Dick Van Dyke Reveals Why He Doesn’t Regret Passing on The Omen

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Dick Van Dyke recently revealed why he turned down the main role in the movie The Omen, and shared which part he now regrets not accepting.

At a charity event benefiting the Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and the future Dick Van Dyke Museum, Dick Van Dyke shared that he was once offered the lead role in the 1976 horror film, The Omen. He ultimately decided against taking the part because it didn’t fit the kind of actor he was known to be at the time.

Gregory Peck ultimately played the part, and many fans think he perfectly captured the character of Robert Thorn. Despite the film becoming a huge success and launching one of the most famous horror series ever made, Dick Van Dyke, now 99, still doesn’t regret turning it down. He felt the role simply wasn’t a good fit for him. “I could have played the part Gregory Peck did,” Van Dyke said, “but I didn’t want to do that type of movie. It just didn’t appeal to me.”

Van Dyke confessed to having one regret about a role he passed up. He didn’t say which movie it was, but explained that his friend, Cary Grant, had asked him to star alongside him. He couldn’t recall why he’d turned it down, but still wishes he’d accepted the part.

I really regret turning down a movie with Cary Grant. He was incredibly handsome, and I admired his style and personality. We became good friends, and he asked me to star alongside him, but I honestly don’t remember why I declined – and I really wish I had said yes!

Van Dyke shared a story about a movie he didn’t get to be in because his agent rejected it without consulting him. He didn’t reveal the film’s title, but mentioned that Sophia Loren was cast in it. He still feels upset about his agent’s decision, as he would have been thrilled to work with Loren and wishes he’d at least had the opportunity to consider the role.

He was particularly upset by the trivial reason his agent gave for refusing the role: having to share the spotlight with Van Dyke. The actor insisted he didn’t mind being second billed at all, and would have even paid to work on a project alongside Loren.

I’m still really upset about this! My agent called and told me Sophia Loren’s team wanted me in a movie with her. I immediately asked when we could start, but he said he’d actually turned down the offer. I was shocked! He explained it was because I wouldn’t have been the main star – I’d have been second-billed. I told him I wouldn’t have cared about that at all, and even would have paid them to let me be in it! I’ve never forgiven him for turning down a movie with Sophia Loren. It’s unbelievable – I didn’t even get the chance to meet her.

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2025-12-07 05:00