Dick Van Dyke speaks out after canceling recent public appearances

After canceling an anticipated appearance, Dick Van Dyke was spotted in Malibu.

In a video captured by The New York Post after the cancellation, Van Dyke was asked how he was feeling. He told the outlet, “I feel old.”

He went on to say that he’s “praying” he makes it to his 99th birthday Dec. 13.

Van Dyke was expected to meet with fans at the FanX pop culture convention in Salt Lake City from Sept. 26 to 28.

“We are sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke is not able to travel to FanX at this time,” convention organizers said on its website. “He expresses his gratitude to all of those who continue to support him but, at almost 99 years of age, traveling and interacting with thousands of people is more than he is able to do at this time.”

The decision to cancel his appearance came just days after he failed to appear at the 2024 Emmy Awards on Sept. 15, where he was expected to present an award

Van Dyke never issued a statement regarding his absence.

He did, however, attend the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sept. 7, where he watched the producers of the “Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic” special for his 98th birthday win an award, People reported.

In an earlier interview with People, Van Dyke expressed interest in putting on a one-man show where he detailed his nearly eight decades in show business.

“I have a lot of stories to tell. I thought I’d just do a one-man show, like this,” he told People in June. “Just sit and talk to the audience.”

His last public appearance was at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmys on Sept. 7. While talking to reporters at the event, he said he hoped to be remembered “for laughter,” according to People.