Dick Van Dyke has had a long life – but all his 98 years were not without struggles.

The famous actor recently spoke openly about some of his personal struggles, including his time battling alcoholism.

During an appearance in an episode of The Hollywood Reporter‘S Awards Chatter In the podcast, released on Wednesday, June 26, Van Dyke was asked if he believed the great fame he achieved in the 1960s through the sitcom of the same name contributed to him becoming an alcoholic.

“I don’t remember that being the case, because I know artists who had to take a drink right after the show. But I never needed that,” said the Mary Poppins Stern remembered.

“I don’t know what triggered it,” he continued. “I think I was with the wrong people.”

Related: Dick Van Dyke, 98, and Carol Burnett, 91, embrace in sweet photos at red carpet ceremony

Although he has been dry for 50 years now, Buttons: A Christmas Story Actor can still refer to a particular role that he described as “one of the best (things)” he ever played in his career: 1974, The morning after.

In the TV film, in which he played Don Porter, Linda Lavin, Lynn Carlin and more – he played Charlie Lester, a successful public relations writer who develops a serious drinking problem. “The number of people who decided to stop drinking because the guy on the show can’t handle it,” he said of the role’s impact not only on him, but on the entire cast and others it reached.

However, it was peer pressure that got him to try substances. “So I have to be careful,” he admitted.

Next: Dick Van Dyke, 98, makes history at the 2024 Daytime Emmy Awards