Dick Van Dyke, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Washington
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According to a well-placed source, Dick Van Dyke is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the actor's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 10/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Van Dyke for Person of the Year?
The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 100-year-old actor, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Van Dyke so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the actor have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘West Plains Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in West Plains (Dick Van Dyke's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the actor was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“Dick Van Dyke Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 9 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Dick has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 9 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Dick Van Dyke?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 9 Jan 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Dick Van Dyke?
Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.
Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?
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