entertainer.

©2011 Dick Van Dyke (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“In my opinion, 'Luck’ has little to do with Dick Van Dyke’s life. It is, rather, his innate kindness and talent that have had an extraordinary effect in shaping the man. And what a fascinating self-portrait he’s given us in this book.” (Mary Tyler Moore)

“From the time I worked with Dick on the movie Bye Bye Birdie, I have admired his many talents, not the least of which is the joy and enthusiasm he shares with audiences. I’m a big fan of his... and his book.” (Ann-Margret)

Great book, wish there was more

If you love Dick Van Dyke you will love this book. I only wish it were longer. It is narrated by Dick Van Dyke himself so in that sense it is better than the paper version. Although I do wish I had the paper version with the photos...

Dick Obama Sucked As President!

Loved watching Dick Van Dyke my whole life but why did you have to mention and spew how great Obama was? He only did one thing in his presidency and that was destroying this country! Dick, I'm surprised, you are part of the greatest generation and I feel sorry for you that you lived to see this bum, Obama, destroy this country. Thank God my father, who fought in World War II and was the same age as you, but died at 64, died way before this bum took office!

Other then that, everyone should buy this book but skip over the part where Dick fantasises about making love to Obama, not very becoming at your age.

Great narration but Dick must've gotten a new set of chompers, had some difficulty talking around them.

honest, warm, both funny and sad

What did you love best about My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business?

His early days and his unlikely rise to stardom. Lucky indeed.

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business?

His memories of the movies I loved as a child, especially Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (he hated it)

Which character – as performed by Dick Van Dyke – was your favorite?

Burt, the chimneysweep, is a close second to Rob Petrie.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many, but his meetings and friendships with the old silent comedians, Stan Laurel and Buster Keaton.

Loved it…

I'm glad DVD got to put this to paper and happy he made the choice so long ago to focus on uplifting material.

loved it.

I absolutely loved this book. I laughed and cried. His perspective on life is incredible and his determination to keep gping what he loves despite his age is inspiring

The best car ride company

I've always loved and been grateful for the joy Dick Van Dyke has brought to the world over 6+ decades and to hear him tell his own, interesting and entertaining story in his familiar, affable voice, (which is the key ingredient to all of his characters) Is like listening to him in person. One day, I drove 120 miles around the countryside just to listen to Mr Van Dyke tell me more of his story.

childhood fan 5 stars of course

as a fan I loved this man when I was a child. loved it

What a Fantastic Read

Loved hearing about the life of this truly kind and talented man. Thanks for the laughter Mr. Van Dyke.

Lightweight but enjoyable

As a fan of the Dick Van Dyke show, I maybe enjoyed this more than other people would. He's a charming character, but surely he is more nuanced and strategic than this light narrative would suggest. It made me go back and watch a few of the show's episodes, which reminded me how brilliant he is as a comic actor.

Dick Van Dyke - Wow! What an amazing Talent!!

Wow! What an amazing Talent!! I have always had a great appreciation and admiration for Dick Van Dyke since the 60's. But after reading about he challenges and struggles and going from job to job, I have even a greater admiration for him! His early days in Radio, to his Broadway career to his TV career, to his Movie career, to TV Specials, to his amazing sense of humor and comedy, to one of the best dancers that I had ever seen.
Every that he had a hard struggle, it seemed like God always seemed to open a door when another one closed. He discusses his incredible relationships with his colleagues and fellow actors. His relationship with his Wife and his longtime partner along with his kids and Friends. How he finally overcame his bad habits as he calls it. He discusses keeping his work in show business as FAMILY FRIENDLY over the years. Thanks for touching my life and many others! Rp