Margie Willett is best known for being the first wife of famous actor Dick Van Dyke. Though she didn’t seek fame, her life was connected to one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. In this article, we’ll look at Margie’s early life, her marriage to Dick Van Dyke, their children, the challenges they faced, and how she is remembered today.
Early Life and Background
Margie Willett was born in 1927 in Danville, Illinois. She grew up in a quiet, private home with her family. Margie wasn’t famous or wealthy growing up, but she had a simple, comfortable childhood. She didn’t dream of being in the spotlight, but that changed when she met Dick Van Dyke.
Margie’s life before meeting Dick was full of family and normal, everyday moments. She enjoyed the privacy that came with living away from the public eye.
Meeting Dick Van Dyke and Getting Married
Margie met Dick Van Dyke in 1947, when Dick was just beginning to become well-known in entertainment. They quickly fell in love and got married a year later. Their wedding was unique because it was broadcast live on the radio. On February 12, 1948, Margie and Dick said their vows on a radio show called Bride and Groom. Because they didn’t have enough money for a honeymoon, the show’s producer paid for it. Their wedding was heard by 15 million people, which made it a very special event.
Dick later shared that their wedding was very unusual. They got married in front of two microphones and a minister, with millions of people listening. Their wedding was a public event, and it showed how much their lives would be influenced by fame.
Family Life and Children
Together, Margie and Dick had four children: two daughters, Stacy and Carrie Beth, and two sons, Barry and Christian. While Margie was mostly a private person, she was very devoted to raising her children.
Barry, their oldest son, became an actor, just like his father. He starred in TV shows like Diagnosis Murder and Remington Steele. Barry even worked alongside his father on Diagnosis Murder, which allowed the two of them to continue their family’s acting legacy.
Stacy, their second child, also tried acting in TV shows and films, such as Diagnosis Murder: Town Without Pity and The New Dick Van Dyke Show. She had a more modest career in Hollywood compared to her father and brother, but she still left her mark.
Carrie Beth, their third child, led a more private life. She married Kevin McNally and has two children, continuing the Van Dyke family legacy in a quieter way.
Christian, the youngest, was born in 1950. He had a daughter named Jessica Lee, who tragically passed away in 1987. Christian’s life has had its share of joy and sorrow, and like the rest of the family, he carried on Margie’s values of love and family.
Margie also suffered the loss of twins when she had a miscarriage. Even though Margie faced personal challenges, she was always a loving and supportive mother.
Divorce and Later Life
Margie and Dick’s marriage was not without difficulties. After 36 years of marriage, they separated in the 1970s. The reason for their separation was Dick’s affair with his agent’s secretary, Michelle Triola. Dick admitted his infidelity to Margie in 1974, and they decided to separate. They were not officially divorced until 1984, after eight years of separation.
Although Margie and Dick went their separate ways, Margie never remarried. She chose to live a quiet life away from the public eye, far from the fame and attention that surrounded her former husband. While Dick started a new relationship with Michelle Triola, he later remarried a woman named Arlene Silver in 2012, who was much younger than him.
Despite the distance between them after the divorce, Dick expressed sadness when Margie passed away. He said that even though they had been apart for many years, her death left him feeling like he had lost a part of himself.
Margie Willett’s Death
Margie Willett passed away on October 30, 2008, at the age of 81. She died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Her death came quietly, and she was remembered by her children, grandchildren, and even Dick Van Dyke, who had a deep connection to her despite their years of separation.
Dick spoke about the loss, saying that it was difficult for him to accept, even though they were no longer married. His public mourning showed that, even though their marriage ended many years earlier, their shared history and connection were still important to him.
Legacy of Margie Willett
Margie Willett may not have sought fame, but her legacy continues through her children and grandchildren. Barry and Stacy, both involved in entertainment, carry on the family’s connection to Hollywood. Barry’s acting career, in particular, helped keep the Van Dyke name alive on television.
Margie’s grandchildren, too, carry on her legacy. While many of them are not as famous as their parents, they continue to live in the world that Margie helped shape with her love and care for her family.
Though Margie never sought the spotlight, her family remembers her for the quiet strength and love she showed throughout her life. She may not have been a public figure, but her impact on her family and the world around her is still felt today.
Conclusion
Margie Willett lived a life full of love, challenges, and quiet strength. As the first wife of Dick Van Dyke, she shared in the ups and downs of his career while raising a family of her own. Despite the public nature of her marriage, Margie kept much of her life private and focused on her children and family. Her legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren, who continue to honor her memory.
Though she never sought fame, Margie Willett played an important role in the Van Dyke family story. Her life reminds us that the quiet, unseen contributions of those who support the stars are just as important as the stars themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was Margie Willett born?
Margie Willett was born in 1927 in Danville, Illinois.
How many children did Margie Willett have?
Margie and Dick Van Dyke had four children: Barry, Stacy, Christian, and Carrie Beth.
Why did Margie Willett and Dick Van Dyke divorce?
The couple divorced in 1984 after 36 years of marriage due to Dick’s infidelity.
What was Margie Willett’s cause of death?
Margie Willett passed away from pancreatic cancer on October 30, 2008, at the age of 81.
What is Margie Willett’s legacy?
Margie Willett’s legacy lives on through her children, particularly Barry and Stacy, who have pursued careers in entertainment. Her role as a mother and her quiet strength continue to be remembered.