Dick Van Dyke, 99, breaks silence on the legendary role he now regrets turning down

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Dick Van Dyke almost became James Bond, but he didn’t get the part because his attempt at a British accent was terrible, according to him.

The beloved 99-year-old, turning 100 next month, recently shared in an interview with Al Roker that he was once offered the role of James Bond years ago.

Dick Van Dyke revealed he was nearly cast as James Bond. He explained that legendary producer Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, who also worked on ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ and the first Bond movies, had considered him for the role.

He remembered Cubby Broccoli asking him if he wanted to play Bond. He replied with a joke, questioning if anyone had noticed his British accent.

Dick Van Dyke was well-known for having trouble with the Cockney accent in Mary Poppins. He even quipped that he realized everyone would know he couldn’t convincingly play a spy with his distinctive voice.

Still, he admits there’s a tinge of regret that he didn’t take the leap.

The role, of course, grew into one of the most coveted in Hollywood. 

Since Sean Connery first played the sophisticated James Bond in Dr. No in 1962, just six other actors have taken on the role: David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.

Becoming James Bond launched Sean Connery to global fame and made him a lasting icon, but it also meant he was often seen only as Bond. This led to some disagreements with the Bond films later on, as he tried to take on different kinds of roles.

James Bond is still a well-known figure in popular culture: he’s typically portrayed as tall, fit, and always a threat, enjoying classic indulgences like martinis, gambling, and romance.

Oh my gosh, watching him is just… unreal! He’s not just good at action, he’s amazing. Seriously, the way he handles a gun? Flawless. And the fighting? Breathtaking! But it’s not just that – he can literally do anything. One minute he’s escaping bad guys while skiing down a mountain, the next he’s swimming away from an explosion, and then he’s casually golfing! It’s like he was born to be an action hero, and honestly, I can’t look away.

For actor Dick Van Dyke, seeing a version of himself in another world – dressed in a tuxedo and ordering a ‘shaken, not stirred’ martini – is just a fun moment looking back on all the memorable characters he’s played throughout his long career.

And despite nearing triple digits, he says he has no plans to slow down.

He told Al Roker that he has no plans to retire. He considers his work a passion and a way of life, and he’s currently seeking new opportunities.

There’s even one dream role he’s still hoping to tackle.

‘Scrooge!’ he said with a grin. ‘And I could do it. It’s just November, I’ve still got time.’

Dick Van Dyke is famous for his work in films like Bye Bye Birdie and Night at the Museum, as well as his role in the television series Diagnosis: Murder and the movie Dick Tracy.

Throughout his career, he’s received numerous accolades, including six Emmy Awards, a Grammy, and a Tony Award. He’s also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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2025-11-19 20:33