My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business Audiobook By Dick Van Dyke cover art

My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business

A Memoir

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My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business

By: Dick Van Dyke
Narrated by: Dick Van Dyke
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About this listen

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
Entertainment & Celebrities Film & TV Celebrity Funny Comedy Witty Feel-Good Heartfelt Business Inspiring
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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)

Featured Article: The Man Behind Bond—Spotlight on the Fascinating Ian Fleming


From his passion for gadgets and gambling to the way he likes his martinis ("Shaken, not stirred"), everyone is familiar with the tastes and traits of James Bond, the world's most famous fictional spy. Less is commonly known about the fascinating life and adventures of 007's creator, who kicked off the Bond craze with his 12 novels: Ian Fleming. Read on to learn more about the author and uncover how much of the real Fleming lives on in the fictional Bond.

What listeners say about My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business

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    4 out of 5 stars

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...

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13 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

childhood fan 5 stars of course

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

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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

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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.

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What a Fantastic Read

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

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    2 out of 5 stars

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.

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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

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Fabulous

Any additional comments?

This was a wonderful book written and read by one of my all time favorite actors. I have loved watching him since The Dick VanDyke show all those years ago. He is such a great actor as well as a kind and giving human being. His age shows a little bit in his speech and articulation of some words but it doesn't distract from the story of his life. The stories he tells of some of the old vaudeville actors are hilarious and heartwarming. I wish I could have met him in person at sometime in my life in Phoenix and the surrounding area where he lived in the Valley of the Sun.

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