Dick Van Dyke is many things, including an actor, a dancer, and even an accomplished singer. However, he was almost able to add “secret agent” to his list of accomplishments.

According to an interview with Today, Van Dyke was offered the role of James Bond. Previously, Van Dyke had worked with producer Albert Broccoli on the hit musical film, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968). Later, Broccoli would go on to produce James Bond films like From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), and You Only Live Twice (1967). After Sean Connery retired from the role, Van Dyke was approached to see if he’d be interested in taking up the mantle of 007. The actor refused, though it was for an incredibly important reason.

"[Producer] Albert Broccoli came to me and said, ‘Would you like to be Bond?’” said Van Dyke. “And I said, ‘Have you heard my British accent?’ Click!" said Van Dyke.

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Van Dyke acknowledged that he regretted not taking Broccoli up on his offer. However, the refusal didn't slow his career down in the slightest. Not only did Van Dyke make his mark as the star of television shows like Diagnosis: Murder, but he also starred in popular films like Night at the Museum.

Van Dyke still looked back on his acting career with a great deal of pride. “I am speaking from an advantageous position,” said the actor. “I got to do for a living what I would have done for nothing.”