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Michelle Triola, Dick Van Dyke, his son Chris Van Dyke, and Chris' wife. | Source: Getty Images

Christian Van Dyke is the son of the renowned Hollywood star Dick Van Dyke. Christian lives a quiet life away from the glitz and glamor of his father's world.

Actor Dick Van Dyke's son, Christian Van Dyke, had a brief stint in the entertainment scene, but even if he made a few contributions to the industry, he made a name for himself in another field.

Although his father had labeled him a "handful," Christian defied expectations and accomplished great things. However, his journey took an unexpected and dramatic turn.

Dick Van Dyke and his son Chris Van Dyke attend Summer Television Critic Association Awards Luncheon at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on July 15, 2000, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images

Christian is the son of Dick Van Dyke, an acclaimed actor and comedian in the entertainment industry. Unlike his well-known father, Christian did not go into show business.

Instead of fully following in his dad's footsteps, Christian forges his own path. Despite facing obstacles, Chris has achieved success in his life.

However, Christian's path to success was also marred by a devastating setback when he had to endure the loss of his beloved daughter.

Dick Van Dyke arrives at the debut of the Southern California location of Michael Feinstein's new supper club Feinstein's at Vitello's on June 13, 2019, in Studio City, California. | Source: Getty Images

Christian Has Been Able to Stand His Ground since Childhood

Christian, who was born in 1950, is the eldest son of Dick and his late wife, Margie Willett. The couple welcomed three more children into the family: son Barry and daughters Carrie and Stacy Van Dyke.

Christian's parents were familiar with each other growing up in Danville, Illinois. They got married in 1948 in a unique way. They wed in front of a minister and two radio microphones, and the ceremony was broadcast over the radio to an audience of 15 million people.

Dick Van Dyke with his children, (clockwise from top) Chris, Stacey and Barry Van Dyke doing "lead-ins" for the special broadcast of "The Wizard of Oz" on October 14, 1961. | Source: Getty Images

Dick is a captivating actor who has garnered attention from many people and is well-versed in Hollywood. However, his mother held a contrasting view, as she did not have an affinity for show business.

Christian seemed to have inherited his father's comedic genes.

Margie was an artistic and earthy woman who refrained from wearing makeup. Unfortunately, at various Hollywood events, people tended to sideline her. At times, they even mistook her for Dick's sister or mother.

Dick Van Dyke pictured with his wife Margie Willett in 1964, in London. | Source: Getty Images

Dick's wife had a miscarriage meant to bring twins into their family. Although this was a great loss for them, the couple was able to welcome more children, whom Dick noted as "truly admirable" individuals.

Parenting brought joy to their lives, but it also presented its own set of challenges. On one occasion, Christian ran away from home, causing Dick and Margie to search for him with the help of the police.

Dick Van Dyke with his wife, Margie Willet, posing in front of a fire place with their four children: Barry, Carrie, Chris, and Stacey Van Dyke. | Source: Getty Images

During their frantic search, they found Christian sleeping under a tree. Dick recalled that Christian had run away because of something related to his brother. He said:

"It turned out that he'd had an argument with his younger brother, Barry, and my wife had sided with Barry, a decision that Chris thought was unfair. So he decided the hell with such injustice, and he ran into the woods."

Dick knew that Christian was a good child able to stand his ground, but he also sensed that he would be a "handful." In 1967, he enrolled in high school at Buckley School, where he played football.

Because of his father's popularity, one of Christian's teammates physically attacked him. Although Dick was eager to know the identity of his son's attacker, Christian chose not to reveal it, only indicating that the kid came from a troubled family.

Christian was able to move on after his experience in high school. He eventually studied at Occidental College and then later at Arizona State University, where he pursued a law degree.

Christian Made His Parents Proud

Christian found brief success in the entertainment industry. He starred with his comedian father in several projects, including "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "Hollywood Goes to a Premiere."

In 1980, Christian achieved a significant milestone in his career journey when he was named the new district attorney in Marion County. His parents, brimming with pride, were by his side to witness the momentous occasion.

Christian seemed to have inherited his father's comedic genes. Despite the demanding role of a district attorney, his ability to find humor in his work shone through.

During one memorable incident where he participated in a police raid, he stumbled upon a dead pig at the scene. Without missing a beat, he quipped, "Officer down," eliciting laughter from the police officers present.

Christian left his job as district attorney in 1983 and worked for several reputable companies. Notably, he worked for Nike, overseeing product management and brand marketing.

Today, Christian is now a board member in Bend, Oregon. He is also a partner at Songlines Communications, working closely with Jil Zilligen and Hal Arneson.

There Were Dark Times in Christian's Personal Life

Christian is the first of his siblings to give their father the gift of grandparenthood through his daughter Jessica, whom Christian shared with his then-wife, Caroline A. Heller.

Sadly, a serious disease marred Christian's fatherhood experience. Jessica died in 1987 after a long fight with Reye's syndrome, a rare but fatal disease caused by taking aspirin while sick with a virus. She was 13.

Dick Van Dyke photographed at home during a photo shoot on April 21, 2016, in Malibu, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jessica's death devastated Chris's family. According to Dick Van Dyke, his first grandchild was an intelligent and lively girl who enjoyed playing sports, spending time outdoors, and expressing herself through poetry and writing.

Dick recalled spending time with Jessica while her parents were at work. He would answer her many questions about life, religion, and family history. It was his most enjoyable conversation with his late granddaughter.

Dick Van Dyke accepts the Britannia Award for Excellence onstage at the 2017 AMD British Academy Britannia Awards Presented by American Airlines And Jaguar Land Rover at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 27, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

The family has embraced the present moment, making new memories and embarking on new adventures. Christian is living an active and adventurous life based on his Facebook profile.

He has traveled to idyllic places and tropical paradises, and Christian is also highly active on social media. He frequently shares his thoughts and opinions on significant events and engages in online discussions.

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