Margie Willett lived a quiet life away from Hollywood’s bright lights, even though she was married to one of America’s most famous actors. Her story is about love, family, and choosing privacy over fame. Let’s explore the life of this remarkable woman who stayed true to herself.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Marjorie Willett |
|---|---|
| Born | 1927 |
| Birthplace | Danville, Illinois, USA |
| Famous For | Being Dick Van Dyke’s first wife |
| Marriage | February 12, 1948 |
| Divorce | May 4, 1984 |
| Children | Four (Christian, Barry, Stacy, Carrie Beth) |
| Death | 2008 (Age 81) |
| Cause of Death | Pancreatic cancer |
Early Life and Meeting Dick Van Dyke
Margie Willett was born in 1927 in Danville, Illinois, a small town near the Indiana border. She grew up in a simple, modest family and lived a normal American life. Not much is known about her parents or early childhood because Margie was always a very private person.
In 1945, when Margie was 18 years old, she met Dick Van Dyke in their hometown. Dick was 20 at the time. They had known each other for years while growing up in the same small town, but this was when their love story began.
At that time, Margie was dating her high school boyfriend who played football and wrestling. However, she left him to be with Dick. This caused some problems because her ex-boyfriend was very angry and even wanted to fight Dick. But Margie and Dick continued their relationship, and soon everyone in town knew about them.
A Radio Wedding That Made History
After dating for about three years, Margie and Dick wanted to get married. But they had a big problem – they had no money. They were so poor that they couldn’t even afford a wedding ceremony.
Then something unusual happened. A radio producer heard about their situation and made them an offer. He said he would pay for their entire wedding and even give them a honeymoon if they agreed to get married on his radio show called “Bride and Groom.”
On February 12, 1948, Margie and Dick said “I do” in front of two radio microphones while 15 million people listened across America. It was one of the most unique weddings ever! The generous producer kept his promise and paid for everything, including their honeymoon trip.
Life as a Young Married Couple
The early years of marriage were very difficult for Margie and Dick. They were extremely poor and struggled to pay for basic needs. At one point, they were so broke that they had to live in their car for several months. They couldn’t afford a house or even a small apartment.
During this hard time, Margie suffered a heartbreaking loss. She was pregnant with twins but had a miscarriage. This was a very sad moment in their young marriage.
Despite these challenges, Margie stayed strong and supported her husband. Dick was trying to build a career in entertainment, performing comedy shows with his partner Phil Erickson. Margie believed in his dreams even when times were tough.
Building a Family
As Dick’s career slowly began to grow, the couple’s life improved. They welcomed four children into their family:
- Christian Van Dyke (born 1950) – worked in medical equipment
- Barry Van Dyke (born 1951) – became a famous TV actor
- Stacy Van Dyke (born 1955) – followed creative work
- Carrie Beth Van Dyke (born 1961) – pursued her own path
Margie chose to be a full-time mother. She focused all her energy on raising their children and creating a loving home. She wanted to give them a normal childhood, away from Hollywood’s crazy world.
A Woman Who Hated Fame
When Dick Van Dyke became a huge star with “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and movies like “Mary Poppins,” Margie faced a new challenge. She discovered that she really disliked the Hollywood lifestyle.
Margie was described as “earthy and artistic.” She wore her hair short, didn’t use makeup, and preferred simple clothes. She was a natural, down-to-earth person who felt uncomfortable at fancy Hollywood parties and events.
At showbiz gatherings, people would often push Margie aside to talk to Dick. Some people even mistook her for Dick’s mother or sister instead of his wife. Once, when Dick appeared on a magazine cover, Margie bought six copies. The cashier asked if she was his mother, which shows how she looked different from typical Hollywood wives.
While Dick loved the spotlight, Margie preferred staying home. As the years passed, they grew apart. Dick was busy with his career in Los Angeles, while Margie eventually moved to their ranch in the desert, seeking peace and quiet.
Struggles with Addiction
In 1972, both Margie and Dick faced serious health problems. Dick checked into a hospital for three weeks to get treatment for alcoholism. He had been drinking heavily for many years, which affected his family life.
Just a few weeks after Dick left the hospital, Margie checked into the same hospital. She had become addicted to prescription drugs, specifically a sedative called Librium. The stress of their marriage and Dick’s fame had taken a toll on her mental health.
This difficult period showed that both were suffering. Their addictions were signs of deeper problems in their relationship. They were slowly growing apart, living separate lives even though they were still married.
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The Affair That Ended Everything
In 1975, Dick began a secret relationship with Michelle Triola, who was his agent’s secretary. For months, Dick kept this affair hidden from Margie. But the guilt was eating him alive. He later wrote that he was “writhing in guilt” because he couldn’t live with the lie.
In 1976, Dick finally told Margie the truth about his affair. It was a painful confession that changed everything. Even though Margie was deeply hurt, she and Dick had many honest conversations. They both realized their marriage had been over for years.
However, they didn’t divorce right away. They separated and lived apart for eight long years before making their divorce official on May 4, 1984. After 36 years of marriage, their relationship finally ended.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Margie completely disappeared from public view. She never dated anyone else or remarried. She chose to live a very quiet, private life, focusing on her children and grandchildren.
Margie had five grandchildren: Shane, Carey, Taryn, Wes, and Jessica Van Dyke. She also lived to see five great-grandchildren: Alex, Ava, Gracie, Jane, and Mia Van Dyke. Her family was always the most important thing in her life.
Meanwhile, Dick continued his relationship with Michelle Triola for over 30 years, though they never married. When Michelle died in 2009, Dick was heartbroken. He later married Arlene Silver, a makeup artist who is 46 years younger than him.
Final Years and Death
In 2007, Margie received terrible news. Doctors told her she had pancreatic cancer, which is a very serious disease. She fought the illness for about one year, but sadly, the cancer was too strong.
Margie Willett passed away in 2008 at the age of 81. Even though they had been divorced for over 20 years, Dick Van Dyke was deeply affected by her death. He told reporters, “I was deeply affected. Even though we were long divorced, with her death I lost a part of myself.”
This shows that despite everything that happened between them, Dick and Margie had shared so much of their lives together. They had faced poverty, raised four children, and lived through both good times and bad times as a team.
Her Legacy
Margie Willett may not have wanted fame, but her story matters. She represents many women of her time who supported their husbands’ dreams while giving up their own. She chose family over fame and privacy over publicity.
Her son Barry Van Dyke became a successful actor, appearing in shows like “Diagnosis Murder” with his father. This shows that Margie’s dedication to her children made a real difference in their lives.
Today, Margie is remembered as a strong, private woman who stayed true to herself. She didn’t change who she was to fit Hollywood’s expectations. In a world that celebrates fame, Margie Willett chose a different path – and that takes real courage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How did Margie Willett and Dick Van Dyke meet?
They met in their hometown of Danville, Illinois, in 1945. They had known each other for years as they grew up in the same small town. Margie left her high school boyfriend to date Dick when she was 18 and he was 20.
Q2: Why did Margie Willett and Dick Van Dyke divorce?
They divorced because Dick had an affair with Michelle Triola starting in 1975. Dick told Margie about the affair in 1976, and they separated. They lived apart for eight years before officially divorcing in 1984 after 36 years of marriage.
Q3: How many children did Margie Willett have?
Margie had four children with Dick Van Dyke: Christian (born 1950), Barry (born 1951), Stacy (born 1955), and Carrie Beth (born 1961). Her son Barry became a famous TV actor like his father.
Q4: What caused Margie Willett’s death?
Margie died from pancreatic cancer in 2008. She was diagnosed with the disease in 2007 and passed away one year later at the age of 81 in North Carolina.
Q5: Did Margie Willett remarry after divorcing Dick Van Dyke?
No, Margie never remarried or dated anyone else after her divorce. She chose to live a very private life, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and close friends until her death in 2008.
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