When people hear the Van Dyke name, they think of famous actors like Dick Van Dyke and his son Barry. But there’s someone special in this family who chooses to stay away from cameras and fame – Mary Carey Van Dyke. She has been Barry Van Dyke’s wife for over 50 years. While her husband and his family became TV stars, Mary decided to live a quiet, private life. She focused on raising her four children and supporting her family. Her story shows us that not everyone wants to be famous, even when they marry into a Hollywood family.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Mary Carey Van Dyke |
|---|---|
| Famous As | Wife of actor Barry Van Dyke |
| Nationality | American |
| Husband | Barry Van Dyke (married since 1974) |
| Children | 4 children – Carey, Shane, Wes, Taryn |
| Known For | Part of the Van Dyke family |
| Lifestyle | Very private, stays away from media |
A Love Story That Started Young
Mary met Barry Van Dyke when they were both sixteen years old. It was 1967, and Barry worked at a movie theater selling tickets. They fell in love and started dating. After seven years together, they got married in 1974. Mary became part of one of Hollywood’s most famous families, but she kept her life private from the start.
Life Before Fame
We don’t know much about Mary’s early life. She never gave interviews about her childhood or her family. What we know is that Mary was not from the entertainment world. She was not an actress and did not want to be famous. She chose to live a normal, quiet life even after marrying into a famous family.
Building a Family
Mary and Barry have four children: Carey (born 1976), Shane (born 1979), Wes (born 1984), and Taryn (born 1986). All four children work in creative jobs:
Carey Van Dyke is a producer, writer, and actor in Hollywood.
Shane Van Dyke works as an actor, writer, and director. He and Carey wrote the movie “Don’t Worry Darling” in 2022.
Wes Van Dyke tried acting but loved painting more. He paints beautiful pictures, including paintings of his grandfather Dick Van Dyke.
Taryn Van Dyke is an actress. She was in the TV show “Diagnosis: Murder” with her father and grandfather.
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A Supportive Wife and Mother
Barry Van Dyke became a successful actor. He is most famous for his role in the TV show “Diagnosis: Murder” from 1993 to 2001. He worked with his father Dick Van Dyke on the show.
Mary took care of their home and children while Barry worked. In 2015, their son Carey wrote about his mother: “For nearly forty years, she has taken care of this entire group. Calling her Supermom is just skimming the surface.” This shows how much Mary did for her family.
A Private Life
Today, many people share their lives on social media. But Mary is different. She does not have Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. She rarely goes to public events. When she does, she stays quiet and in the background.
Many celebrity wives want to be famous too. But Mary chose a different way. She helps her husband but does not try to get attention for herself.
Part of a Hollywood Family
Mary is now a grandmother. Her children have their own families now. The Van Dyke family stays close. They spend time together and help each other. Mary helps keep the family strong and connected.
Staying Strong Together
Over the years, some false stories appeared about Mary and Barry. In 2017, people said they got divorced, but this was not true. There were also false stories saying Barry died. These stories were wrong. Mary and Barry are still together and happy with their family.
Why Her Story Matters
Mary’s story shows that not everyone wants to be famous. Some people are happy living quiet lives, even when their family is famous. Mary chose family over fame. She chose privacy over being in the news.
She married into a famous family but stayed true to herself. She raised four successful children. She helped her husband’s career. She kept her family happy and normal. And she did all this while staying away from cameras and reporters.
Life Today
Mary and Barry still live privately. They have been married for over 50 years. Their children are grown up now. They have their own jobs and families. Barry earned about $3 million from his acting work. Mary continues to be the strong and quiet support for her family.
Final Thoughts
Mary Carey Van Dyke’s story is special. She may not go to movie parties or award shows, but her story matters. She shows that you can be part of a famous family without wanting fame yourself.
Her love for family and her choice to stay private show a different kind of strength. In Hollywood, everyone wants attention. But Mary shows that a quiet, loving life is just as important and valuable.
For over 50 years, she has been there for Barry Van Dyke. She has been a loving mother to their four children. That is a beautiful story. And it’s worth telling, even if Mary would probably want to keep it private.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did Mary meet Barry Van Dyke?
Mary met Barry in 1967 when they were both sixteen. Barry worked at a movie theater. They dated for seven years and married in 1974.
2. How many children do they have?
They have four children: Carey, Shane, Wes, and Taryn. All work in creative jobs.
3. Does Mary use social media?
No. Mary does not have Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. She likes to keep her life private.
4. What is Mary’s job?
Mary focused on being a wife and mother. She took care of the home and raised their children.
5. Are Mary and Barry still married?
Yes. They are still married and have been together since 1974 – over 50 years.
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