Famous Actors Who Turned Down Roles That Became Massive Hits

Several actors have famously turned down roles in TV shows that later became massive hits, sometimes unknowingly paving the way for greater success for others. Here are a few notable examples that illustrate how the right role can significantly impact an actor's career.

Key Figures in TV History

Will Smith:

Will Smith was originally offered the role of Seinfeld, which became one of the most iconic sitcoms in television history. He declined the role, which eventually went to Jason Alexander. The show went on to become one of the most beloved and influential comedic series in television.

Enhanced Considerations:

John Lithgow:

John Lithgow turned down the role of Cheers, a role that later became the centerpiece of the successful spin-off Frasier. His decision allowed the show to find its footing with Kelsey Grammer, leading to him earning multiple awards and acclaim for his role as Dr. Frasier Crane.

More Notable Rejections:

Molly Ringwald:

Molly Ringwald was offered the role of Monica Geller in Friends, which ultimately went to Jennifer Aniston. Friends is now considered one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history, with its episodes continuing to be watched and cherished.

Famous Actors and Their Choices:

David Schwimmer:

David Schwimmer turned down the lead role in The Office (U.S.), which went to Steve Carell. However, without Schwimmer's interest, the show might not have been as culturally significant as it became. The Office U.S. is now considered one of the best sitcoms of its era.

Unique Instances of Rejection:

Hugh Laurie:

Hugh Laurie initially turned down the lead role of Dr. Gregory House in House. His decision could have led to a completely different direction for the show, but with its eventual acceptance, the role made Hugh Laurie a household name and led to tremendous success for the series.

More Instances of Rejection:

Matthew McConaughey:

Matthew McConaughey declined the role of Rustin Hedden in True Detective. The role eventually went to Woody Harrelson, and McConaughey himself was offered the role again some years later. Both performances were critically acclaimed, highlighting the unpredictable nature of success in the entertainment industry.

Interesting Sidebar:

A legend in the TV industry has it that Jerry Van Dyke, the brother of Dick Van Dyke and co-star of Coach, turned down the role of Gilligan in Gilligan's Island. Instead, he took on a role in a universally panned sitcom called My Mother the Car, about a guy who finds out that the ghost of his deceased mother inhabits an old car that he owns. It's a remarkable story, but given the notoriety of Gilligan's Island, Van Dyke's decision could have potentially given him a higher profile.

However, Gilligan's Island is still debated as to whether it was a huge success. Regardless, the show certainly would have given Van Dyke more notoriety and a higher profile, which he likely would have preferred.

Exploring Further:

Genevieve Bujold:

Genevieve Bujold, a renowned Canadian actress, was originally cast as Captain Kathryn Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager, but during the filming of the pilot episode, she quit due to conflicts with the director. This decision led to Roddenberry offering the role to Kate Mulgrew, who brought her own interpretation to the character, and the series became a worldwide phenomenon.

These instances highlight that actors deciding to take or turn down a role depends on their personal values and beliefs about the project. Success in the entertainment industry is unpredictable, and sometimes the roles left behind become iconic parts that benefit other talented performers.