Most people wouldn’t mind being mistaken for someone who almost played Willy Wonka. But for Dick Van Dyke, that’s one rumor he’s happy to clear up. These rumors have been swirling around for years, and finally, the actor has put the speculation to rest.
During a Q&A session at his recent “Vandy Camp” event in Malibu, he addressed a long-standing rumor about whether he was ever offered the role of Willy Wonka. “No,” he said with a smile. “I would like to have, but the guy did a beautiful job.” That “guy,” of course, was Gene Wilder, who brought Roald Dahl’s famous character to life in the 1971 film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Van Dyke added that Wilder’s version was more layered than what he could’ve done. “I am not very subtle,” he admitted.
DIck Van Dyke also missed out on a role alongside Sophia Loren
The event wasn’t just about Wonka. Van Dyke also shared how he missed a chance to star alongside Italian actress Sophia Loren. Sadly, his agent rejected it because he’d have had to take second billing. Unfortunately, the film never happened, and he has still never met Loren.
He also opened up about the early days of his career, recalling how he landed a role in the musical Bye Bye Birdie without knowing how to dance. However, Gower Champion taught him how to dance. That moment launched a lifelong love for dance and a Tony Award in 1961.
Van Dyke is still dancing even at 99
His joy for performing was evident in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and even recent performances with his a cappella group, the Vantastix.
And as he approaches 100, he’s still not slowing down. He continues to sing and dance, often appearing with his vocal group. At the Vandy Camp event, Van Dyke performed live and joked about being just one award away from an EGOT; sadly, he’s still missing the Oscar.