Arlene Silver isn’t just the wife of a Hollywood icon — she’s a creative force in her own right. If you’ve ever wondered who Dick Van Dyke married in 2012, or how a makeup artist turned producer ended up with one of the most beloved actors in film history, you’re not alone. Arlene Silver’s story is one of talent, resilience, and unexpected romance. Her journey from behind the camera to standing beside a screen legend offers a glimpse into a life that’s both artistic and inspiring. So, let’s dive into the life of this fascinating woman who’s managed to keep her husband — yes, that Dick Van Dyke — smiling well into his 90s.

If you’ve seen Dick Van Dyke looking particularly radiant in recent years, it might not just be the Hollywood glow. Arlene Silver has been a major influence in his life since they met in 2006, and their love story has become a favorite topic among fans of classic cinema. But there’s more to her than just being the younger half of a high-profile age-gap marriage. She’s worked on notable films, appeared in TV shows, and built a career that stands apart from her famous husband. It’s time to spotlight Arlene Silver — not just as Dick Van Dyke’s wife, but as a talented woman in her own right.

So, who exactly is Arlene Silver? If you’ve caught her name in passing or seen it pop up alongside Dick Van Dyke’s, you might be curious about her background. From her early days as a makeup artist to her rise as a producer and actress, Arlene has quietly carved out a space in the entertainment industry. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at her life, career, and the relationship that’s captured the hearts of fans and critics alike. Ready to get to know her better? Let’s jump in.

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Table of Contents

• Arlene Silver: A Quick Biography
• Early Life and Career Beginnings
• Arlene’s Work Behind the Camera
• Film and TV Roles That Put Her on the Map
• How Arlene Met Dick Van Dyke
• Marriage, Age Gap, and Public Perception
• What Arlene Silver Is Doing Now
• Frequently Asked Questions About Arlene Silver

Arlene Silver: A Quick Biography

Let’s start with the basics. Arlene Silver was born on September 21, 1971, which makes her 53 years old as of 2025. She’s best known for her work as a makeup artist and actress, and for being married to none other than Dick Van Dyke. But before she caught the public’s eye through her famous husband, she was busy building a career in Hollywood, behind the scenes and occasionally in front of the camera.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

So, how did Arlene Silver end up in Hollywood? While details about her early life are sparse, what we do know is that she found her passion early on in the world of makeup and film. By the early 2000s, she was already working on film sets as a makeup artist, slowly building her reputation in the industry. She wasn’t chasing fame — she was more interested in the craft itself, and that dedication showed in the work she did behind the scenes.

One of her earliest known projects was on the film *Carolina* in 2003. That’s where her career started to take shape, and where she got her first taste of working alongside big names in the industry. She wasn’t in the spotlight then, but she was definitely making her mark. It’s also worth noting that she worked on *The Caretaker 3D* and *The Men of Delta Farce Salute the Troops*, which gave her more hands-on experience and helped her connect with other professionals in the business.

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So, while she wasn’t a household name at the time, she was clearly on the path to something bigger — even if she didn’t know it yet.

Arlene’s Work Behind the Camera

Before she was known for being married to Dick Van Dyke, Arlene Silver was known for her makeup artistry. That’s how she first got into the world of film — not as an actress, but as someone who made others look good on screen. It’s a tough job, and it takes a lot of skill to do it well, especially under the pressure of a film set.

She worked on several film projects, including *Carolina* and *The Men of Delta Farce Salute the Troops*, where she was responsible for the looks of cast and crew. Makeup on set isn’t just about making people look pretty — it’s about continuity, lighting, and ensuring that actors look the same in every shot. It’s a detail-oriented, demanding job, and Arlene clearly had the talent to pull it off.

But her role didn’t stop at makeup. She also worked as a producer on some projects, which shows that she wasn’t afraid to take on more responsibility behind the scenes. That versatility — being able to work in both technical and managerial roles — likely made her a valuable part of any production team she worked with.

Film and TV Roles That Put Her on the Map

While Arlene started out behind the scenes, she did step into the spotlight occasionally. One of her more recognizable roles was on the long-running soap opera *Days of Our Lives*. She appeared in a few episodes, giving viewers a chance to see her in front of the camera. That role, while brief, helped introduce her to a wider audience.

She also had a part in the film *Carolina*, where she played a supporting role. The movie itself didn’t get much attention, but it was another notch in her acting belt. And of course, there’s her appearance in *Coldplay* — though it’s unclear exactly what that refers to, it’s likely a music video or a cameo of some kind.

What’s interesting is that even though she had acting roles, she never pursued acting full-time. That tells us she was more interested in the creative process of filmmaking than in being a star. Still, those appearances gave her a taste of what it’s like to be in the spotlight — and maybe prepared her for the attention she’d get later on in life.

How Arlene Met Dick Van Dyke

It all started at the 2006 SAG Awards. Arlene was working as a makeup artist at the event, doing what she did best — making stars look their best on the red carpet. And that’s where she met Dick Van Dyke. Now, here’s the fun part: she didn’t immediately recognize him. As she later said, “I knew him, I just…” So, it wasn’t a dramatic meet-cute or anything like that — just a simple, unexpected introduction that would change her life.

From there, the two began talking more and eventually started dating. They hit it off, and after a few years of getting to know each other, they tied the knot in February 2012. That’s five years after they first met — not a rushed decision, but one that came after real connection and time spent together.

Their love story might seem unlikely at first glance — she’s 46 years younger than him, after all — but those close to them say it’s a bond built on mutual respect and shared joy. And if you’ve seen Dick Van Dyke in recent years, you might have noticed he’s been especially happy and active, even in his late 80s and 90s. Arlene has definitely played a big role in that.

Marriage, Age Gap, and Public Perception

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the age gap. Dick Van Dyke and Arlene Silver have a 46-year age difference, which definitely turned some heads when they first got married. Some people were supportive, but others were quick to judge. She was even criticized for marrying him, with some suggesting it was a gold-digging move or that the age difference made the relationship inappropriate.

But here’s the thing: they’ve been together for over a decade now, and they seem genuinely happy. In interviews, Dick has spoken about how Arlene keeps him young — not just emotionally, but physically too. She’s helped him stay active, engaged, and positive. And for her part, Arlene has always maintained that their relationship is about love, not numbers.

What’s more, Dick has been open about how much she’s helped him in his later years. He’s said that she’s the reason he’s still dancing, doing voiceovers, and staying in the public eye. Without her, he’s said, he might have slowed down a lot sooner. So, while the age gap might raise eyebrows, the two of them clearly have a special bond that goes beyond what others might understand.

What Arlene Silver Is Doing Now

As of 2025, Arlene Silver is still by Dick Van Dyke’s side, supporting him as he continues to work in show business. Dick, now in his mid-90s, has been surprisingly active — doing voiceovers, appearing on talk shows, and even dancing at events. And Arlene’s presence has a lot to do with that energy and positivity.

She’s not in the public eye as much as her husband, but that’s clearly by choice. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight, focusing on her family life and the things that matter most to her. Still, whenever she does appear with Dick — whether at a red carpet event or in a social media post — fans are quick to take notice.

So, while we might not hear from her directly very often, there’s no doubt that Arlene continues to be a major influence in Dick Van Dyke’s life. And that’s probably just the way she likes it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arlene Silver

How did Arlene Silver meet Dick Van Dyke?

Arlene met Dick at the 2006 SAG Awards while working as a makeup artist. She didn’t immediately recognize him, but the two got to talking and eventually started dating. They married in February 2012 after getting to know each other over several years.

What does Arlene Silver do for a living?

Arlene has worked as a makeup artist and producer in Hollywood. She’s also made a few appearances as an actress, including on *Days of Our Lives* and in the film *Carolina*. Her work behind the scenes includes films like *The Men of Delta Farce Salute the Troops* and *The Caretaker 3D*.

How old is Arlene Silver?

Arlene Silver was born on September 21, 1971, which makes her 53 years old as of 2025.

Want to learn more about Arlene Silver and her career in Hollywood? Check out this IMDb profile for detailed information on her filmography and professional history. And if you're curious about her life with Dick Van Dyke, has more stories about their life together. You can also read up on other celebrity relationships like theirs by visiting this page.