HOLLYWOOD, CA – Beloved American icon Dick Van Dyke has revealed a startling near-miss in his legendary career: he was approached to play James Bond after Sean Connery stepped away from the role in 1971, but ultimately turned it down due to concerns over his public image—and his notorious British accent.
During a special interview with Al Roker on NBC’s Today show on Tuesday, the 99-year-old star of Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang confirmed the surprising near-casting.
“I almost did,” Van Dyke responded when asked if the rumor was true. “[Producer] Albert Broccoli came to me and said, ‘Would you like to be Bond?’ And I said, ‘Have you heard my British accent?’”
Van Dyke’s heavily criticized attempt at a cockney accent in Mary Poppins remains a famous—or infamous—piece of cinematic history.
Despite the self-deprecating joke, the actor stated his primary reason for declining the role was a fear of disappointing his dedicated fanbase. He felt the shift from his established family-friendly roles to the seductive, action-heavy world of 007 would be too drastic, and that fans might not have “accepted it” from him.
While he acknowledged that playing Bond would have been “a great experience,” the television and film veteran ultimately passed on the opportunity, which later went to Roger Moore.
A Century of Optimism: Van Dyke Nears 100
Elsewhere in the interview, the Dick Tracy star discussed his upcoming milestone birthday on December 13, and his unwavering commitment to his career.
Despite approaching his centennial, Van Dyke insists retirement is not an option.
“I don’t want to,” he stated while promoting his new book, 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life, which is set for release on November 18.