In 1962, Walt Disney offered Dick the role of Bert the Chimney Sweep for his upcoming musical, the now classic Mary Poppins, starring Julie Andrews as the practically perfect nanny.  The film showcased the actor’s versatility, Dick entertaining passersby with his one-man band and sidewalk chalk drawings, floating on the ceiling, cavorting with cartoon penguins, and dancing across the rooftops of London.  

He had the distinct pleasure of introducing several songs in the movie, including:

“Jolly Holiday”

“Step in Time”

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”

“Chim Chim Cher-ee”

Under the pseudonym NAVCKID KEYD, he also took on a second role, that of the elderly banker, Mr. Dawes Senior.  

Despite his controversial “world famous” Cockney accent, Dick was praised by the critics for his fine dancing, singing, and “wholesome exuberance.”

Fans of the movie would agree with former Chairman Roy E. Disney who once said, "Every time I see Mary Poppins, I'm amazed at how Dick's brilliant performance effortlessly ties this film together. After all, it is Dick who first welcomes us to Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane. It is his chalk pavement picture that provides entry into one of the great fantasy sequences of all time. And, it is Dick who bids Mary Poppins goodbye at the end of the movie."

On January 22, 2010, Dick joined the North American touring company of Mary Poppins in Los Angeles for one night only, recreating his Mr. Dawes Senior role for the enthusiastic crowd.

Mary Poppins

Although not paid for his appearance, Dick actually used the evening to raise awareness of and funds for LA’s Midnight Mission.