Radio host corrects live error after announcing Dick Van Dyke death instead of James Van Der Beek

iHeart Radio presenter apologises after mistakenly saying Dick Van Dyke had died during tribute

A radio presenter has apologised after mistakenly announcing the death of Dick Van Dyke during a live broadcast instead of referring to James Van Der Beek.

During Thursday’s edition of iHeart Radio’s Breakfast Show, host Ashley Roberts addressed the recent death of the Dawson’s Creek actor but misspoke on air.

“I do have some sad news: Dawson’s Creek's Dick Van Dyke has passed away,” she said, confusing the 48-year-old television actor with the Mary Poppins star.

Her co-host Jamie Theakston quickly intervened. “Not Dick Van Dyke,” he said, before adding: “Come on. If you're going to do a sensitive moment, if you're going to do an obituary, you can't just say Dick Van Dyke because...”

As Roberts reacted to the mistake, co-host Amanda Holden clarified for listeners: “He's alive.” Roberts then added, “Yes — he's 100 years old!” Theakston reiterated: “Unbelievably, he's very much still with us.”

Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday on December 13 and has remained active in recent years despite mobility issues and arthritis.

Roberts apologised shortly after the error. “I'm so sorry,” she told listeners, confirming she had intended to reference James Van Der Beek.

Van Der Beek died on February 11 following a diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, announced his death on Instagram, writing: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”

In recent years, Van Der Beek had worked with non-profits to raise awareness of colorectal cancer and appeared on several television programmes. He is also set to appear in the forthcoming Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle.