Veteran Hollywood actor Dick Van Dyke, at the age of 99, has opened up about the pivotal choices of his legendary career, stating he has no remorse for rejecting a lead role in a classic horror film but harbours a couple of significant regrets about missed collaborations.
No Regrets Over Rejecting 'The Omen'
Speaking at a charity event called Vandy High Tea held at his Malibu home in early December 2025, the iconic entertainer reflected on his long journey in show business. The event was organised to support The Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and the upcoming Dick Van Dyke Museum.
One of the notable roles he passed on was the lead in the 1976 supernatural horror film 'The Omen', a part that eventually went to the esteemed Gregory Peck. Van Dyke revealed that the dark and sinister theme of the movie simply did not align with his personal taste or the cheerful image he was known for. "I could have done The Omen that Gregory Peck did," he said, clarifying that the project was not a fit for him.
The One That Got Away: Cary Grant
However, the nonagenarian star admitted that one decision continues to haunt him. He deeply regrets turning down an opportunity to share the screen with the suave and legendary actor Cary Grant. Van Dyke recalled their friendship and his admiration for Grant's style and persona.
"He was the best looking guy in the world, and I just liked the way he dressed and acted and everything... We got to be good friends. He asked me to do a movie with him, and I can't remember why I said no -- and doggone it!" Van Dyke expressed, highlighting this as a genuine career disappointment.
Agent Blamed for Sophia Loren Miss
Adding to his list of missed chances, Van Dyke shared a humorous yet frustrating anecdote about a potential project with Italian screen siren Sophia Loren. He squarely placed the blame on his former agent for this lost opportunity.
According to Van Dyke, his agent informed him that Loren's manager had reached out for a potential film collaboration. Before Van Dyke could even express his excitement, the agent revealed he had already declined the offer because Van Dyke would have had to take second billing. "I said, 'I don't care if they mention my name! I would've paid them!'" Van Dyke joked, stating he never forgave his agent for that decision.
Remembering Chita Rivera and a Career-Defining Song
During the heartfelt conversation, Van Dyke also paid a moving tribute to his late Broadway co-star, Chita Rivera. The duo starred together in the original 1960 production of 'Bye Bye Birdie', which Van Dyke credits as a major breakthrough.
He praised Rivera as "the best thing that ever stepped foot on a stage" and credited her generous spirit for a pivotal moment in his career. During out-of-town tryouts in Philadelphia, the writers brought a new song for Rivera. In a selfless act, she suggested they give it to Van Dyke instead, as he had little to do in the first act.
That song was 'Put On a Happy Face'. "It was 'Put On a Happy Face,' which started my career... She saved my life. That was my song, and it got me a series," Van Dyke recalled emotionally. The success of the musical directly led to his own television show, 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', which aired from 1961 to 1966 and cemented his status as a beloved American entertainer.
Through these reflections, Dick Van Dyke's stories paint a picture of a career built not just on talent and iconic roles, but also on personal integrity, cherished collaborations, and a few poignant 'what-ifs' that even legends contemplate.
