Margie Willett was an American ex-celebrity wife who gained recognition for being Dick Van Dyke’s ex-wife. Her ex-spouse is an American comedian, writer, producer, and actor who has won numerous awards. He has nearly 70 years of experience in the film and television industry, and among the films and TV shows he has acted in are Diagnosed Murder: Town Without Pity and Mary Poppins Returns.
Willett gained popularity as the wife of a Disney icon, but she wanted a private life free from media and public attention. This is the reason Willett avoided the spotlight till her passing.
Continue reading the article to know about Dick Van Dyke’s first wife Margie Willett wikipedia along with her personal and professional life.
Early Life of Margie Willett
Van Dyke’s ex-wife, also known as Marjorie Willett, was born in Danville, Illinois, in the United States, in 1927. Details regarding Margie Willett date of birth and her parents or siblings are not known because of her strict standards of confidentiality. Nonetheless, she is of Caucasian descent and doesn’t come from a wealthy family.
Personal life of Margie Willett
There is not much information about Margie Willett’s career as well as personal life on the internet. She led a quiet life both before and after her marriage with the well-known Hollywood personality. She chose to avoid the spotlight since she disliked the entertainment industry. However, you can find Margie Willett photos on the internet with her ex-husband and children. She consequently stayed longer at the family’s Arizona ranch. Willett came into the spotlight because her children or her ex-partner accomplished anything noteworthy. Moreover, according to some sources Margie Willett net worth (estimated)is around $1 million.
How Did Margie Willett and Dick Van Dyke first meet?
As Margie Willett and Dick Van Dyke were born and raised in Danville, Illinois, this is how they met as teenagers in 1947. The couple started dating after Margie broke up with her High school boyfriend as she liked Van Dyke.
After becoming engaged and relocating to Los Angeles, Van Dyke asked her to marry him without waiting any longer. On February 12, 1948, they were married and their wedding was a memorable occasion that turned into a national event.
How did Margie Willett and Dick Van Dyke end up marrying on a Radio Show?
Even though Margie Willett and Van Dyke were prepared to tie the knot, they didn’t have money for it. They accepted the opportunity when an ABC radio program named Bride and Groom offered to pay for their wedding in exchange for airing it on the show. After that, Willett and Van Dyke got married on a radio program while their honeymoon and wedding work expenses were covered.
The wedding took place at the Chapman Park Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. After that, the couple’s honeymoon was spent at the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort in Welches, Oregon. The network provided the newlyweds with various household items to help them get started on their married life in addition to covering the cost of their wedding. Though the couple didn’t always get along, her marriage to Van Dyke completely changed her life.
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Does Margie Willett have children with Dick Van Dyke?
Margie Willett has a total of ten grandchildren and great-grandchildren with the celebrity actor, Van Dyke. Margie Willett and Dick Van Dyke had four children: Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth, despite their marriage collapsing. Margie Willett grandchildren with Van Dyke are Ty Vance, Wes Vance, Shane Van Dyke, and Carey Van Dyke. However, there is no information about Margie Willett great-grandchildren on the internet. Like his father, Margie Willett’s son Barry Van Dyke is presently working as an actor. According to sources, Margie also lost twins and experienced a miscarriage.
Why Did Margie Willett Divorce Van Dyke?
Margie Willett and Van Dykewere were married for 36 years before their divorce in 1984. Margie Willett and Van Dyke were struggling financially in the early stages of their marriage, to the point that they were living in their car. However, when Van Dyke’s career started, things started to get better for their relationship. In Hollywood’s theater, film, and television industries, he rose to stardom and was much-liked on radio as well.
Their marriage failed as a result of Van Dyke’s popularity, even if it made sure they could afford the better things in life. Willett didn’t want to be in the spotlight, but he was supportive of Van Dyke’s career. Van Dyke thus found happiness in the arms of Michelle Triola Marvin, a different lady. Following his disclosure of his extramarital encounters with Willet, they decided to split up and got divorced in 1984. Willett and Van Dyke fought drug and alcohol addiction, which prompted them to join a recovery center, in addition to the scandal of infidelity.
What disease did Margie Willett suffer from?
In 2007, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which resulted in Margie Willett death in 2008. When Margie Willett passed away in Durham County, North Carolina, Margie Willett age was 81 years old at the time of her death. After her first marriage failed, Willett never got married again. Conversely, Van Dyke wed Arlene Silver, a makeup artist, who is more than 40 years his junior. Before Silver, the actor had an apartment with Michelle Triola Marvin, who passed away in 2009.
FAQs
1.Who is Margie Willett?
Ans. Margie Willett was the ex-wife of the celebrity, Dick Van Dyke who is widely known as an iconic American actor, comedian, and entertainer. She spent more than thirty years married to Dick Van Dyke, and the couple had four children.
2. How did Margie Willett become popular?
Ans. Margie Willett is popular because of being the first wife of the American actor named Dick Van Dyke. However, she didn’t like the fame and glamor of the entertainment industry; thus, the couple got separated.
3. When and how did Margie Willett pass away?
Ans. Sadly, the ex-wife of Dick Van Dyke, Margie Willett passed away due to pancreatic cancer in 2008 at the age of 81.
4. Why did Margie Willett get divorced?
Ans. The couple’s infidelity was the reason for their divorce after 36 years of marriage. At the time, Michelle Triola was the secretary of Van Dyke’s agency, and the two had an affair. In 1974, Van Dyke confessed to his wife, Margie that he is dating his secretary.
5. Did Margie Willett remarry after her divorce from Van Dyke?
Ans. Willett never entered into another relationship following her split with the celebrity. Whereas her husband, Van Dyke dated Michelle Triola Marvin who passed away in 2009.
The Final Words
The couple’s love affair started when the legendary Hollywood star was just starting as a performer. After working on several of these projects, Van Dyke rose to fame a few years later. Willett never enjoyed the glitz and glamor that accompanied his fame, even though she was pleased with his work. Willett never wanted to be in the spotlight which later became the reason for their separation.
We hope that you found this article interesting and now you know more about Margie Willett.