13 Actors Who Got Roles Different Than The Ones They Auditioned For
Getting roles is sometimes a matter of luck.
Some actors walk into an audition with one role on their mind, then walk out with a completely different destiny. And honestly, that switch is usually the moment TV history gets made.
Take Liza Weil in Gilmore Girls, she aimed for Rory Gilmore but ended up as Paris Geller, thanks to a “consolation” storyline that turned into a series staple. Or Sarah Michelle Gellar, who tried out for Cordelia Chase on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, only for Joss Whedon to decide she belonged in the lead role as Buffy Summers. Meanwhile, Hank Azaria went in for Joey Tribbiani on Friends, but Phoebe’s love life got the scientist David instead.
Here are 13 times casting changed the whole vibe, and the actors who got the “wrong” role somehow nailed it harder than the original plan.
1. Liza Weil, “Rory Gilmore” (Gilmore Girls)
Best known for her role as Paris Geller on the popular comedy Gilmore Girls, Liza Weil initially auditioned for Rory's part. Though the producers thought Alexis Bledel was the best fit, writer Amy Sherman-Palladino created a three-episode storyline for Weil as a consolation.
However, the character was so well-received that she eventually became a series regular. Paris began as a foe to Rory Gilmore, but their relationship eventually evolved into a friendship.
imdb2. Sarah Michelle Gellar, “Cordelia Chase” (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Sarah Michelle Gellar initially auditioned for the role of Cordelia Chase, aka Queen B, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However, after seeing her audition, creator Joss Whedon decided that she was a better fit for the lead role of Buffy Summers.
Interestingly, Charisma Carpenter had previously auditioned for the part of Buffy but was ultimately cast as Cordelia. Remarkably, our favorite butt-kicking slayer could have looked completely different!
Factinate3. Jensen Ackles, “Sam Winchester” (Supernatural)
When Jensen Ackles read the script for Supernatural in 2005, he identified more with Dean Winchester and was eager to audition for the part. However, after Jared Padalecki was cast as Sam Winchester, producers immediately knew they wanted Ackles and cast him as Dean when he came to read for the role.
Since then, the dynamic monster-hunting team of Sam and Dean has worked together to bust some serious demon butt.
Blogspot
4. Hank Azaria, “Joey Tribbiani” (Friends)
It's no surprise that Matt LeBlanc left a lasting impression as Joey Tribbiani, as his comedic take on the soap opera character brought plenty of laughs. It's hard to imagine anyone else playing the part, although it could have been different.
Hank Azaria auditioned to be Joey but ended up being cast as the scientist David, Phoebe's love interest.
Business Insider
5. Courteney Cox, “Rachel Green” (Friends)
At first, Courteney Cox was asked to play Rachel Green on the successful sitcom Friends. However, she rejected the part, feeling she would be better suited as Monica Geller, as she was attracted to the strong character. As a result, Jennifer Aniston was chosen to be Rachel, as the producers thought she had the necessary toughness for the role.
Flare
6. Sandra Oh, “Miranda Bailey” (Grey’s Anatomy)
It's hard to think of anyone else in the role of the beloved, feisty, and determined Dr. Christina Yang other than Sandra Oh. However, when Oh went to her audition for Grey's Anatomy, she initially thought she would be auditioning for Dr. Miranda Bailey.
Despite being offered the role of Miranda, she decided to try out for Christina, and Chandra Wilson ended up playing Miranda.
Site
7. Isaiah Washington, “Derek Shepherd” (Grey’s Anatomy)
Isaiah Washington was initially considered for the role of Derek Shepherd in Grey's Anatomy. Still, creator Shonda Rhimes chose to cast him as the character of Dr. Preston Burke instead, a role he portrayed for three seasons.
TVSerial.it
It’s also like the AITA where someone prioritized work over helping their best friend move.
8. Ed Westwick, “Nate Archibald” (Gossip Girl)
When Ed Westwick auditioned in person for the role of Chuck Bass in the TV show, the producers knew he was the perfect fit. Westwick's performance was so impressive that Chase Crawford was cast as Nate Archibald, a role for which Westwick had initially submitted an audition film. For six seasons, Westwick portrayed Chuck Bass, who transformed from a bad boy to a good one.
BuzzFeed
9. Norman Reedus, “Merle Dixon” (The Walking Dead)
Norman Reedus is highly acclaimed for his portrayal of Daryl Dixon, a zombie-slaying character, on the hit TV show The Walking Dead. His impressive audition, which included delivering Merle Dixon's lines, caught the attention of the series creators, who decided to create the role of Daryl Dixon just for him.
It is no surprise that Daryl Dixon quickly became a fan favorite and is now the main character of The Walking Dead.
The Hollywood Reporter
10. Paul Wesley, “Damon Salvatore” (The Vampire Diaries)
For the casting of The Vampire Diaries, Paul Wesley initially tried out for the role of Damon Salvatore, the "bad boy" of the neighborhood. However, when Ian Somerhalder was chosen for the role, Wesley re-read for the part of Stefan Salvatore, Damon's good-guy vampire brother—almost switching roles in the process. Damon and Stefan Salvatore thus became one of the most iconic television sibling duos.
Fanpop
11. Rainn Wilson, “Michael Scott” (The Office)
Rainn Wilson is widely renowned for his nine-season stint playing Dwight Schrute on the U.S. adaptation of The Office. His initial audition for the part of Michael Scott was an unsuccessful, self-described "poor Gervais impersonation." However, the casting directors favored his take on Dwight, and he was hired for the role. Steve Carell, of course, was eventually cast as Michael Scott.
FormulaTV
12. Ashley Tisdale, “London Tipton” (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody)
Tisdale initially auditioned for the role of spoiled heiress London Tipton in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Still, the creators felt she was better suited for the role of Maddie Fitzpatrick, which would propel her to fame. Brenda Song was later cast as London, and Tisdale went on to play Sharpay Evans in High School Musical.
J-14
13. Jon Favreau, “Chandler Bing” (Friends)
Before Matthew Perry was chosen to play Chandler Bing in Friends, Jon Favreau auditioned for the role. Although he didn't get the part, Favreau was asked to return to the show and play Pete Becker, Monica's love interest who competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
IMDb
Liza Weil’s Rory audition turned into Paris Geller’s three-episode revenge arc, and the producers basically couldn’t stop writing for her once it clicked.
Then Buffy the Vampire Slayer flipped the script, because Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Cordelia tryout made Joss Whedon rethink who should be swinging into danger as Buffy Summers.
After that, Supernatural took a similar turn, with Jensen Ackles wanting Sam Winchester, only to be cast as Dean the second Jared Padalecki landed Sam.
And on Friends, Hank Azaria auditioned for Joey Tribbiani, but the casting switch landed him as David, Phoebe’s unexpected romance detour.
Landing a role in a film or television show is a challenging feat that requires hard work, patience, and often a bit of luck. Unfortunately, it is not always the case that actors and actresses are cast in the role they auditioned for, which can significantly impact their careers.
However, getting a big break in Hollywood is possible by being cast in a role different from what you initially auditioned for; it just takes a lot of luck.
The audition room might not pick the role you want, but it sure can pick the one you end up owning.
For more relationship fallout, see the AITA about offering advice to my friend's boyfriend.
