Top 20 Hilarious Celebrity Audition Tapes

Glee (2009-15)

Few TV characters have been as perfectly cast as Rachel Berry on Glee. But funnily enough, actress Lea Michele almost missed her shot at the role as she got in a car accident on her way to the audition. Still, she arrived just in time and basically channeled Rachel throughout. First, the piano player flubbed a part of the routine, so in classic Rachel fashion, Michele stopped mid-performance to correct him. Then, during what she thought was a serious scene, the casting crew started laughing, prompting Michele to break character and scold them. She initially believed she had blown it, but that was the most Rachel thing she couldve done. Its no wonder she pretty much landed the role on the spot.

Hannah Montana (20062011)

Miley Cyrus became a global sensation thanks to Hannah Montana, but its amusing to think she nearly missed out on the part. Aged 11 at the time of her first audition, Cyrus was deemed too young, but she kept auditioning and her persistence paid off. Watching these tapes now, its clear to see why. The fresh-faced Cyrus recites the lines with an adorable charm and a distinctive Southern accent that already seem tailor-made for the character. In one scene, she even teams up with her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, to create a signature handshake that leaves the casting crew in stitches. Its hard to picture anyone else in the role, and thankfully, the producers felt the same.

Parks and Recreation (2009-15)

Chris Pratt might be a Hollywood heavyweight now, but he was once just another actor hustling for his big break. This audition tape for the role of Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation marked the beginning of his rise. In the clip, which Amy Poehler called the best audition shed ever seen, Pratt brings Andy to life with that unmistakable I literally just rolled out of bed energy we all came to love. His low, raspy voice and perfectly timed pauses between his sentences make the whole thing an absolute joy to watch. And judging by the laughter in the background, the casting crew was hooked right from the start.

Knocked Up (2007)

One of the main reasons why the 2007 comedy Knocked Up works is the electric chemistry between the unexpected but perfect pairing of Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen. You can see it clearly in this audition clip. Their banter seems completely effortless, as the tension ramps up with every line. Even though theyre both seated, their explosive argument plays out like theyre shouting from opposite sides of the room, which makes it even funnier. The most impressive part? They manage to hold it together until the very end. Its a shame things turned out the way they did, because we couldve used more Heigl and Rogen movies in our lives.

Dazed and Confused (1993)

Richard Linklaters second film Dazed and Confused introduced a crop of fresh-faced actors who would go on to become Hollywood A-listers. One of them was Matthew McConaughey. In his audition for David Wooderson, the role that would ultimately become his breakthrough, McConaughey oozed laidback cool from the get-go. Its a vibe so strong, youd want to hop in a car with him, windows down, with the wind running through your hair. Whether hes on the hunt for a good time, or workshopping one of the quotable lines that would define him for years, McConaughey makes it abundantly clear: he was born to play this role.

Get Him to the Greek (2010)

Before the 2010s, Rose Byrne was mostly known as a dramatic actress, thanks in large part to her work on Damages. So when she decided to try out for the raunchy comedy Get Him to the Greek, even director Nicholas Stoller was shocked she was interested. But Byrne floored them with her audition, going from wasted to hostile to aggressive, then somehow affectionate, all in less than three minutes. Byrne didnt just play the scandalous Jackie Q, she was Jackie Q. Her frizzy hair and Aussie accent only added extra flair to the madness. Honestly, if there was any justice in the world, wed already have a standalone Jackie Q movie.

Saturday Night Live (1975-)

Will Ferrells career took off after he joined Saturday Night Live in 1995. Fun fact: some of his most iconic characters and sketches came straight from his audition. He kicked things off with a spot-on impression of legendary sportscaster Harry Caray auditioning for a dramatic play. Next, he transitioned to Ted Kennedy, peppering his routine with jokes about the Senators rocky political career. Then, Ferrell introduced his Get Off the Shed charactera dad at a neighborhood barbecue who gets increasingly annoyed at his rowdy kids. This sketch eventually became a fan favorite. In just eight minutes, Ferrell showcased a breadth of skills that proved why he needed to be one of the SNL cast members.

Food Network Star (2005-18)

As the self-proclaimed Mayor of Flavortown, Guy Fieri has spread his culinary tentacles far and wide, but he might not be where he is today without Food Network Star. It all started with this nearly three-minute audition tape, which Fieri reportedly didnt even want to make. Throughout the clip, Fieri showcased his ability to grab anyones attention without even trying. He fired off multiple jokes, laughed at his own wit and even threw in some colorful language. Fieri did a great job introducing himself, before walking through the creation of his signature BBQ-sushi fusion dish. From that moment, it was clear Fieri was destined for stardom, a fact he confirmed by ultimately winning the shows second season.

Saturday Night Live (1975)


Its hard to believe now, but before he got on In Living Color, Jim Carrey actually tried out for SNL three times, and was rejected every time. After watching his second audition tape, that fact feels even more surprising. At 23, Carrey performed for the show's producers and senior writers, but not in front of the big boss, Lorne Michaels. Then known mostly for his impressions, Carrey kicked off with a quirky Post-Nuclear Elvis, complete with a T-shirt gag and wildly flailing tiny arms. He followed that with a more obscure impression of Henry Fondas character from the film On Golden Pond. Carrey may not have made the cut, but clearly, he didnt need the job anyway.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

Back in 2007, Chris Klein decided to throw his hat in the ring for a part in the musical Mamma Mia! After going on a random tangent about Mandy Moore, Klein proceeds with his audition before he embarasses himself further. But thats exactly what he does, as he delivers a painfully awkward rendition of ABBAs Lay All Your Love On Me. Its hard to say which is worse the off-key singing, the frenzied eyebrows or the intense eye contact with the camera. Needless to say, Klein got none of that love, as the role ultimately went to Dominic Cooper. At least, he was able to poke fun at himself, filming a parody of the audition for Funny or Die.

Juno (2007)

Elliot Page definitely brings his own style to acting, and it really shows in this screen test for the independent cult classic Juno. Here, we find Page and Olivia Thirlby auditioning for the roles of Juno and Leah respectively. While Thirlbys definitely special in her own right, Pages description of going to the doctors office is spot-on. Not to mention the nonchalant convo about what to do if they decide to keep the baby. Adorable and hilarious, the undeniable proof that Page was meant for the role is right on screen.

Jumanji (1995)

Fun fact: Kirsten Dunst wasnt the only future celeb to audition for this 1995 hit movie. A young Scarlett Johansson gave her a run for her money... kind of... well, she turned up, anyway. We dont know if little Scarlett was just having a bad day, but eyeball rolls and a lack of enthusiasm show she clearly didnt want to be there. She is a kid though, so maybe her nerves just got to her? Even though she missed her chance to work alongside Robin Williams, she ended up building a career of her own, including fighting bears, aliens, and everything in between.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Russell Brands reputation has taken a pretty big hit in recent years, but we cant deny the talent he displayed here. In a completely improvised scene for his audition for 2008s Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Brand passive-aggressively argues with his audition partner about wanting to go horseback riding, while she wants to stay at the imaginary hotel and order room service. Staying in character, Brand manages to keep the jokes coming, leaving the crew laughing throughout. In fact, he keeps it up for four minutes of solid entertainment! No wonder Brand was the best choice for the role of Aldous, Marshalls charismatic British rock star bf.

Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-)

Kaitlin Olson had only had minor appearances onscreen before her Always Sunny breakthrough. But here, in what should be a fairly grim scene, with Charlie revealing that he has cancer, Olsons mannerisms and comedic timing keep us laughing throughout. In a twist, the character was so underdeveloped at that point that the lines she read actually werent written for Sweet Dee. In fact the entire scene was not only just between Charlie and Dennis, but it also was already shot. They made the right choice casting her though, and Deandra has since become one of the most liked parts of the popular show.

Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)

Before Seth Rogen started appearing in Judd Apatow movies, he was on one of his early TV shows. As Ken Miller, one of the freaks on Freaks and Geeks, he met other future stars, like James Franco and Jason Segel, who hed later go on to do other projects with. This deadpan, yet humorous, audition led to him being cast on the show and catching his big break. While he doesnt appear to be... his usual self... in the tape, he does drop some of his patented stoner comedy.

Easy A (2010)

This audition has Emma Stone channeling her inner teen in a webcam confessional. Trying for the part of Olive Penderghast, a well-spoken high school student in the movie Easy A, Stones comedic timing and facial expressions make it obvious why she got the part. Her character confesses that rumors about her might be her fault, but that there are always two sides to a story. Her performance in this tape netted the actress her first starring role in a movie, and all without even leaving her bed!

Saturday Night Live (1975- )

In this eight-minute long audition for Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Fallon shows off his best comedic skills, doing jaw-dropping impressions of celebs, including Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Adam Sandler. After showing the casting directors a few original characters, he takes his guitar to imitate popular musicians of the time. He successfully won over the producers and made his debut on the show in 1998, reprising some of his impressions and musical humor. Love him or hate him, this audition is proof that even pre-SNL Fallon was on top of his game.

Yogi Bear (2010)

Well, this certainly is the most... unique... audition on our list. Despite the fact that Yogi Bear and Boo Boo were animated in the film, T.J. Miller decided to do his screen test with an actual, real life bear. To not be scared out of your ranger pants is one thing, but to actually interact with a bear like Miller does, and keep the audition entertaining, takes some serious skill. Though Miller has gone through some legal and personal issues since the film, theres no denying that someone willing to bounce some lines off a live bear for the sake of comedy has got guts.

The Office (2005-13)

Bonus laughter for this one! Auditions for The Office attracted a lot of current celebs. Among the unlucky, are Seth Rogen who auditioned for the role of Dwight, and Bob Odenkirk who was a contender for Michael Scott, before Steve Carell agreed to take the role. Other celebs make appearances in these auditions too, like Eric Stonestreet, Kathryn Hahn, and John Cho. However, what actually makes these great is that the camera shots make it feel like youre watching an actual, albeit weird and under-produced, episode of the show.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Steve Carells audition for the part of Brick Tamland provides us with the most laughs. In his scene, Brick mistakenly takes falafel from a garbage can, which he thinks is a food basket. The script is already top notch, but Carells take on it makes it even better, leaving the crew in stitches. In fact, he gets so into it that his face ends up a completely different color than when he started. We love Anchorman, but without Carell as our favorite San Diego weatherman, it definitely would have been lacking.



Are there any of these audition tapes you thought were better than the actual performance in the respective film or TV show? Let us know in the comments below.