TV Roles That Were Considered to Others - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Frosty81 · 04-07-2012, 06:41 PM

http://blogs.static.mentalfloss.com/...ves/35388.html

Please believe me, there is a cornucopia of TV roles out there that may have been considered to be played by other actors/actresses before being given to the actors/actresses we knew and loved.

So, without further ado:
Lana Clarkson as Cindy Brady (instead of Susan Olsen) (like I'd mentioned earlier here at: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...d.php?t=293328) on The Brady Bunch
Lana Clarkson as Helen Chappel (instead of Crystal Bernard) on Wings
Natasha Gregson Wagner as Samantha Micelli (instead of Alyssa Milano) on Who's the Boss -- but maybe NGW lacked any obvious Italian-ness for the role?

~Ben

Reverend Jim · 04-07-2012, 07:27 PM

William Hogan Jr · 04-07-2012, 10:38 PM

I heard that Dick Sargent was going to do the role of Darrin on Bewitched, but he had other commitments. Of course he did finally get the role when Dick york left. I think Micky Rooney was going to do the part of Archie Bunker on All in the family, and Penny Marshall was going to play Gloria, but the roles went to Carroll O' Connor and Sally Struthers.

factsoflife · 04-08-2012, 01:21 PM

Calista Flockhart and Sela Ward were both offered the role of Susan Meyer on "Desperate Housewives" and both turned it down.

Dana Delany was considered for the role of Bree on DH, but wasn't available for some reason. I believe she didn't want to commit to a series so similar to her failed show "Pasadena" which a few years prior had failed on Fox. So the role obviously went to Marcia Cross.

Pamela Anderson was considered for the role of Edie Britt, that went to Nicolette Sheridan.

The role of Tom's girlfriend Jane, now played by Andrea Parker was intended for Jessica Hetch, best known as Susan's girlfriend Carol on "Friends". Scheduling and salary prevented that from happening and Parker instead got the role.

Rosalyn Sanchez (Without A Trace) was an early favorite for the role of Gabby, but producers thought her accent was too thick. (this is according to the book Desperate Networks by Bill Carter).

other shows:

The role of Nora Walker on "Brothers & Sisters" was originally cast with Betty Buckley, a well known Broadway actress but was recast when Sally Field became available.

The role of Ally McBeal was initially conceived for Bridget Fonda who turned it down.

The role of Jenna Maroney on 30 Rock was intended for Rachel Dratch, a SNL performer, but producers decided she wasn't glamorous enough for the role and it went to Jane Karkowski instead.

The role of Jill Taylor on Home Improvement was meant for Frances Fisher, who had no chemistry with Tim Allen and the role went instead to Patricia Richardson.

For the role of Val Malone on Beverly Hills, 90210 producers had sought out Alyssa Milano; who turned it down because she wasn't sure the bad-girl role was one she wanted to play.

Ironically enough, Tiffani Thiessen who played Val was considered an early front-runner for the role of Paige on Charmed, which ultimately went to Rose McGowan.

biffbronson · 04-08-2012, 05:10 PM

I Love Lucy: Bea Benadaret was the first choice to play Ethel Mertz; Vivian Vance was cast.

Petticoat Junction: Oldest daughter Billie Jo originally was to be played by Sharon Tate; Jeannine Riley got the part.

The Flying Nun: The role of Sister Bertrille was set to go to Ronne Troupe, but Sally Field got it.

The Brady Bunch: The role of Carol Brady was to be played by Joyce Bulifant, but Florence Henderson was cast.

andress_jade · 04-08-2012, 05:24 PM

The role of Roz Doyle on Frasier was originally cast with Lisa Kudrow but she lacked the spunk needed for the role so they cast Peri Gilpin. Lisa ended up getting cast as Phoebe on Friends instead.

Zoneboy · 04-08-2012, 05:26 PM

Jack Lord was offered the role of Captain James T. Kirk but turned it down.

George Lindsey was the first choice to play Mr. Spock and the role was also turned down by Martin Landau.

Darren McGavin turned down the leads in I Dream of Jeannie, Run for Your Life and Hogan's Heroes.

The role of Marshall Matt Dillon was first offered to Denver Pyle who declined.

The main characters from Sanford and Son were originally supposed to be white with Barnard Hughes and Paul Sorvino in the roles but were changed to black.

factsoflife · 04-08-2012, 06:50 PM

FRIENDS:

The role of Monica was at one point offered to Nancy McKeon, Leah Remini and Nicolette Sheridan.

Neil Patrick Harris auditioned for the role of Chandler but did not get it.

Jane Krakowski was considered for the role of Phoebe before Lisa Kudrow got the role.

The Golden Girls:

Doris Roberts, Olympia Dukakis and Elaine Stritch were considered for the role of Dorothy prior to Bea Arthur taking it.

Betty White and Rue McClanahan auditioned for each others roles initially.

Beverly Hills, 90210:

Gabrielle Cateries auditioned for the role of Brenda, but got the role of Andrea instead.

I read somewhere a long time ago that Jason Bateman tested for the role of Brandon before Jason Priestly was offered the role.

Jennie Garth auditioned for the role of Donna, but got Kelly instead.

Family Ties:

Matthew Broderick was considered for the role of Alex P. Keaton before Michael J. Fox landed it. Some NBC executive did not like Michael J. Fox.

Will & Grace:

Thomas Gibson auditioned for the role of Will. Julia Louis-Dreyfuss auditioned for Grace.

Ironically, Eric McCormack also auditioned for the role of Greg on Dharma & Greg prior to the role going to Thomas.

Grey's Anatomy:

The role of Derek Shepherd was written with Rob Lowe in mind, but he turned it down in favor of some show that lasted like half a season, Dr. Vegas, I think it was called.

Melrose Place:

Amy Brennemen, Sherry Stringfield, Terri Hatcher and Courtney Cox all auditioned for the role of Allison.

catsrule · 04-08-2012, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by factsoflife

Family Ties:
Matthew Broderick was considered for the role of Alex P. Keaton before Michael J. Fox landed it. Some NBC executive did not like Michael J. Fox.

Actually Gary David Goldberg didn't like Fox either. He was reluctant to cast him.

megamanj2004 · 04-10-2012, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

Jack Lord was offered the role of Captain James T. Kirk but turned it down.

George Lindsey was the first choice to play Mr. Spock and the role was also turned down by Martin Landau.

Actually Jack Lord tried to supposedly get greedy by demanding a chunk of profits for partial ownership of the show but Gene Roddenberry was having none of it, so when Lord shunned him for it, Roddenberry showed him the door.

Others:

Cheers - The roles of Sam and Diane were offered to Fred Dryer and Cathy Lee Crosby but the producers ended up changing Sam from a ex-footballer to a ex-baseballer.

Perfect Strangers - Louie Anderson was once offered the role of Larry Appleton but the producers didn't like him.

Zoneboy · 04-10-2012, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megamanj2004

Actually Jack Lord tried to supposedly get greedy by demanding a chunk of profits for partial ownership of the show but Gene Roddenberry was having none of it, so when Lord shunned him for it, Roddenberry showed him the door.

Thanks, I read about Jack Lord being offered the role in TV Guide several years ago but can recall no mention of him wanting a chunk of the profits and I try to make sure that my sources are correct and information is complete before posting. All it said at the time was that he simply turned down the role but it wouldn't surprise me none though if you were right.

megamanj2004 · 04-13-2012, 11:58 PM

Another one:

Cosby - Thelma Hopkins was offered the part for Bill Cosby's wife on that series but when she demonstrated the lack of chemistry Cosby wanted, Cosby ended up calling up his former Cosby Show TV wife Phylicia Rashad instead.

Lee · 04-14-2012, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

Jack Lord was offered the role of Captain James T. Kirk but turned it down

Lloyd Bridges was offered the role of Captain Christopher Pike
in the original 1964 Star Trek pilot The Cage but likewise turned
it down and the part went to Jeffery Hunter instead.

catlover79 · 04-14-2012, 04:01 AM

The role of Debra Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond came down to a choice between Patricia Heaton and Jane Sibbett. Jane Sibbett is best known for her recurring role as Ross' ex Carol on Friends.

I also read somewhere that Julia Duffy was considered for the role of Diane Chambers on Cheers, which of course went to Shelley Long. Ms. Duffy joined the cast of Newhart the following year and the rest is history!!!

Melina Kanakaredes was approached to play the role of Abbie Carmichael on Law & Order beginning in the 1998-99 TV season, but turned it down to play the lead in the then-brand new NBC drama Providence, which debuted in January 1999. The role of Abbie Carmichael instead went to Angie Harmon, who would stay on L&O for three seasons.

Zoneboy · 06-08-2012, 02:39 AM

Bert Convy was seriously considered for the role of Barnabas Collins

Link

At the eleventh hour, it was down to Jonathan Frid, a classically trained actor who worked primarily in Shakespearean theater, and Bert Convy, a game show host for the role of Barnabas Collins. Thankfully, the producers of DARK SHADOWS chose Mr. Frid.

I like Bert Convy and he was a very good actor but I can't see anyone other than Jonathan Frid in that role.

04-07-2012, 06:41 PM	#1
Frosty81 Frequent Poster Member Join Date: Jun 23, 2007 Location: Milwaukie, OR Posts: 80	TV Roles That Were Considered to Others http://blogs.static.mentalfloss.com/...ves/35388.html Please believe me, there is a cornucopia of TV roles out there that may have been considered to be played by other actors/actresses before being given to the actors/actresses we knew and loved. So, without further ado: Lana Clarkson as Cindy Brady (instead of Susan Olsen) (like I'd mentioned earlier here at: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...d.php?t=293328) on The Brady Bunch Lana Clarkson as Helen Chappel (instead of Crystal Bernard) on Wings Natasha Gregson Wagner as Samantha Micelli (instead of Alyssa Milano) on Who's the Boss -- but maybe NGW lacked any obvious Italian-ness for the role? ~Ben

04-08-2012, 01:21 PM	#4
factsoflife Senior Member Member Join Date: Sep 11, 2000 Posts: 6,192	Calista Flockhart and Sela Ward were both offered the role of Susan Meyer on "Desperate Housewives" and both turned it down. Dana Delany was considered for the role of Bree on DH, but wasn't available for some reason. I believe she didn't want to commit to a series so similar to her failed show "Pasadena" which a few years prior had failed on Fox. So the role obviously went to Marcia Cross. Pamela Anderson was considered for the role of Edie Britt, that went to Nicolette Sheridan. The role of Tom's girlfriend Jane, now played by Andrea Parker was intended for Jessica Hetch, best known as Susan's girlfriend Carol on "Friends". Scheduling and salary prevented that from happening and Parker instead got the role. Rosalyn Sanchez (Without A Trace) was an early favorite for the role of Gabby, but producers thought her accent was too thick. (this is according to the book Desperate Networks by Bill Carter). other shows: The role of Nora Walker on "Brothers & Sisters" was originally cast with Betty Buckley, a well known Broadway actress but was recast when Sally Field became available. The role of Ally McBeal was initially conceived for Bridget Fonda who turned it down. The role of Jenna Maroney on 30 Rock was intended for Rachel Dratch, a SNL performer, but producers decided she wasn't glamorous enough for the role and it went to Jane Karkowski instead. The role of Jill Taylor on Home Improvement was meant for Frances Fisher, who had no chemistry with Tim Allen and the role went instead to Patricia Richardson. For the role of Val Malone on Beverly Hills, 90210 producers had sought out Alyssa Milano; who turned it down because she wasn't sure the bad-girl role was one she wanted to play. Ironically enough, Tiffani Thiessen who played Val was considered an early front-runner for the role of Paige on Charmed, which ultimately went to Rose McGowan. __________________ Adam Lambert 4-Ever!

04-08-2012, 05:10 PM	#5
biffbronson Senior Member Member Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: US Posts: 1,490	I Love Lucy: Bea Benadaret was the first choice to play Ethel Mertz; Vivian Vance was cast. Petticoat Junction: Oldest daughter Billie Jo originally was to be played by Sharon Tate; Jeannine Riley got the part. The Flying Nun: The role of Sister Bertrille was set to go to Ronne Troupe, but Sally Field got it. The Brady Bunch: The role of Carol Brady was to be played by Joyce Bulifant, but Florence Henderson was cast. __________________ Lovely Loretta Young -- Vitaphone star

04-08-2012, 05:24 PM	#6
andress_jade Moderator John & Marlena 4-ever! Join Date: Mar 04, 2004 Location: Fredonia, KS or in Salem trying to reunite John and Marlena! Posts: 881	The role of Roz Doyle on Frasier was originally cast with Lisa Kudrow but she lacked the spunk needed for the role so they cast Peri Gilpin. Lisa ended up getting cast as Phoebe on Friends instead. __________________ In memory of: John Ritter, Hayden Rorke, Sidney Sheldon, Bob Denver, Don Knotts, Andy Griffith, Elizabeth Montgomery, Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, David Angell, Christopher Reeve, Larry Hagman and Lucille Ball. Thanks for everything. Sept. 11, 2001-Remembering all who died. We love and miss you! Golden Girls fan 4-ever! Dr. Quinn fan 4-ever! I Niles and Daphne! John and Marlena 4-ever!

04-08-2012, 05:26 PM	#7
Zoneboy Moderator Forum Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: Carthage, NC Posts: 22,542	Jack Lord was offered the role of Captain James T. Kirk but turned it down. George Lindsey was the first choice to play Mr. Spock and the role was also turned down by Martin Landau. Darren McGavin turned down the leads in I Dream of Jeannie, Run for Your Life and Hogan's Heroes. The role of Marshall Matt Dillon was first offered to Denver Pyle who declined. The main characters from Sanford and Son were originally supposed to be white with Barnard Hughes and Paul Sorvino in the roles but were changed to black. __________________ *"It's the way things are. A big tree falls and a new one grows right out of the same ground. Old animals die and young ones take their places. Even people step aside when it's time."* (R.G. Armstrong as the Contractor in The Twilight Zone episode "Nothing in the Dark")

04-07-2012, 07:27 PM	#2
Reverend Jim Forum Regular Member Join Date: Feb 08, 2009 Location: New York City Posts: 754

04-07-2012, 10:38 PM	#3
William Hogan Jr Frequent Poster Member Join Date: Jan 28, 2008 Location: Mayodan, N.C. Posts: 121	I heard that Dick Sargent was going to do the role of Darrin on Bewitched, but he had other commitments. Of course he did finally get the role when Dick york left. I think Micky Rooney was going to do the part of Archie Bunker on All in the family, and Penny Marshall was going to play Gloria, but the roles went to Carroll O' Connor and Sally Struthers.

04-08-2012, 06:50 PM	#8
factsoflife Senior Member Member Join Date: Sep 11, 2000 Posts: 6,192	FRIENDS: The role of Monica was at one point offered to Nancy McKeon, Leah Remini and Nicolette Sheridan. Neil Patrick Harris auditioned for the role of Chandler but did not get it. Jane Krakowski was considered for the role of Phoebe before Lisa Kudrow got the role. The Golden Girls: Doris Roberts, Olympia Dukakis and Elaine Stritch were considered for the role of Dorothy prior to Bea Arthur taking it. Betty White and Rue McClanahan auditioned for each others roles initially. Beverly Hills, 90210: Gabrielle Cateries auditioned for the role of Brenda, but got the role of Andrea instead. I read somewhere a long time ago that Jason Bateman tested for the role of Brandon before Jason Priestly was offered the role. Jennie Garth auditioned for the role of Donna, but got Kelly instead. Family Ties: Matthew Broderick was considered for the role of Alex P. Keaton before Michael J. Fox landed it. Some NBC executive did not like Michael J. Fox. Will & Grace: Thomas Gibson auditioned for the role of Will. Julia Louis-Dreyfuss auditioned for Grace. Ironically, Eric McCormack also auditioned for the role of Greg on Dharma & Greg prior to the role going to Thomas. Grey's Anatomy: The role of Derek Shepherd was written with Rob Lowe in mind, but he turned it down in favor of some show that lasted like half a season, Dr. Vegas, I think it was called. Melrose Place: Amy Brennemen, Sherry Stringfield, Terri Hatcher and Courtney Cox all auditioned for the role of Allison.

04-13-2012, 11:58 PM	#12
megamanj2004 Senior Member Member Join Date: Dec 21, 2004 Posts: 2,178	Another one: Cosby - Thelma Hopkins was offered the part for Bill Cosby's wife on that series but when she demonstrated the lack of chemistry Cosby wanted, Cosby ended up calling up his former Cosby Show TV wife Phylicia Rashad instead.

04-14-2012, 04:01 AM	#14
catlover79 Moderator Forum Legend God Bless Val Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 67,635	The role of Debra Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond came down to a choice between Patricia Heaton and Jane Sibbett. Jane Sibbett is best known for her recurring role as Ross' ex Carol on Friends. I also read somewhere that Julia Duffy was considered for the role of Diane Chambers on Cheers, which of course went to Shelley Long. Ms. Duffy joined the cast of Newhart the following year and the rest is history!!! Melina Kanakaredes was approached to play the role of Abbie Carmichael on Law & Order beginning in the 1998-99 TV season, but turned it down to play the lead in the then-brand new NBC drama Providence, which debuted in January 1999. The role of Abbie Carmichael instead went to Angie Harmon, who would stay on L&O for three seasons. __________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

06-08-2012, 02:39 AM	#15
Zoneboy Moderator Forum Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: Carthage, NC Posts: 22,542	Bert Convy was seriously considered for the role of Barnabas Collins Link At the eleventh hour, it was down to Jonathan Frid, a classically trained actor who worked primarily in Shakespearean theater, and Bert Convy, a game show host for the role of Barnabas Collins. Thankfully, the producers of DARK SHADOWS chose Mr. Frid. I like Bert Convy and he was a very good actor but I can't see anyone other than Jonathan Frid in that role.

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