Long before James Bond became synonymous with razor-sharp tuxedos, dry martinis, and steely British charm, one of Hollywood’s most beloved performers nearly stepped into the role — and walked away.
Dick Van Dyke has revealed that he was once offered the chance to play 007, a decision that could have rewritten cinema history. The legendary actor, now 99, says the offer came at a pivotal moment, just as Sean Connery was stepping away from the franchise. Fame, global recognition, and franchise immortality were all on the table. Yet Van Dyke chose a different path — guided not by fear, but by instinct.
Speaking with Al Roker during a special interview on Today on Nov. 18, Van Dyke confirmed the long-rumored story. When asked if he nearly became James Bond, he replied simply, “I almost did.”
According to Van Dyke, Bond producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli personally approached him about the role. “He came to me and said, ‘Would you like to be Bond?’” Van Dyke recalled with a laugh. His response was just as quick as it was honest: “Have you heard my British accent? Click!”
Beyond the accent, Van Dyke admitted he worried audiences wouldn’t accept him as the suave secret agent. At the time, he was best known for warm, family-friendly performances in projects like The Dick Van Dyke Show, Bye Bye Birdie, and Mary Poppins. Transitioning from lighthearted charm to lethal sophistication felt like too sharp a turn.
“I could have done it,” he said, “but I don’t think people would have accepted it from me.” Still, the actor acknowledged that the experience itself would have been unforgettable — and one he now mildly regrets passing up.
Instead, Bond history continued with Connery’s iconic legacy intact, while Van Dyke carved out a career defined by joy, movement, and heart. He went on to earn a Tony Award, star in television classics, and become a multigenerational symbol of optimism and creativity.
As he approaches his 100th birthday on Dec. 13, Van Dyke remains as reflective as he is active. He is currently promoting his new book, 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life, released Nov. 18, and insists he has no intention of slowing down.
“I don’t want to,” he said. “It’s my hobby. It’s my life. I love it. I’m looking for work right now.”
In a recent essay for The Times, Van Dyke also opened up about the realities of aging — the physical limits, the quieter social life — while emphasizing his determination to stay moving. He still goes to the gym three times a week, noting that stiffness creeps in if he stops.
“If I let that set in,” he wrote, “well, God help me.”
In the end, Dick Van Dyke may never have said “Bond, James Bond.” But his decision to follow his own truth shaped a legacy just as enduring — one built not on shaken martinis, but on laughter, kindness, and a life lived fully on his own terms.
