Not everyone may know this, but one of America’s most beloved entertainers — Dick Van Dyke — has a real Arizona connection right here in Carefree and Cave Creek. The iconic actor, comedian, singer, and dancer, who turned 100 on December 13, 2025, is best known for The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Diagnosis: Murder.
In the early 1970s, Van Dyke and his family lived on a ranch in Cave Creek while he returned to weekly television with The New Dick Van Dyke Show. Because he wanted to stay in Arizona rather than relocate back to Hollywood, CBS and local producers filmed the sitcom at Southwestern Studios — later called Carefree Studios — right here in Carefree. Stage 1 of that studio was used for the production from 1971–74.
That studio complex once spanned about 160 acres with multiple soundstages, backlots, and a western street before it was eventually razed and redeveloped.
Local lore also remembers Van Dyke around town — whether as a neighbor on his Cave Creek property or a regular at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, a beloved local spot.
It’s a fun piece of local history that connects our desert home to classic Hollywood — and a great reminder of the rich stories right here in our community.
Have a great afternoon,
Joy, Jen, Kim, Kathy, Coloradas, Maxfield, Dr Shriner and Dr Ring
PS: Our office opens Monday morning at 8am and we can get you in to help with your neck or back pain. Walk in or give us a call. 480-488-1282