Double OH DEAR! Burt Reynolds reveals he turned down the chance to play James Bond and Star Wars' icon Hans Solo

By MailOnline Reporter

Published: 13:05 EST, 17 November 2015 | Updated: 16:47 EST, 17 November 2015

He is known for films such as Deliverance - not to mention his distinctive facial hair.

But veteran actor Burt Reynolds has revealed he once declined the opportunity to play both James Bond and Star Wars' Hans Solo in the classic movies.

The 79 year-old claims he was offered the roles during his 1970s hey-day, while still considered one of the biggest names in Hollywood.

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No regrets: Burt Reynolds has revealed he once declined the opportunity to play both James Bond and Star Wars' Hans Solo in the classic movies

No regrets: Burt Reynolds has revealed he once declined the opportunity to play both James Bond and Star Wars' Hans Solo in the classic movies

Speaking in a US interview with Good Morning America's Lara Spencer to promote his new book, Enough About Me, he says he was offered the chance to play Bond in 1970 before Roger Moore took the role. 

Then, in 1976, he was offered the part of Hans Solo in Star Wars with the part eventually going to Harrison Ford.

Reflecting on his decision, the actor said he was foolish to reject the Bond role. 'I said, "An American can't play James Bond. It has to be an Englishman. Bond, James Bond." You know, I can't do it.'

On turning down Star Wars, he added: 'Yeah, I was busy. But, no, I wasn't so busy I couldn't have done it.' 

Back in the day: The 79 year-old claims he was offered the roles during his 1970s hey-day, while still considered one of the biggest names in Hollywood

Back in the day: The 79 year-old claims he was offered the roles during his 1970s hey-day, while still considered one of the biggest names in Hollywood

Unfortunately, Burt's decision not to star in the multi-million pound projects were based on location and female lead, rather than quality of the script or box office potential. 

In 2012, the value of the Star Wars franchise was estimated at £19.51 billion.

Meanwhile, Roger Moore's tenure at 007 is still fondly remembered as one of the more playful incarnations - suggesting Reynolds could indeed have impressed fans.    

Success: Bond remains one of Hollywood's most famous film franchises - and now stars Daniel Craig  

Success: Bond remains one of Hollywood's most famous film franchises - and now stars Daniel Craig  

He missed out: In 2012, the value of the Star Wars franchise was estimated at £19.51 billion

He missed out: In 2012, the value of the Star Wars franchise was estimated at £19.51 billion

Burt, who suffered huge financial damage when he divorced ex-wife Lonnie Anderson, also said that actress Sally Field was his soul-mate.  

'She was the love of my life. I mean, I really to this day, think she is the most special woman I've ever dated,' he said.

He acknowledged that he blew it with the actress. 'I listened to a bunch of people that had no right to be talking,' he said. 

New book: Burt, who suffered huge financial damage when he divorced ex-wife Lonnie Anderson, also said that actress Sally Field was his soul-mate - and tells all in his new book, Enough About Me

New book: Burt, who suffered huge financial damage when he divorced ex-wife Lonnie Anderson, also said that actress Sally Field was his soul-mate - and tells all in his new book, Enough About Me

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