United Kingdom, April 21 -- Dick Van Dyke and his wife were warned their relationship "wouldn't work".

The 99-year-old actor met Arlene Silver, 53, in 2006 and they tied the knot in 2012, but the couple admitted other people felt their 46-year age gap was too big for them to stay together long-term.

Dick told People magazine: "We get along so well. Everybody said it wouldn't work."

Arlene added: "We just care about each other so much... I mean it's like eerie how well it works. People the same age don't last."

The 'Mary Poppins' actor admitted approaching Arlene was the first time he hadn't been "too scared" to talk to a "strange girl" and he's glad his instincts were right.

He said: "I never said hello to a strange girl in my life. ...