Imagine Dick Van Dyke, the beloved star of "Mary Poppins" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show," as… James Bond? It almost happened! But the story of why he turned down 007 is more surprising and poignant than you might think.
Recently, the Emmy-winning actor, Dick Van Dyke, now 99 years young, reflected on his incredible career during an interview on the "Today" show. "I'm speaking from an advantageous position," he told host Al Roker, "I got to do for a living what I would have done for nothing. If I had been sitting at a desk somewhere in a cubicle, I might not be so happy." A sentiment many can relate to!
While reminiscing about the iconic roles he landed, Van Dyke also revealed a fascinating "what if?" moment. He was actually approached to take on the legendary role of James Bond after Sean Connery's departure from the franchise! Connery, who sadly passed away in 2020, had defined the suave secret agent, bringing Ian Fleming's character to life in 1962's "Dr. No". So, the producers were looking for someone to fill some very big shoes.
"They said, 'Would you like to be Bond?' And I said, 'Have you heard my British accent?'" Van Dyke recalled with a chuckle. He was, understandably, skeptical that audiences would accept him in such a drastically different role. He was known for his song-and-dance routines, not for defusing bombs and seducing international spies.
After five films, Connery was indeed succeeded by George Lazenby in 1969's "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Looking back, Van Dyke acknowledged that playing Bond would have been "a great experience." But here's where it gets controversial... Could a comedic actor like Dick Van Dyke have pulled off the darker, more serious aspects of Bond that were just beginning to emerge at that time? It's a question that sparks debate even today!
But 007 wasn't the only role Van Dyke passed on that he now regrets. And this is the part most people miss... During that same "Today" show interview, he revealed that he also turned down an opportunity to star in a movie with Cary Grant!
Van Dyke explained that Grant, whom he had met during his Broadway run in "Bye Bye Birdie," proposed the idea while casually hanging out in Van Dyke's dressing room one day. Van Dyke didn't elaborate on his reasons for declining Grant's offer, but the regret is palpable.
"I regret that every day of my life," Van Dyke confessed. "I turned Cary Grant down. I don't believe it." Can you imagine the dynamic between those two comedic giants on screen? It's truly a missed opportunity for cinema history!
Even as he approaches his 100th birthday, Dick Van Dyke isn't slowing down. He still harbors a dream role: Ebenezer Scrooge!
"I always wanted to play Scrooge," Van Dyke said, referring to the iconic miser from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Scrooge, known for his cold heart and disdain for Christmas, has been portrayed by countless actors, including Seymour Hicks, Jim Carrey, Christopher Plummer, Kelsey Grammer, and Will Ferrell.
"I could do it," Van Dyke said, laughing. "It's just November. I've still got time." And who wouldn't love to see Dick Van Dyke's take on the classic Christmas curmudgeon?
So, what do you think? Did Dick Van Dyke make the right call in turning down James Bond and Cary Grant? And could he pull off a convincing Scrooge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! It's fascinating to consider how different Hollywood history could have been if he had said 'yes' to those iconic roles.
