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Double-oh almost!
Dick Van Dyke is breaking his silence on the one legendary role he now wishes he’d taken: James Bond.
In a new interview with Today’s Al Roker, per Daily Mail, the Hollywood icon, 99, admitted he was once approached by famed producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli about stepping into the role of 007.
“I almost played Bond,” Van Dyke revealed, explaining that Broccoli personally asked if he’d don the tux.
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The star had a valid reason for passing, however. “Have you heard my British accent?” he joked, a cheeky reference to the accent he famously struggled with in Mary Poppins.
Even so, Van Dyke admits there’s a bit of lingering regret, especially given how the Bond role went on to become one of Hollywood’s most coveted.
Since Sean Connery — who died in 2020 at age 90 — introduced the superspy in the franchise’s inaugural flick, 1962’s Dr. No, only a few select actors — including Roger Moore (who died in 2017 at 89), Pierce Brosnan, 72, and Daniel Craig, 57 — have carried the role.
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Nearing his 100th birthday, Van Dyke says retirement still isn’t on his radar, explaining, “I don’t want to retire… I’m looking for work right now.”
And there’s one dream role he still hopes to tackle: “Scrooge! It’s just November — I’ve still got time.”