Van Dyke had considerable problems with alcohol for many years
before finally coming out the other side, which were widely known and
reported, and he's been very open in talking about them.

And yes, definitely know that Rod's no longer with us, I was just
playing into the TZ sensibility for a moment. (While on TZ3 I did a
posthumous collaboration with Serling, taking his outline for "Our Selena
Is Dying" and turning it into a full episode of the show.)

jms