Oliver! (film) in the United States, and Oliver Reed, who played Bill Sikes, had just begun to make a name for himself. Producer John Woolf suggested Oliver Reed for the role to the director Reed, without knowing that the two were in fact related. Ron Moody, who was also well known in Britain but not the US, recreated his London stage performance, after Peter Sellers, Dick Van Dyke and Peter O'Toole reportedly turned down the role. Elizabeth Taylor turned down the role of Nancy as well. Julie Andrews was also considered. Director Reed also had Shirley Bassey in mind, but his choice
Bill Oliver faced NCAA sanctions. In 1996, Oliver accepted a position as Auburn's defensive coordinator, which he held until 1998. After Terry Bowden resigned, Oliver served as interim head coach and was a candidate for the permanent position. After Auburn hired Tommy Tuberville, Oliver retired from coaching football. In May 2013, he was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Bill Oliver Bill "Brother" Oliver (born November 1, 1939) is a former American football player and coach. He served as a head football coach at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga from 1980 to 1983 and at Auburn University for the