Margie Willett may not be a name that immediately resonates with the glamour of Hollywood, but her life is intrinsically tied to one of its most iconic figures, Dick Van Dyke. As the first wife of the beloved American actor and comedian, Margie Willett shared over three decades of her life with Van Dyke, navigating the challenges of fame, family, and personal struggles. While she chose to live a private life, away from the spotlight, her story is one of love, resilience, and a quiet strength that endured even after her marriage ended. Here’s a closer look at the woman who stood beside Dick Van Dyke during the formative years of his career.
Summary:
- Full Name: Marjorie Willett
- Alias: Margie Willett
- Date of Birth: November 3, 1927
- Age at Time of Death: 81 years
- Place of Birth: Danville, Illinois, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Christianity
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Ex-Husband: Dick Van Dyke
- Children: Four (Christian, Barry, Stacy, Carrie Beth)
- Famous For: Being Dick Van Dyke\’s ex-wife
- Net Worth at Time of Death: $1 million
- Cause of Death: Pancreatic cancer (2008)
Early Life and Marriage to Dick Van Dyke
Marjorie “Margie” Willett was born on November 3, 1927, in Danville, Illinois, USA. Not much is known about her early life, as she kept a low profile and remained private about her upbringing. Her quiet, reserved nature would later stand in contrast to the bright lights and public attention of Hollywood.
Margie met Dick Van Dyke in her hometown of Danville in 1947, and it was a whirlwind romance. Within a month of dating, the couple got engaged and moved to Los Angeles, California, in search of better opportunities. They married on February 12, 1948, during a live broadcast of the popular ABC Radio show \”Bride and Groom.\” At the time, both were struggling financially and could not afford a wedding. The radio show covered the costs, including their honeymoon, providing a unique start to their married life.
A Life of Struggles and Sacrifices
In the early years of their marriage, Margie and Dick faced significant financial difficulties. Van Dyke, still an aspiring actor, had not yet achieved fame and struggled to make ends meet. The couple endured a particularly tough period, even spending several months living out of their car because they could not afford a home. This hardship tested their resilience but also deepened their bond, as they navigated these challenges together.
Despite their struggles, Margie supported Dick’s ambitions, standing by him as he worked toward his dreams of a successful career in entertainment. As Dick\’s career began to take off, Margie remained in the background, avoiding the limelight and keeping her focus on raising their family.
A Family in the Spotlight: Children and Motherhood
Margie and Dick Van Dyke had four children together: Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth. The couple experienced tragedy early in their marriage when Margie suffered a miscarriage and lost twins. Despite this heartbreak, they continued to grow their family, with each of their children finding their own paths in life.
Their eldest son, Christian, was born on May 13, 1950. He initially pursued acting, appearing on \”The Van Dyke Show,\” but later chose a career in law. He is married to Caroline Heller, and they have two children. Barry, born on July 31, 1951, followed more closely in his father’s footsteps. He became a Hollywood actor, known for roles in \”Diagnosis Murder,\” \”Heavenly Deposit,\” and \”Remington Steele.\” Barry is married to Mary Carey, and they have four children.
Margie and Dick’s third child, Stacy, was born in 1955. Like her father and brother, she ventured into acting, appearing in several films and TV series, including \”The New Dick Van Dyke Show\” and \”Diagnosis Murder: Town Without Pity.\” She is married to Mike Breen, with whom she shares two children. The youngest of the family, Carrie Beth, was born on August 27, 1972. She lives a relatively private life, away from the entertainment industry, and is married to Kevin McNally. Together, they have two children.
Marriage Challenges and Divorce
Despite their long marriage, Margie and Dick faced numerous challenges, particularly as Van Dyke’s career took off and his fame grew. The couple’s relationship began to deteriorate due to infidelity. In the 1970s, Dick Van Dyke began an affair with Michelle Triola, his agent’s secretary. In 1974, he confessed to Margie, and the two separated. For eight years, they lived apart, trying to find their way through a complicated and painful period in their relationship. Ultimately, their efforts to reconcile were unsuccessful, and they finalized their divorce on May 4, 1984, ending a marriage that had lasted 36 years.
Following the divorce, Margie chose to remain single, never remarrying. On the other hand, Van Dyke continued his relationship with Michelle Triola Marvin, which lasted until her death in 2009. In 2012, he married Arlene Silver, a makeup artist who is 46 years his junior.
A Battle with Addiction
Margie and Dick’s marriage was not only challenged by infidelity but also by personal struggles with addiction. During their late 40s, both faced battles with substance abuse. Margie became addicted to prescription medications, while Dick struggled with alcoholism. The couple sought treatment and were admitted to the same rehabilitation facility to confront their addictions. Although they both made efforts to recover, these struggles further strained their relationship, contributing to their eventual separation.
Later Years and Passing
After her divorce from Dick Van Dyke, Margie Willett chose a quiet life away from the public eye. She never sought the spotlight or attempted to leverage her past association with Van Dyke for personal gain. Her focus remained on her children and her own personal journey. Margie was known for her love of family and her dedication to maintaining a low profile, even after her marriage ended.
In 2006, Margie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a battle that would ultimately claim her life. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 81 in Durham County, North Carolina. Her death marked the end of a chapter in the Van Dyke family’s history but also underscored her quiet strength and resilience throughout her life.
Legacy of a Quiet Life
Margie Willett may be remembered primarily as the first wife of Dick Van Dyke, but her life story is rich with its own challenges, sacrifices, and moments of grace. She was a woman who chose to live privately, focusing on her family and supporting her husband through the ups and downs of his career. Even after their marriage ended, Margie remained out of the public eye, staying true to her nature.
Margie Willett\’s story is one of love, resilience, and quiet dignity, standing as a testament to the complexities of life lived alongside fame, yet separate from it. While her life was not always easy, she faced its challenges with determination and grace.
Conclusion
Margie Willett’s life was one of paradoxes: married to a man adored by millions, yet fiercely protective of her own privacy; living through the challenges of fame, infidelity, and addiction, yet never seeking the spotlight for herself. Her life, though marked by moments of difficulty and struggle, was ultimately a story of enduring love for her family, quiet resilience, and personal strength.
Margie Willett remains an enduring part of Dick Van Dyke’s life story, a figure who chose to live her life quietly and away from the fame that surrounded her husband. Her legacy is one of quiet strength, dignity, and grace, qualities that defined her throughout her life.
