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
Albert Sykes Albert Sykes E. Albert A. Sykes (29 September 1900 – 1994) was an English professional footballer who played in the Football League for Birmingham, Brighton & Hove Albion and Lincoln City. Sykes was born in Shirebrook, Derbyshire. A coal miner by trade, he played football for Maltby Victoria and Maltby Main Colliery Welfare before turning professional with First Division club Birmingham in August 1924. He played only once for Birmingham's first team, standing in for George Liddell in a 3–2 defeat away to Burnley on 2 February 1925, and joined Third Division South club Brighton & Hove Albion in May