Hollywood icon Dick Van Dyke has opened up about the two major career opportunities he passed up, as he prepares to celebrate his landmark 100th birthday in December.
The Roles That Got Away
In a candid interview with the Today show's Al Roker, the veteran actor reflected on his 75-year career. He identified just two regrets from his decades in the entertainment industry.
His most surprising revelation was that he was once offered the role of James Bond after Sean Connery departed the franchise. Van Dyke recounted his humorous response to the producers, telling them, 'Have you heard my British accent?' He felt his now-infamous Cockney performance in Mary Poppins made him an unsuitable candidate for the suave secret agent.
Despite his initial refusal, Van Dyke admitted he now wishes he had taken the part, believing it 'would have been a great experience.' He did, however, express doubt that audiences would have accepted him in such a serious role, given his established reputation in family-friendly films.
A Lasting Personal Regret
The second major regret for the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star was never sharing the screen with the legendary Cary Grant. Van Dyke confessed, 'I regret that every day of my life. I turned Cary Grant down. I don't believe it.' Grant passed away in 1986, closing the door on that possibility forever.
Despite these missed chances, Van Dyke's passion for acting remains undimmed. He confirmed he has no plans to retire and is actively 'looking for work right now.' He revealed one iconic role he still hopes to play: Ebenezer Scrooge. With a characteristic laugh, he noted, 'I could do it. It's just November. I've still got time.'
Life at Nearly 100
Van Dyke will celebrate his centenary on 13th December, with a documentary about his life set for release over his birthday weekend.
In recent writings, the actor has been open about the challenges of aging, having outlived all of his closest friends. He described the experience as profoundly lonely.
He credits his wife, 54-year-old Arlene Silver, whom he married in 2012, for his vitality. Van Dyke wrote that their romance is the primary reason he has not 'withered away into a hermetic grouch,' adding that she makes him feel significantly younger than his years.
