Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Dick Van Dyke, 87, cancels New York appearance suffering from neurological disorder

 

Matilda Battersby
Friday 19 April 2013 14:17 BST
Comments
Dick Van Dyke at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in January 2013
Dick Van Dyke at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in January 2013 (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Dick Van Dyke, the star of Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, has cancelled a public appearance in New York suffering with a “yet-to-be diagnosed neurological disorder”.

The 87-year-old pulled out of an awards ceremony at New York cultural centre 92 Street Y where he had been expecting to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for Bettering Humanity Through Comedy.

He was advised by doctors not to fly and told Entertainment Tonight on Thursday that he was unable to make the ceremony due to “fatigue and lack of sleep resulting from symptoms of a yet-to-be diagnosed neurological disorder”.

On Twitter the actor said: “My head bangs every time I lay down. I've had every test come back that I'm perfectly healthy. Anybody got any ideas?”

He later revealed he had undergone tests including a CAT Scan, MRI and spinal tap but “it showed nothing” and that he has “very low blood pressure”.

A spokesman for Mr Van Dyke told USA Today he had been advised against travelling but “is otherwise in good physical condition but the fatigue factor has become acute”.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in