Overview
- Van Dyke said producer Albert Broccoli approached him about succeeding Sean Connery after Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
- He recalled declining because of his much-criticized Mary Poppins accent and concern that audiences would not accept the shift from his family-friendly roles.
- He reflected that the part would have been a great experience and also lamented passing on a chance to make a movie with Cary Grant.
- He is promoting a new book, 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life, released Nov. 18.
- A documentary about his life is scheduled to open in theaters on the weekend of his 100th birthday on Dec. 13, and he says he is still looking for work, including a turn as Ebenezer Scrooge.