The opulent lifestyles of certain performers have undoubtedly given us the impression that their careers have been quite uncomplicated. But every once in a while, they'll tell a story that illustrates how they, too, have their share of bittersweet times, particularly in the early stages of their professional lives. Naturally, they emerged from every one of those experiences with their heads held high.
1. Keira Knightley
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Although Keira Knightley's performance in Pride and Prejudice was outstanding, the film's director hesitated to cast her in the lead. Keira was first reluctant to work with Joe Wright because he believed she was too beautiful, the actress said in an interview. The famous person said, "Then we met, and he said, 'Oh no, you're fine.'"
2. Andrew Garfield
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Among the many hopefuls for the part of Prince Caspian in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Andrew Garfield made it to the final round of casting. However, his enthusiasm quickly faded when he was informed that he would not be cast in the part because "he was not attractive enough."
3. Hugh Grant
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In reality, Hugh Grant was put in the opposite position. Screenwriter Richard Curtis didn't want him as the protagonist of the film Four Weddings and a Funeral because he believed he was too handsome to play Charles. By sheer talent alone, the performer was ultimately cast in the production.
4. Henry Cavill
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It may come as a surprise now, but when Henry Cavill first started acting, many didn't think he was up to snuff for a part. At age 21, he tried out for a James Bond film, but the director not only turned him down for the role but also urged that he get in shape if he ever wanted to portray a character like James Bond.
5. Meryl Streep
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Meryl Streep went through a trying time when she tried to get cast in King Kong. What an unattractive lady," the producer's son reportedly said to the actress's Italian-speaking daughter, according to an interview the actress gave. What he didn't count on, though, was for Streep not only to hear him, but also fully grasp what he was saying. "I'm sorry I'm not attractive enough to be in King Kong," she said.
6. Jamie Dornan
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Jamie Dornan's co-star Gillian Anderson once commented, "The aim at the beginning was not to employ someone so gorgeous," which may explain why he became such a fan favorite in The Fall. It was obvious, however, that he was the best candidate for the position.
7. Jennifer Lawrence
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Jennifer Lawrence was shot to stardom because of her appearance in Winter's Bone, even though she was first passed up for the part because she was "too gorgeous." She gave herself a second opportunity and re-auditioned, skipping the shower and going unkempt, hoping that her skill would shine through regardless of how she looked.
8. Scarlett Johansson
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Scarlett Johansson has expressed interest in appearing in The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo. Although David Fincher, the film's director, has said, "Scarlett was great. While he agreed that "her audition was amazing," he also felt that the actress was too "sexy," and that wasn't what he required for the project.
9. Alicia Silverstone
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Alicia Silverstone tried out for the main part in the drama series My So-Called Life before she became famous as the protagonist in the film Clueless. Herskovitz, the co-producer, said no, even though one of the show's creators wanted to cast her immediately. Because "Alicia is so gorgeous that it would have altered her view of the world," she was deemed too attractive to perform the role of a normal adolescent girl. Herskovitz added, "People have told her she's gorgeous since she was six years old.
10. Winona Ryder
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There were many ups and downs in Winona Ryder's early career. A casting director once stopped her in the middle of an audition and said, "Listen, child, you shouldn't be an actor. You can't cut it as a model. You must travel back to your original location if you want to learn. Ryder was just 15 or 16 when she heard the casting director's statements, but she accepted them in stride and pursued acting stardom.