During her marriage to Dick Van Dyke, Margie Willett always felt out of place. To make matters more awkward, she was often mistaken for his sister or, even worse, his mother. What life lessons can we learn from her? Let’s get to know the woman Dick Van Dyke loved and mourned.
Who Is Margie Willett?
Margie Willett was an important person in the life of one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures, Dick Van Dyke. She was his first wife and partner for 36 years.
Both came from Danville, Illinois, so they had known each other for years. He was 20 when they started dating, way before he was famous.
Marriage and Family
Margie Willett and Dick’s love story began like a radio drama—because it literally was one! In 1948, they exchanged vows during a live radio broadcast.
At the time, they were young, in love, and too broke to afford a wedding. A producer offered to foot the bill for their ceremony and honeymoon if they married on-air. So, with 15 million listeners tuning in, Margie and Dick promised their lives to each other.
And then came the fame. After appearing in local theater productions and hosting his own radio show, Dick finally made it to Hollywood.
Image source: Google
But while the comedian’s star was rising, Margie was fading into the shadows. She wasn’t the typical celebrity wife—she liked to wear her hair short and wasn’t a fan of makeup.
Margie was often pushed to the sidelines at showbiz events while everyone clamored for her husband’s attention. The gulf between them was so apparent that people often assumed she was either his sister or his mother, anything but the wife of a TV star.
Personal Challenges and Divorce
Dick Van Dyke was a self-confessed alcoholic. What he didn’t realize at the time was that Margie was secretly hooked on antidepressants.
He only found out that his wife was battling an addiction when she checked into rehab, just as he was checking out. Initially, he thought she was simply there to pick him up.
Dick told The Guardian that their addictions were “symptomatic of deeper problems” in their relationship. Slowly, they grew further apart. Margie, who had never cared much for Hollywood, retreated to their family’s desert ranch.
In his memoir, Dick admitted cheating on Margie with Michele Triola, his agent’s secretary. The affair went on for the last eight years of their marriage.
Image source: Google
Dick and Margie were separated for a while after deciding to divorce in 1984. He moved in with Michelle,
In 2008, Margie, 80, died of pancreatic cancer, which came as a blow to Dick. A year later, Michele was diagnosed with lung cancer. He stayed with her until she succumbed to her disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Margie Willett Remarry?
I found no record of Margie remarrying after her split from Dick Van Dyke. Dick, on the other hand, has been married twice.
His second wife is Arlene Silver, a makeup artist who is 46 years his junior. They married in 2012 and are still happily together.
Image source: Google
How Many Children Does Dick Van Dyke Have With Margie Willett?
Margie and Dick had four children together: Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth. They lost a twin before Christian was born.
Despite her issues, Margie, by all accounts, was a devoted mother. Dick credits her for raising such amazing kids.
Is Dick Van Dyke Still Alive?
Yes, he is! Dick Van Dyke, now 99, lives in Malibu but was recently forced to evacuate his home due to the wildfires ravaging Los Angeles.
Reports say his neighbors had to carry him to safety. Dick is fine but the experience left him traumatized.
Final Thoughts
Margie Willett never tried to become someone she wasn’t. Sometimes, it’s the bravest thing we can do.
But Margie, like most of us, had her struggles—hers was depression. She sought professional help and, despite the challenges, went on to live a full life.
If you’re suffering from a similar mental health condition, know that it’s not too late. Please get help as Margie did.
Featured image source: Google
