Brit Van Dyke

Dick Van Dyke has revealed why he turned down the role of James Bond.

He said Albert Broccoli asked him to take the mantle from Sean Connery after the success of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 

"Have you heard my British accent?" Dick joked.

 He was referring to the criticism he received for his cockney accent in 1964's Mary Poppins.

After Dick declined the role of James Bond, the part went to another non-Brit, George Lazenby, for 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

Reflecting on what could've been, Van Dyke said that it would "have been a great experience".

Van Dyke is celebrating a 75-year career in acting as he approaches his 100th birthday. He also reflected on another role he passed on, one he later regretted.

He recalled subbing Cary Grant after they met on Broadway: 

"I regret that every day of my life. I turned Cary Grant down. I don't believe it. Everybody's gone. All those guys, all those comedians, all my old friends — gone. I've outlived everybody and have lived to see some things".

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