Dick Van Dykeone of the most beloved and emblematic actors of American entertainment, confirmed an open secret: he was very close to playing James Bondthe most famous secret agent in cinema.
At 99 years old, the legendary performer reviewed in interviews with Today how that approach occurred in the 60s and why he decided to reject one of the most coveted roles in Hollywood.
The confession is framed in the anecdotes that Van Dyke records in his new book 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Lifepublished this Tuesday, November 18.
In his conversation with Al Roker to Today (November 18), Van Dyke confirmed that producers of the Bond saga sought him out after the departure of Sean Connery, who left the role after becoming a global icon since his debut in Dr. No (1962).
“I was close,” the actor revealed when asked if he could really become 007. “Albert Broccoli (the producer) approached me and said: ‘Would you like to be Bond?’ And I said: ‘Have you heard my British accent?’ Click!” he said.
Although in those years Van Dyke had already demonstrated his ability to adapt—including his famous Cockney accent in Mary Poppins—, the performer then felt that the change to such a different character could be unacceptable to his audience.
His image at that time was associated with family and musical roles. “I thought the public would not have accepted that character of mine,” he explained in the interview.
“It would have been an extraordinary adventure,” he told the press.
However, there were also other similar decisions in his career. At the time, he rejected another project that today he considers one of his biggest mistakes: a film with the legendary Cary Grant.
As he recalled, Grant visited him in his Broadway dressing room during Bye Bye Birdie in the 60s and there he proposed to work together. The actor did not specify the reasons for his refusal, but he did make his regret clear. “I can’t believe I said no,” he emphasized.
On the other hand, on the verge of turning 100, Van Dyke keeps his artistic ambition alive. During the same interview, he revealed the role he hopes to play one day: Ebenezer Scroogethe iconic character of A Christmas Carol.
That role has been immortalized on screen by figures such as Jim Carrey, Christopher Plummer and Seymour Hicks. “I could still do it. It’s November. I still have time,” he joked in the interview.
Despite his advanced age, Van Dyke retains a strong commitment to acting and wishes to remain active despite physical limitations. “It’s my hobby, it’s my life. I love acting… I’m looking for a job right now,” he said.
Although there is physical evidence that the years pass, the actor has found his source of vitality in music and exercise. “I still try to go to the gym three times a week. If I miss too many days, I can feel it in my body. A stiffness appears in my joints here and there,” he shared in his book.
