13 Actors Who Got Roles Different Than The Ones They Audition For

Getting roles is sometimes a matter of luck.

Damjan

• Published in Film & TV
• February 23, 2023

Landing a role in a film or television show is a challenging feat. It takes a lot of hard work, patience, and often a bit of luck.

But getting these roles is pure luck. See, sometimes actors and actresses audition for parts that may differ from those they play on-screen.

In addition, to ensure that their roles reflect the story the director is trying to tell, actors and actresses often audition for different roles than the ones they end up playing. If an actor or actress is cast in a role different than the one they auditioned for, it’s not always because they weren’t the best fit for the role they portrayed.

Sometimes, the actor or actress may have been better suited for a different position. This can be due to the story the director is trying to tell or the context of the ice.

However, it can also be the case that the actor or actress was simply the best fit for the role they didn’t initially audition for. They were getting cast in a different role than what they auditioned for significantly impacts an actor or actress’s career.

It can be their breakout role, which provides the launchpad for their Hollywood stardom. But this doesn’t happen too often, and it taught of luck to land a part that’s completely different than what you initially auditioned for.

So let’s look at a few examples of actors who got their big break from a position they didn’t initially audition for.

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.

2. 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!

3. 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 launched him as Dean when he came to read for the role.

Since then, the dynamic monster-hunting team of Sam and Dean have worked together to bust some serious demon butt.

4. Hank Azaria, “Joey Tribbiani” (Friends)

It's no surprise that Matt LeBlanc left a lasting impression on 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, their love interest for Phoebe.

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 as Monica Geller, feeling 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.

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.

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, whom he portrayed for three seasons.

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 sent in an audition film. For six seasons, Westwick portrayed Chuck Bass, who changed from a bad boy to a good one.

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, and they 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.

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.

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.

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 position 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.

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.

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 only sometimes 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 released in a position different than what you initially auditioned for; it just takes much luck.

Damjan