They definitely regret missing out on these smash hits. Role: Jake Sully; Harvey Dent Interestingly, Daniels appeared on "The Jon Stewart Show" in 2010, and said Mirren called him three days before shooting to say"I can't do it; I have a real job, a paying job" and claimedshe could do Carey's role "in her sleep." Keanu's father was born in Hawaii, of British, Wesley Trent Snipes was born in Orlando, Florida, to Marian (Long), a teacher's assistant, and SMSGT Wesley Rudolph Snipes, an aircraft engineer. Wednesday Quiz: Did Wednesday Addams Say It? Turned down Gandalf in Lord of the Rings and Morpheus in The Matrix because he did not understand their roles. 8. Movie: "Clueless". You won't believe which stars turned down roles in your favorite classic TV shows! Who: Bette Midler Turned down David Mills in Se7en due his filming of Crimson Tide and Devil in a Blue Dress. They definitely regret missing out on these smash hits. Lucky they did, because the part has undoubtedly cementedBryan Cranston's place in television history. However, she hasnt really done much since The O.C. But Gildas part was taken from her at the last minute and given to Cindy Williams, supposedly because Cindy was more classically attractive and was expected to have broader audience appeal. But you probably didn't know that he almost played womanizing bar owner Sam Malone on Cheers!Ed turned down the part of Sam on the classic series because he wanted to focus on dramatic roles. The role made Sarah a household name. I refused to read the script for fear I might really like it, Fonda said. In April 2007, Newsweek called him "the most powerful actor in Hollywood". Surprisingly, she had the opportunity to star on yet another major sitcom. Russell Peters was born on September 29, 1970 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Role: Mrs. Weiss This Australian actressbest known for her role in "Sucker Punch" reportedly flat-out refused to even audition for the role of Bella in the mega-successful "Twilight" franchise. Who: Sandra Bernhard Show: "Sex and the City". Role: Edward Scissorhands It made more than $450 million at the box office and further made two sequels. Movie: "Jerry Maguire", Cameron Crowethe directorof the1996 sports flickhas reportedly said he wrote the movie withHanks in mind for the lead role. Vince turned down the role in order to focus on his film career, and went on to star in box office smashes like Swingers, Old School, and Wedding Crashers. Role: Vivian Ward The multi-talented actor reportedlypassed on the role of singing lawyer Billy Flynn in the movie-musical "Chicago" (which scoredRichardGere anOscarnom), stating he felthe was too young at the time. She says, ''Film is forever. Express. 'She didn't turn it down. Katie Holmes was still a teenager at the time of casting and decided to focus on her school work instead of acting, and the role went to Sarah Michelle Gellar. Ally McBeal is a cult classic comedy-drama about the eponymous character . Who: Sarah Michelle Gellar Apparently, it was kept quiet thatHedlund signed on to play the debonair S&M lover in the buzzy big-screen adaptation of the erotic novel, but dropped out for lack of a connection with the character. Most people cant imagine Ally McBeal, the lead character from the sitcom of the same name, being played by anyone but Calista Flockhart. A role on the right TV show can transform an actor from a nobody to a household name. Turned down Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark due to his T.V. Luckily, she made a full recovery. Jennifer Garner, who catapulted into stardom with her lead role on the television series Alias (2001), has come a long way from her birthplace of Houston, Texas. According to Splitsider,Carrey lacked experience as a dramatic actor during this period, so histurn as Scissorhands would have likely been more comedic than Depp's and could have jeopardized the project. In a sad story, Costner passed so he could focus on his passionproject"Waterworld," which became one of the biggest flops in movie history. David Letterman's longtime bandleader and banter buddy Shaffer admits in his2009 memoirWell Be Here the Rest of Our Livesthat he was offered the role of George by Jerry Seinfeld himself, who didn't even want him to audition. Obviously, we know Harrison Ford assumed the iconic role. Courteney Cox was originally offered the role of Rachel Green on Friends, however she turned down the role because she felt that she "related more to Monica." The decision ended up working out . Ed ONeill is best known for playing grumpy patriarch Al Bundy on the popular sitcom Marriedwith Children, and for his current role on Modern Family. Who: Ray Liotta He pushed hard and got his way. Who: Rooney Mara Role: Sidney Prescott In a rare interview this year, the accomplished actor also revealedhe'dpassed onthe lead in "Die Hard,"paving the way for Bruce Willis. John explained in a recent interview that, "I turned it down because at that point in my life episodic television was beneath my dignity.". Turned down Snoopy and Woodstock in The Peanuts Movie. Role: Danny Zuko Foster declined the lead role of frazzled teenage babysitter in one of the 1980s most-loved movies, as didValerie Bertinelli, Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, andJustine Bateman. To everyone's shock, Carey wasriveting in the unglamorous role and won major critical praise. However, few people know that this funny lady was almost cast as Phoebe on Friends! Movie: "Adventures in Babysitting". Movie: "Edward Scissorhands". His biggest success since turning down the part has been voicing the Beast in the Disney animated movie Beauty and the Beast. Bill Murray is an American actor, comedian, and writer. Ed O'Neill is best known for playing grumpy patriarch Al Bundy on the popular sitcom Marriedwith Children, and for his current role on Modern Family.. Ed O'Neill - Cheers. Who: Jim Carrey Movie: Pretty Woman, Like Molly Ringwald, Daryl Hannah also passed on the star-making role in "Pretty Woman. Movie: "Charlie's Angels". The talented Brit was offered the role of Black Widow in "Iron Man 2" (which was assumed byScarlett Johansson)but passed due to ascheduling conflict with "Gulliver's Travels," which totally tanked at the box office. However, network executives found Pamela to be too unbelievable in the role of supernatural investigator, so Gillian Anderson was given the starring role. He dropped the part and was replaced by John Forsythe. They definitely regret missing out on these smash hits. At the time, Hanks was directing "That Thing You Do," so had to pass, but he later approved Tom Cruise as his replacement. The part went to a different Ashley Ashley Benson, who, at that time, was a relatively unknown actress. Turned down Dr. Liz Wilson in Garfield: The Movie. Who:DanaDelaney His father was of Italian descent and his mother was of Irish ancestry. Role: Lady CoraCrawley Movie: "Schindler'sList". When he was in his late teens, Robby impressed the producers of the show Happy Days, and they offered him the role of Richie, which he turned down. I would have absolutely messed up 'The Matrix'. ADVERTISEMENT. The part eventually went to Patrick Swayze, who was excellent. Apart from Nicholson,Warren Beatty, Robert Redford, Ryan O'Neal, and Dustin Hoffman were offered the role, but they eachdeclined. Dennis had appeared in Western TV shows like Gunsmoke, The Gallant Hour, and Duel. But, shockingly, the role that made Matt famous originally was offered to movie star Vince Vaughn! But, like Katie Holmes earlier on this list, she was also offered and turned down the role of Buffy on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Movie: "Michael Clayton". The part of Renwent to Kevin Bacon, but only after Rob Lowe also had to pass because of an injury. It may come as a shock to fans, but The X Files creator Chris Carter had Pamela specifically in mind when writing the character of Agent Scully. . Robin Williams break-out role came when he played the lovable alien Mork in Mork and Mindy. SpaceXs entire existence is on the controversial side. 3. Eric Stoltz is a multi-talented Hollywood power player. Anne also won that year (though not quite as big), bagging a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for "Les Miserables. Jane Krakowski - F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Turned down Joker in Batman (1989). The Parks & Rec actor initially discussed how he turned down the major TV role in his . Who: Mel Gibson Willard Carroll "Will" Smith II (born September 25, 1968) is an American actor, comedian, producer, rapper, and songwriter. 10/15 Olivia Wilde Passed On Playing Gamora Because She Was Tired Of Non-Human Roles. Matt Damon. Who: Lindsay Lohan Ed O'Neill is best known for playing grumpy patriarch Al Bundy on the popular [] With his pointed ears, angular eyebrows, and flat affect, Spock from Star Trek is an unforgettable character beloved by fans around the world. Here's a list of actors that wish they hadn't passed on these classic TV show roles. Matthew Broderick - Walter White (Breaking Bad) Whatever made AMC consider Matthew Broderick for the role of the complex Walter . Role: Andy Dufresne "Valentine's Day," however, was a flop. I just felt disrespected.. But you probably didn't know that he almost played womanizing bar owner Sam Malone on Cheers!Ed turned down the part of Sam on the classic series because he wanted to focus on dramatic roles. Role: Christian Gray Beloved for his roles in the hits Beetlejuice, Pearl Harbor, and The Aviator. Who: Gillian Anderson 10 Actors Who Turned Down Iconic TV Roles For Stupid Reasons. Oops! Matthew Paige Damon was born on October 8, 1970, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Kent Damon, a stockbroker, realtor and tax preparer, and Nancy Carlsson-Paige, an early childhood education professor at Lesley University. 7. Bassett reportedly turned down the role that ultimately led to Halle Berry being the first African-American woman to naba Best Actress Oscar, becausedespite not working much at the timefound the part demeaning. "[I would have had] to play third or fourth fiddle to [Parker] and put up with her s--t."It would have been hideous to work with her." Mischa Barton was coming hot off the heels of the smash hit teen drama The O.C., where she played spoiled teenager Marissa Cooper. Executive producer and creator Leonard Freeman knew exactly who he wanted to play McGarrett Richard Boone, a veteran actor who made appearances in the popular films Halls of Montezuma and Dragnet. However, the role was originally offered to actress Bridget Fonda. Jim Carrey, Canadian-born and a U.S. citizen since 2004, is an actor and producer famous for his rubbery body movements and flexible facial expressions. Producer David Jacobs explained that Robert didnt want the part because he felt the character needed to be more sympathetic. The iconic role was taken by Larry Hagman, who rose to fame as the show grew in popularity. But with Sheens notorious antics, its likely Jon regretted not taking the part on Friends! ", Who:Michelle Pfeiffer It really was an age thing.". The role of Tuohy went to Sandra Bullock anddespite her distractingly heavy-handed Southern accentwon her an Oscar. Neil Patrick Harris was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on June 15, 1973. Turned down Hale Caesar in The Expendables. Movie: "Footloose". The fifth of nine children, he was born William James Murray in Wilmette, Illinois, to Lucille (Collins), a mailroom clerk, and Edward Joseph Murray II, who sold lumber. Role: Michael Scott It's not terribly hard to picture a young Cruise starring in the 1984 hit, and apparently producers wanted him big-time (they'd obviously seen his underwear dance sequence in "Risky Business.") Ringwaldcoming off the success of iconic '80s flicks like "The Breakfast Club" and "Pretty in Pink"was offered a major rolethat made JuliaRoberts a star in "Pretty Woman." Before the diagnosis, she had even filmed the pilot for the show. He grew up on the streets of the South Bronx in New York City, where he very early decided that dance and the theatre were to be his career. John explained in a recent interview that, "I turned it down because at that point in my life episodic television was beneath my dignity.". Why would a movie star downgrade to TV? That said, wecompileda list of celebrities who did just that turned down star-making famous parts in classic movies and acclaimed TV shows. I wasn't going to be a prostitute on film,'' she told Newsweek (the part isn't actually a prostitute, but rather awaitress who has an affair with her convict husband's executioner.) The actor Dennis Weaver was a well-established rugged cowboy type when the show Happy Days was cast. Keanu was far from an A-lister at the time and needed back surgery. Michael was already a well-known stand-up comedian at the time of casting, who relied heavily on physical humor. September 10, 2020 by Amanda Prahl. This comment obviously stirred up some controversy and caused doubts about his range as an actor, but he's since said he has no regrets about passing up the part (the roles eventually went toHeath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. John Lithgow - Cheers. Widely regarded as the one of greatest stage and screen actors both in his native USA and internationally, James Earl Jones was born on January 17, 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi. Famous roles actors turned down. Jackman also was approached to play iconic character James Bond, but didn't want tobe stereotyped as an action star after already earning fame as Wolverine in the firstX-Menmovie. . Role: Michael Corleone I dont think anybody would look at that now and say, That movie was not perfect., Who: Leonardo Dicaprio In what turned out to be something of crossroads moment for the soon-to-be Big Bang Theory superstar, Johnny Galecki found himself being offered the chance to step into the role of none other than Sheldon Cooper early into production on the then-incoming series many moons ago. The "X Files" star has quite a bit of experience acting in periodpieces, and told TV Guide Magazine shewas initially offered the role of Lady Cora Crawley (now played by Elizabeth McGovern)on the British series that's become a major phenom stateside. Turned down Jon Arbuckle in Garfield: The Movie. Movie: "Indiana Jones". He is an actor and producer, known for Source Code (2011), New Year's Eve (2011) and Chef (2014). Ive never wanted to do TV. The lead role of Carrie Bradshaw was played by Sarah Jessica Parker, but actress Dana Delany was originally offered the part and turned it down. Whitney Houston was thiscloseto playing the eldest Huxtable daughter on the hit 1980s sitcom. Thankfully he did and the rest was Big Bang history. Washington passed on thelead in 2007's "Clayton," but has since admitted it was a mistake. A lot of actors turned down the role of Neo. Back in the day, when Mickey Rourke was known for his acting and not tabloid drama, he was offered the lead role of undercover detective Sonny Crockett on Miami Vice. Taylor turned it down to focus on music, and Hollywood royalty Emma Roberts (Julia Roberts niece) stepped in to take her place. Turned down Han Solo in Star Wars. John explained in a recent interview that, "I turned it down because at that point in my life episodic television was beneath my dignity.". 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Moore / PR Photos/Anthony G. Moore / PR Photos, Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Summit Entertai, Didier Baverel/Getty Images for Tag Heuer, Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Marc Jacobs, The 45 Most NAKEDCeleb Instagrams of All Time, 45 Celebrities You Never Knew Were Related, director Jay Sandrich told The Daily Mail. Well, Costner is still one of the actors who regretted turning down the role. She decided to take roles exploring the messy, unhappy lives of young women instead. Tv; Actors Who Turned Down Big Roles These 25 Actors Passed on the Role of a Lifetime, but Most of Them Didn't Regret It. It eventuallywent to Lucy Liu, but not before being offered to Jada Pinkett Smithand Thandie Newton, both of whom hadscheduling conflicts. Not being there for you turned out to be a good call for Jon Favreau after all Never underestimate the power of "no", folks. 6. According to his autobiography, he was caught off guard and ended up doing a Danish accent. The wacky actor did well in the audition and was initially offered the part. Its understandable why Mischa would turn down the lead role in Gossip Girl, as the character she would have played was so similar and she worried about being typecast. They definitely regret missing out on these smash hits. Michael Ironside has made a strong and indelible impression with his often incredibly intense and explosive portrayals of fearsome villains throughout the years. Lifts rubber and metal. John explained in a recent interview that, I turned it down because at that point in my life episodic television was beneath my dignity. Little did he know that the character of Frasier would soon get his own spin-off show and become one of the longest running TV shows of all time. Nervous-looking lead and supporting actor of the American stage and films, with sandy colored hair, pale complexion and a somewhat nervous disposition. 1. Who: Paul Giamatti It was clearly the right choice, as shes a household name today with an estimated net worth of $360 billion and many successful projects. Movie: "Casino Royale," "Chicago". 2022 SheMedia, LLC. ), Who: Reese Witherspoon Actor | However, his first love was TV acting and he was well known in the industry that the producers of the gritty cop drama The Shield wanted to cast him as Vic. and Blake Lively, who ended up taking the part, has been transformed into a household name and movie star. Set in the upper middle class Ohio suburbs, featuring a son whose greatest ambition was to be a millionaire (and was a member of the Young Republicans club), the patriarch of the family was played by veteran actor Michael Gross. As noted in the introduction, it really is impossible to think of other . Jon Cryer - Chandler Bing (Friends) Jordan Strauss/AP. Adam Patrick Devine is an American actor, comedian, singer, screenwriter, and producer. Bill Murray is an American actor, comedian, and writer. Role: Michael Clayton In what turned out to be something of crossroads moment for the soon-to-be Big Bang Theory superstar, Johnny . Family Ties, the classic 80s sitcom, was an essential part of the 1980s. Its the way the movies operated. 10 Actors Who Turned Down Iconic TV Roles For Stupid Reasons. However, after the show blew up, Ashley Benson has blossomed into an in-demand actress, while unfortunately Ashely Tisdale has pretty much faded from Hollywood. John Christian Wedge was born on March 20, 1957 in Binghamton, New York. Who: Thomas Jane Turned down Jerry Maguire. Sadly, that image hasn't won him any prizes or accolades as a serious actor, and Kevin Spacey ended up taking home the Oscar for his role of angry suburban father and husbandin "Beauty. View On One Page . You wont believe which stars turned down roles in your favorite classic TV shows! "It just doesn't feel very human. "I think you look at it now and it couldnt have been anybody other than Tom Cruise, Hanks told "Access Hollywood." Show: "The X Files", In an odd casting choice, the show's producers reportedly had their eye on the busty blonde for the role of FBI Special AgentScully, which eventually made Gillian Anderson a householdname. Role: Indiana Jones A matter of choices, you know, also because it is not always possible to predict the . Maura Tierneys reasons for turning down a leading role on the show Parenthood are a bit different than the other actors on this list -she was diagnosed with cancer and had to begin intensive treatment immediately. Role: Neo He is the middle of three children of a beautician mother, Lennis, from Georgia, and a Pentecostal minister father, Denzel Washington, Sr., from Virginia. Role: Walter White He is of Irish descent. A role on the right TV show can transform an actor from a nobody to a household name. Although Miami Vice was a smash hit for 5 seasons, its clear Denzels career didnt suffer from not taking the role. Turned down Captain Underpants in Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie. Denzel Hayes Washington, Jr. was born on December 28, 1954 in Mount Vernon, New York. Her agent got the script along with a personal invitation to the role, without an audition, from the shows executive producer. Thomas William Selleck is an American actor and film producer, best known for his starring role as Hawaii-based private investigator "Thomas Magnum" on the 1980s television series, Magnum, P.I. He has starred in the Hollywood blockbusters Malcolm X, Remember The Titans, and American Gangster. Wednesday Quiz: You'll Never Be Able To Name 100% Of These Characters, 10 TV Shows That Killed Off Their Biggest Stars, Friends Quiz: Match The Joey Scene To The Season. It appeared to work as he has since starred Actor | Role: Forrest Gump ActorThomas Jane passed on the role for a number of reasons thatlet's face itmade sense at the time, such as the fact that AMC was anetwork known for reruns of old movies, not robust television series, and the fact that it was a cerebral show, which Jane didn't think would attract viewers. Possibly not. ", Who: Cher Actress Leah Remini is best known for her time on The King of Queens, starring opposite Kevin James as his wife Carrie Hefferman. Hey, its a classic expression for a reason: Money talks. And veteran actor Craig T. Nelson embodied this saying when he turned down the role of Jay on Modern Family due to a lousy excuse for a paycheck. Many actors, throughout their career, have refused roles that then became very famous and loved by the public. But actress Olivia Wilde was originally considered for the part. But the truth is, Jamie Foxx has surpassed him as an actor at this point. 13. Yes, the part of the world's most politically incorrect boss almost went to Paul Giamatti, who was hot off the success of wine-themed buddy flick "Sideways" and reportedly was the first choice for Michael Scott. John Joseph Travolta was born in Englewood, New Jersey, one of six children of Helen Travolta (ne Helen Cecilia Burke) and Salvatore/Samuel J. Travolta. He played the role of Bumper in the musical films Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect Diego Luna Alexander was born on December 29, 1979 in Mexico City, Mexico, to Alejandro Luna and Fiona Alexander, who worked as a costume designer. Interestingly, Bullock actually was cast in the role, but decided to pull out after several delays. Among his siblings are actors Kevin P. Farley and John Farley. Lindsay Lohan. 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