Dick Van Dyke’s legacy has always extended far beyond his iconic performances — and according to the director of a new PBS documentary, his off-screen character is just as remarkable as the roles that made him a legend.
American Masters: Starring Dick Van Dyke, directed by John Scheinfeld, explores the actor’s extraordinary eight-decade career through rare archival footage, intimate interviews, and reflections from celebrity admirers and longtime collaborators. The documentary traces Van Dyke’s journey from early television and Broadway success to his enduring influence on generations of performers.
But while the film celebrates his professional milestones, Scheinfeld says what stood out most during production was Van Dyke himself.
“He’s as nice as you would want him to be,” the director shared, noting that throughout the entire process, not a single person had a negative word to say about Van Dyke — either as a colleague or as a human being.
Scheinfeld explained that interview after interview revealed the same sentiment: Van Dyke is not only admired for his talent, but genuinely loved for his kindness, humility, and generosity.
“He’s universally respected,” Scheinfeld said. “People don’t just talk about his work — they talk about how he treated them.”
The documentary brings together rare moments from Van Dyke’s storied career alongside personal stories that paint a portrait of an artist who never lost his warmth or sense of joy. From his groundbreaking television work to his beloved film performances, American Masters presents a figure whose influence continues to resonate well into his 100th year.
In the end, the film offers more than a retrospective — it’s a testament to a life lived with grace, humor, and decency.
And if there’s one takeaway Scheinfeld hopes audiences remember, it’s this: Dick Van Dyke isn’t just a legend on screen. He’s exactly the kind of person people hoped he would be.
