Dick Van Dyke says he's 'lazy' despite over 60-year career: 'I've been very lucky'

Dick Van Dyke shared the surprising secret to his robust career, which spans over 60 years.

In a clip for CBS' "Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic," the entertainer admitted he isn't much of a hustler when it comes to getting roles.

"I would do a movie or something and come home, and just sit down, wait for the phone to ring. I wasn't aggressive," he said. "So, I was out of work a lot because I didn't go out and look for it."

The gaps in work didn't bother Van Dyke, he added. "I didn't mind it. I'm pretty lazy. When I'm having fun, you know, all right. But I'm a lazy person," he said. "I don't have a lotta drive. I've been very lucky."

Van Dyke became a household name after the 1964 movie musical "Mary Poppins" alongside Julie Andrews and the 1968 musical "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" opposite Sally Ann Howes. His good fortune continued with acting credits on "The Carol Burnett Show," his comedy "The Van Dyke Show," "Diagnosis Murder" and more.

"It just happened!" he said of his career.

Van Dyke dealt with alcoholism in his younger years amid his waves of unemployment.

"If I’d known I was going to live this long, I would’ve taken better care of myself," he said. "I went through that whole period of alcoholism." These days, he added, he hits the gym frequently to stay healthy.

The 98-year-old has yet to formally retire with a recent stint on "The Masked Singer" in February, continued singing with the group The Vantastix and more.

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Having fun is also part of the reason Van Dyke has stayed employed. "My whole career has depended on (having fun). If I'm not enjoying myself, I'm really bad, I am," he said.

"It's such a blessing to find a way of making a living that you love, that you'd do for nothing. I feel so sorry for people who hate their job. I look forward to going to work every morning," Van Dyke added.

The CBS two-hour tribute schedule airs on Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. EST.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dick Van Dyke talks career success, laziness and past alcohol abuse