Margie Willett was an American ex-celebrity wife who gained notoriety for being Dick Van Dyke‘s ex-wife. Dick is an American comedian, writer, producer, and actor who has won numerous awards. He has nearly 70 years of experience in the entertainment business, and among the films and TV shows he has acted in are Diagnosed Murder: Town Without Pity and Mary Poppins Returns.
Who Was Margie Willett?
Margie Willett was born on 3rd November 1927 in Danville, Illinois, United States of America. She was raised by her parents in Danville, Illinois, in the United States. She was a naturalised American citizen and a member of the white American ethnic group. Like most things about her life, Margie was reluctant to divulge information on her school history.
She was tragically diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2007 and died at the age of 81 in 2008. In one of his interviews, Margie’s ex-husband Dick acknowledged that, despite their divorce at the time of her passing, he was devastated by her passing.
Margie Willett And Dick Van Dyke’s Relationship
According to Van Dyke’s memoir, Margie and Dick Van Dyke’s love affair began in Danville, Illinois, during their high school years. Dick tells how Margie fell in love with a tougher student who participated in football and wrestling than he did. Dick claimed that the student was constantly on his heels to avoid a confrontation when Margie dumped the football and wrestling partner for him, however he did not disclose the student’s identity.
The young couple moved to Los Angeles, where on February 12, 1948, they were married on a radio station named Bride and Groom. Speaking further about their wedding, Dick Van Dyke and Margie Willett were unable to pay for their nuptials. Therefore, the “Bride and Groom” show producer, who had a deal with the couple, financed their marriage. More than 15 million people watched their wedding live on broadcast media. Furthermore, their honeymoon was funded by the same producer.
Nevertheless, once Dick Van Dyke began having adulterous affairs with other women, Margie and him parted ways in 1976. They got divorced on May 4, 1984. Margie and Dick had an exciting life before getting divorced. During Dick’s initial days in the film industry, they resided in a Malibu duplex. Margie became pregnant with twins while they were still dating, but she miscarried. The ex-couple has four children, two daughters, Stacy and Carrie Beth, and two sons, Barry and Christian.
After the divorce, Margie did not remarry, but Dick started a relationship with Michelle Triola Marvin. After Michelle’s death, Dick married Arlene Silver.
Margie Willett’s Children
Christian, her eldest son, was born on May 13, 1950. He began his acting career on the Van Dyke Show, but he eventually moved into the legal profession. He is the husband of Caroline Heller, with whom he has a boy and a girl.
Barry, Margie’s second son, was born on July 31, 1951. He pursued his dream of becoming a Hollywood actor, just like his father. His performances in Diagnosis Murder, Heavenly Deposit, and Remington Steele are what made him most famous. Mary Carey and the actor are wed, and together they have four kids.
1955 saw the birth of Stacy Van Dyke, Willet and Van Dyke’s third child. She was once an actress and has appeared in a number of motion pictures and television shows, such as Diagnosis Murder: Town Without Pity and The New Dick Van Dyke Show. Mike Breen and Stacy are married, and they have two kids together.
Margie Willett’s youngest child, Carrie Beth, was born on 27 August 1972. She is married to Kevin McNally, and they share two kids.