Parallel universe movie casting

Valley of the Dolls

Candice Bergen

Considered a top choice to play the cool, elegant New Englander career girl who becomes a model, "Anne Welles."
Actor who got the part: Barbara Parkins


Petula Clark

Was seriously considered to play self-destructive megatalent "Neely O'Hara," a character based in part on Judy Garland.
Actor who got the part: Patty Duke


Bette Davis

When Judy Garland was let go in the role of tyrannical, insecure Broadway legend "Helen Lawson," Davis was among the stars considered to replace her.
Actor who got the part: Susan Hayward



Robert Forster

Screentested to play singer "Tony Polar."
Actor who got the part: Tony Scotti


Judy Garland

Garland was fired from the Ethel Merman-liike role of "Helen Lawson" in the film version of Jacqueline Susann's bestselling novel.
Actor who got the part: Susan Hayward


Tammy Grimes

The great Broadway star was considered to play Broadway dragon lady "Helen Lawson" when Judy Garland was let go.
Actor who got the part: Susan Hayward


Barbara Harris

Was considered seriously for the role of the self-destructive, hugely talented "Neely O'Hara" character, based on Judy Garland.
Actor who got the part: Patty Duke


Ginger Rogers

When Judy Garland got fired, Rogers hated the script, so she turned down the chance to play Broadway legend and monster "Helen Lawson."
Actor who got the part: Susan Hayward


Marlo Thomas

Marlo Thomas was considered for the role of Annie Welles.
Actor who got the part: Barbara Parkins


Raquel Welch

Refused to play the role of statuesque, tragic showgirl "Jennifer North."
Actor who got the part: Sharon Tate

I put it down to her quixotic nature.

It's a fun website called notstarring.com!



Who was considered for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf??


Ingrid Bergman

Bergman was considered for the role of Martha.
Actor who got the part: Elizabeth Taylor


Bette Davis

Bette Davis was also considered for the lead role of Martha.
Actor who got the part: Elizabeth Taylor


Henry Fonda

Henry Fonda was considered for the lead role of George.
Actor who got the part: Richard Burton


Cary Grant

Grant was also considered for the lead role of George.
Actor who got the part: Richard Burton


Arthur Hill

The fine actor who created on Broadway the role of the college professor, "George" was considered for the film version.
Actor who got the part: Richard Burton


Jack Lemmon

Jack Lemmon was considered for the lead role of George.
Actor who got the part: Richard Burton


James Mason

Considered for the role of the beaten-down college professor "George."
Actor who got the part: Richard Burton


Patrica Neal

Neal was also considered for the role of Martha.
Actor who got the part: Elizabeth Taylor


Robert Redford

Robert Redford turned down the role of Nick.
Actor who got the part: George Segal


Rosalind Russell

Russell was considered for the lead role.
Actor who got the part: Elizabeth Taylor


Connie Stevens

She wanted the role of Honey badly, but the producer (Ernest Lehman) and director (Mike Nichols) thought she was unsuitable and refused to even give her a reading.
Actor who got the part: Sandy Dennis