Overview
- Speaking at Vandy High Tea at his Malibu home, Van Dyke supported The Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and the forthcoming Dick Van Dyke Museum.
- He said the lead in 1976’s The Omen was offered to him but he declined because the dark material did not suit his taste, a role later played by Gregory Peck.
- He shared that he regrets turning down a proposed movie with Cary Grant, recalling that he cannot remember why he said no.
- He recounted that his agent rejected an offer for a film with Sophia Loren, a decision he says he never forgave and still laments.
- He credited Chita Rivera for steering the song 'Put On a Happy Face' to him during Bye Bye Birdie’s tryout, which he said launched his career as he nears his 100th birthday on Dec. 13.