Top 10 REJECTED Actors That Became Successful
#10: Scarlett Johansson
Top 10 Movies That Could Have Starred Scarlett Johansson
As an aspiring child actress, an 11-year-old Johansson auditioned for the role of Judy in “Jumanji.” She lost out on the part to Kirsten Dunst but didn’t let the early rejection stop her. A few years later, Johansson went on to land a starring role in “The Horse Whisperer”—a film that gained her wider popularity. With an impressive performance under her belt, she scored plenty of other opportunities in acclaimed films like “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” That’s just one of the many roles that garnered Johansson acclaim before achieving icon status as Black Widow. As the MCU’s badass superhero, she proved her range as an actress worthy of the Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations she’s garnered.
#9: Brad Pitt
Top 10 Movie Moments That Made Us Love Brad Pitt
It’s no secret that Brad Pitt has always had the good looks casting directors often look for. Back in the 90s, his attractiveness was evident in a flirty “Thelma & Louise” role. But Pitt was not yet known for what else he had to offer. His handsome charm and a lackluster audition weren't enough to snag him the lead role in “Backdraft.” But Pitt kept at it and showed the world he was much more than a pretty face in films like “Seven.” Starring alongside an impressive cast and earning positive reception, the film was a turning point for the actor. He rose to global fame in the 2000s, filling many notable movie roles and raking in a laundry list of awards and nominations.
#8: Henry Cavill
Cavill initially gained recognition with a leading role in “The Tudors,” but he had yet to score his breakout gig in film. He was lined up to star in “Superman: Flyby,” but was devastatingly replaced. Cavill also lost out on the part of Edward in “Twilight” due to his age. But his big moment would come in 2011 when the producer of “Man of Steel” chose Cavill as the perfect fit to play Superman. Since then, Cavill has become a famous face of the DC Extended Universe who continues to enjoy success in a variety of film and TV genres. He might not have been the heartthrob vampire, but we’re sure he was satisfied as the legendary superhero instead.
#7: Winona Ryder
Top 10 Best Winona Ryder Performances
1994 was a busy year for Ryder. Though she had a respectable resume of movie roles, she was rejected for a main part in “The Hudsucker Proxy.” She was admittedly bummed over the lost opportunity, but just months later, she was cast as Jo March in the critically acclaimed “Little Women.” Things only went up from there, as the actress received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Jo and earned plenty of other prominent lead roles in films. Ryder continues to be a star in the industry with a TV presence as well, making appearances in renowned series like “Stranger Things.” She is now a name known around the world and routinely showcases her versatility.
#6: Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston vs Angelina Jolie: Hollywood Showdown
At a young age, Aniston knew she wanted to be an actress. Her pursuit began in the 80s when she appeared in failed TV series. She lost out on the part of Mia in “Pulp Fiction” and struggled to land her big break. Feeling defeated, she asked Warren Littlefield of NBC if her dreams would become reality. They certainly did when Aniston was cast as Rachel in the hugely successful “Friends.” The role gained the actress worldwide popularity and Emmy and Golden Globe awards. With a known name and proven talent, she starred in films like “We’re the Millers” and “Cake.” Her role in the latter was deemed an award-worthy performance that showcased her ability to be much more than a sitcom’s funny leading lady.
#5: Chadwick Boseman
Top 10 Chadwick Boseman Movie Moments We Love
After delivering a convincing breakout performance as Jackie Robinson in “42,” Boseman had made a respectable name for himself. He then set his sights on a role in the MCU, auditioning for Drax in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” The actor was rejected in favor of Dave Bautista, but Marvel kept Boseman in mind for a future role. He was later offered the titular part in “Black Panther”—a blockbuster hit that would skyrocket him to ultimate fame. Though his life was devastatingly cut short, Boseman was an adored Marvel favorite who would reprise T’Challa in a few films. Often cited as inspirational, game-changing, and revolutionary, Boseman undoubtedly left his mark in the industry as an incredible actor and person.
#4: Lucille Ball
With a dream to be a star in the entertainment industry, a young Lucille Ball enrolled in a dramatic arts school. She experienced rejection and criticism early on as her instructors told her she didn’t have what it takes. But Ball didn’t let these opinions stop her. She scored her first credited role in “Chatterbox” and appeared in a variety of shows, though none earned her the stardom she sought. Despite being referred to as a Hollywood B-lister, she achieved icon status thanks to her appraisal of the lead in “I Love Lucy”—a sitcom she co-created. Demonstrating creativity through her production, comedic, and acting talents, she received an abundance of accolades and induction into the Television Hall of Fame.
#3: Sidney Poitier
A teenage Poitier arrived in New York with $3 and a dream. His first audition was a crushing failure, as a director told the aspiring actor to instead get a job as a dishwasher. But the rejection served as motivation. Poitier later nailed an audition that earned him his breakout role in “Blackboard Jungle.” He followed it up with a stellar performance in “The Defiant Ones,” for which he was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award—the first Black actor to achieve such an honor. He continued to star in many other films while racking in an impressive set of accolades. Having passed earlier this year, Poitier left a legacy as a massively successful trailblazer who opened doors for other Black actors in the industry.
#2: Meryl Streep
Top 10 Meryl Streep Performances
By the time she was in her 20s, Streep had a resume of stage appearances and decided to pursue big-screen opportunities. She auditioned for the lead role in “King Kong” but failed to get a callback. As if that wasn’t defeating enough, the film’s producer called the actress “ugly.” Despite the cruel rejection, Streep wasn’t deterred and landed her first feature role in “Julia.” From there, she went on to become a prominent actress in highly successful films including “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Mamma Mia!,” and more recently, “Little Women.” Whether a powerful diva, captivating singer, wealthy aunt, or any character she takes on, Streep can do it all. Her endless accolades speak for themselves.
#1: Harrison Ford
Top 10 Harrison Ford Performances
Before Ford was the legendary actor he is today, he was an aspiring hopeful met with harsh rejection. His very first role was a bellhop in “Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round,” in which he barely had any lines. As a newbie in the industry who was essentially unknown, Ford was told he didn’t have movie star quality. He was denied big roles in “The Graduate” and “Midnight Cowboy,” but eventually scored the ultimate opportunity as Han Solo in “Star Wars.” Apart from this iconic character, Ford apprised the recognizable role of Indiana Jones and served as a lead across genres. He has enjoyed massive fame and success over the course of six decades and undoubtedly proved nay-sayers wrong.
