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)

Really Spectacular book - I LOVE Dick Van Dyke

As a huge Dick Van Dyke fan I'd already read his book "Keep Moving," but hadn't read this earlier work. It was moving, inspiring, and I found the honesty of it completely refreshing. I know there are many stages of life where we feel lost and Mr. Van Dyke was not afraid to touch on each of those stages. To boot, he talked about the times he had to search his own heart and/or admit to himself that he "had a problem." And he had to do it more than once in both his personal life and his career. I enjoyed hearing that the rapport shown on "Diagnosis Murder" episodes with his real-life son, is true to his life. And apparently, he is equally as close to each of his family members. Again, refreshing! It was nice to hear also, that he is truly a person full of joy and hope - and who finds that 'Love is that which gives life meaning.' Thank you so much, Dick Van Dyke, for sharing this incredible story of your life with the world. Or at least the part I'm in - as I was privileged enough to read it. (Or in my case, hear it. I listened to it every day on my way to work and back and enjoyed hearing the story spoken in your own voice.) I hope if you ever ready your own reviews, you know you are loved by many and have a remarkable legacy. ;-) I hope you continue to enjoy every moment my friend.

Great story - great talent

Who hasn’t heard or seen Dick performing on TV, stage or screen. His story was honest and endearing. I laughed, gasped and a few tears. An added pleasure to hear it in his own voice.

Enjoyed it

Dicks voice shows it’s defined age but still enjoyable! One of the last of his time.

Delightful

l have always loves Dick Van Duke. listening to him read brought back so many good memories about him, productions I loved that he was part of and things in my own life that correlated. Purely enjoyable.

A Delightful Book

It's always interesting to learn what others have been through. very well written and entertaining.

I didn't want the book to end!

Listening to Dick Van Dyke tell his life story was truly an amazing experience. I was so glad to listen to the book in order to hear Dick's fantastic comedic timing and delivery when he told funny stories. These things don't come through the same way when reading a book. The story of Dick's life journey was such a fun thing to listen to and to hear all the behind the scenes stories of what was happening during the making of some of the most timeless classics such as The Dick Van Dyke Show, Marry Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was so fascinating. I realized I was listening so much to this book at once that I was afraid it was all going by too fast so I decided to savor it and make it last. When the book ended I was actually sad haha. Mr Van Dyke is truly an American treasure and we are luck he is still with us and I hope he remains with us for years to come!

A Joy

Living Hollywood legend, Dick Van Dyke, telling the tales of his career and life. Wonderful.

Fun listen!

Great hearing about Dick’s adventures in his own words. Very uplifting narrative in spite of some difficult times. Lovely man!!

Turning back time

Hearing Dick Van Dyke's story was like turning back the clock for me because, as an older listener, it brought back memories of TV shows, movies, and show-biz gossip that I grew up with - and loved. In addition, it expanded my knowledge of that world and time, albeit from the author's viewpoint (but that is true for all memoirs). And when the author states near the beginning that this book is not about drama or hard times, this is only because the author does not dwell on the difficulties he faced in life. There were plenty of incidents of financial hardship and personal loss, but Mr. Van Dyke deals with them by remaining primarily positive and goal-focused. Overall, the book was a pleasant stroll down memory lane.

My Recent Favorite hit

What a delightful book! Dick is a master storyteller and his memoir is no exception. I would happily have listened longer to hours more of his life’s experiences. His candor added amazing depth and balance I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My favorite thing about that throughout his life he remained authentically genuine to who he is & aspired to be, and he’s very entertaining too!