Dick Van Dyke reveals major career regrets with Hollywood icons

Dick Van Dyke reflected on his lasting career regrets that still linger with him during the Vandy High Tea charity event at his Malibu home.

Addressing guests who gathered to support The Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and the upcoming Dick Van Dyke Museum, the Diagnosis: Murder star shared that he once turned down a role in the 1976 horror classic The Omen.

“I could have done The Omen that Gregory Peck did,” Van Dyke said. “I didn't want to do that kind of movie. It just didn't fit my taste somehow.”

Van Dyke confessed that he still wishes he had taken the chance to work with the late Cary Grant. “One thing I regret: [declining a movie with] Cary Grant … He was the best looking guy in the world…”

He further added, “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!”

Moreover, the 100-to-be star bonded through the loss of a film with the 91-year-old Sophia Loren. Van Dyke recalled that his agent rejected the project without informing him.

“I'm still mad about that! … He said, ‘Well, you would've had to take second billing.’ I said, ‘I don't care if they mention my name! I would've paid them!’ … I never forgave him for that.

"He turned down a movie with Sophia Loren. Can you believe that? I didn't even get to meet her.”

Later, Van Dyke noted his performing with the late Chita Rivera in the original Bye Bye Birdie, calling her “the best thing that ever stepped foot on a stage.”

Van Dyke credited the songstress for changing his life as she insisted that he be given the number “Put On a Happy Face,” which he claimed had started his career, mentioning, “She saved my life.”