Dick Van Dyke is making headlines once more after revealing a stunning Hollywood “what if” that followers weren’t anticipating. Because the beloved legend of Mary Poppins and The Dick Van Dyke Present celebrates his one hundredth birthday, he opens up in regards to the iconic position he nearly performed many years in the past. James Bond. The 99-year-old star revealed he was as soon as approached about turning into 007, however an unexpected impediment – his famously unsteady British accent – prevented him from stepping right into a tuxedo. Van Dyke’s revelations arrive on the similar time he mirrored on how growing old has modified his life and profession, giving followers an replace on his psychological well being. From turning down cross-border work to adapting to new bodily limitations, the Hollywood icon opens up about what life is like as she approaches her first century.
Article continues beneath advert
Dick Van Dyke says he nearly turned James Bond
The 99-year-old leisure legend, who celebrates his one hundredth birthday subsequent month, revealed in a brand new interview with In the present day’s Al Roker that he was as soon as approached about turning into the subsequent James Bond. In line with Van Dyke, the chance got here straight from iconic producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, who labored with Van Dyke on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and, in fact, introduced the early 007 movies to life.
“Cubby Broccoli got here to me and mentioned, ‘Would you wish to be Bond?'” Van Dyke recollects. “So I mentioned, ‘Have you ever ever heard my British accent?’
Article continues beneath advert
His notorious ‘Mary Poppins’ accent gave James Bond a shot
Van Dyke famously struggled with the accent in Mary Poppins, however many years later, his portrayal stays Hollywood’s go-to punchline. He joked that he knew audiences would by no means purchase the way in which the world’s most refined spy spoke that means.
Nonetheless, the actor admits there’s part of him that wonders what precisely occurred. The position of Bond turned one in all Hollywood’s most coveted roles, with just a few actors entering into the tuxedo, together with Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.
Article continues beneath advert
Dick Van Dyke shares newest replace on psychological well being as he approaches his one hundredth birthday
Van Dyke’s stunning ‘Bond’ revelation comes on the heels of a really private replace on his well being as he celebrates his milestone birthday. In a candid overview for The Sunday Instances, the Hollywood icon spoke in regards to the bodily and psychological challenges of growing old and the way he is studying to stay in a world that feels more and more small.
“It is irritating to really feel just like the world is in decline, each bodily and socially,” he wrote, explaining that long-distance journey has develop into too taxing. He just lately turned down jobs in Chicago and New York just because his physique could not deal with the journey. Nowadays, most of his socializing takes place at house.
Article continues beneath advert
99-year-old man says he has develop into his personal character
Van Dyke has been taking part in spunky, comedic older characters for many years, and now he says he is inadvertently grown into the position. “Like my previous characters, I now have a hunched again, a limp, and a waddle. I’ve issues with my legs, so I lie on my again as usually as I can politely,” he mentioned.
Regardless of the constraints, Van Dyke stays targeted on pleasure, gratitude, and the individuals round him. His reminiscences remind us of the humor and coronary heart that sustained him by means of almost a century of life, and a unprecedented profession in Hollywood that included James Bond.
Article continues beneath advert
Dick Van Dyke jokes about turning 100 years previous
As Dick Van Dyke’s one hundredth birthday approaches, the legendary performer is marking the second with the identical humor and attraction that outlined his profession. Van Dyke and his spouse Arlene joined followers on the Vandy Excessive Tea occasion held at Vandy Manor in Malibu, California on October fifth for a day of music, tales, and performances benefiting the Van Dyke Basis for the Arts and the creating Dick Van Dyke Museum.
Whereas reflecting on the upcoming celebration, Van Dijk could not assist however crack a joke about his age. “That is proper. I do not formally flip 100 till December,” he mentioned. “Two months, two months,” he joked, “it will be bizarre if we did not make it.”
As Dick Van Dyke’s one hundredth birthday approaches, every new revelation reminds followers why he stays one in all Hollywood’s most beloved icons, whether or not he turned James Bond or not.
