"Thank God I Did Not Get That Part": 17 TV Actors Who Auditioned For One Role, But Got A Totally Different One

BuzzFeed
·9 min read
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1.First, before starring as the iconic Cristina Yang on Grey's Anatomy, Sandra Oh revealed she first auditioned for Miranda Bailey.

Sandra Oh, wearing a surgical cap and scrubs, looks toward the camera against a blurred background
Sandra Oh, wearing a surgical cap and scrubs, looks toward the camera against a blurred background
Chandra Wilson dressed in a doctor's coat with a concerned expression, standing in front of brain scan images
Chandra Wilson dressed in a doctor's coat with a concerned expression, standing in front of brain scan images

ABC

"And thank god I did not get that part. Could you imagine not having [Chandra Wilson]? Forget it," Sandra said at a panel at PaleyFest LA in 2006.

She continued, saying, "At the time, I was practicing for asking what I wanted in my life, which I still practice today. And I saw the part of Cristina Yang — the part was for Cristina — and I wanted to do that part. So even though Shonda [Rhimes], Peter [Horton], and Betsy [Beers] wanted me to come in for the part of Bailey, I said, 'No, I want to come in on Cristina.'"

2.And, before Jessica Capshaw landed the role of Arizona Robbins on Grey's Anatomy, she auditioned for Nurse Rose.

Jessica Capshaw in character, wearing a blue medical jacket and speaking to someone off-camera in a scene from a TV show
Jessica Capshaw in character, wearing a blue medical jacket and speaking to someone off-camera in a scene from a TV show
A woman in medical scrubs stands in a hospital hallway, talking to a man in a lab coat, in a scene from a TV show
A woman in medical scrubs stands in a hospital hallway, talking to a man in a lab coat, in a scene from a TV show

ABC

Shondaland producer Betsy Beers revealed at the ATX TV Festival in 2016 that Jessica even did a chemistry read with Patrick Dempsey, adding, "We fell in love with Jessica Capshaw."

3.Zach Gilford actually auditioned for Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds before landing the role of Elias Voit on Criminal Minds: Evolution nearly 15 years later.

A man with curly hair and light stubble wears a dark top over a white shirt, looking contemplative. The background features tiled walls
A man with curly hair and light stubble wears a dark top over a white shirt, looking contemplative. The background features tiled walls
Matthew Gray Gubler in a casual scene from a TV show, wearing a collared shirt, tie, and sweater, gazing thoughtfully
Matthew Gray Gubler in a casual scene from a TV show, wearing a collared shirt, tie, and sweater, gazing thoughtfully

CBS

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, talking about working on the series now and the show's long history, Zach explained, "I also had a bit of a bittersweet relationship with [Criminal Minds] because it was one of my first auditions I ever had. I was so convinced I was going to book a series regular on a show and it was going to be so cool, and I didn't get it."

He added, "I think it was probably for Matthew [Gray Gubler]'s part, just based on what parts were options."

4.Liza Weil first went out for the role of Rory Gilmore on Gilmore Girls before she was cast as Paris Gellar, which was created for her.

Paris Geller in a school hallway, wearing a uniform with a
Paris Geller in a school hallway, wearing a uniform with a
Alexis Bledel, in a school uniform and a backpack, smiles while holding a piece of paper outside a building
Alexis Bledel, in a school uniform and a backpack, smiles while holding a piece of paper outside a building

Warner Bros

"The younger version of myself was really freaked out that that’s what they wrote,” Liza said at a Gilmore Girls panel when talking about how she was initially concerned that they immediately thought she could play someone so brash and competitive. She added, "I couldn’t fathom that they would think that they could do that! But now I think it’s really flattering, and I’m really glad."

5.Before landing his award-winning role as Kendall Roy on Succession, Jeremy Strong initially went out for the role of Roman Roy.

Jeremy Strong in a scene from a TV show, wearing a dark suit jacket over a light shirt, with a serious expression
Jeremy Strong in a scene from a TV show, wearing a dark suit jacket over a light shirt, with a serious expression
Kieran Culkin in a scene from a TV show, wearing a suit jacket over an open-collared shirt, standing next to a chair
Kieran Culkin in a scene from a TV show, wearing a suit jacket over an open-collared shirt, standing next to a chair

HBO

In an interview with the New Yorker, Jeremy recalled, "I thought, Oh, wow, Roman is such a cool part. He’s, like, this bon-vivant prick. I could do something that I hadn't done before." Executive producer Adam McKay even asked which role he connected with the most, and Jeremy told him Roman.

6.Stephanie Beatriz originally auditioned for the role of Amy Santiago on Brooklyn Nine-Nine before Rosa Diaz was created for her.

Stephanie Beatriz as Rosa Diaz in a scene, wearing a leather jacket and a necklace
Stephanie Beatriz as Rosa Diaz in a scene, wearing a leather jacket and a necklace
Melissa Fumero with a concerned expression, wearing a blazer and a blouse. She appears to be speaking with her hands slightly raised
Melissa Fumero with a concerned expression, wearing a blazer and a blouse. She appears to be speaking with her hands slightly raised

NBC

Stephanie explained in an interview with BUILD that she went in to read for Amy because she was a Latina character in the script. However, the casting director thought Stephanie would be better for the role of "Megan," who later turned into Rosa.

"I think that role was always supposed to be Melissa's. It was always supposed to be Melissa Fumero's role, and it's just so lucky that I got to read for it because then I got to read for this other role of Megan," Stephanie said. She also added she felt more "comfortable" in that character.

7.Annie Murphy was initially asked to read for the role of Stevie Budd on Schitt's Creek before she booked her Emmy Award-winning role as Alexis Rose.

Annie Murphy sits holding a green mug, wearing a floral-patterned dress, while speaking in what looks like a casual, cozy setting
Annie Murphy sits holding a green mug, wearing a floral-patterned dress, while speaking in what looks like a casual, cozy setting
A woman wearing a black jacket over a black and white striped shirt is standing indoors
A woman wearing a black jacket over a black and white striped shirt is standing indoors

CBC / Pop

In an interview with Vulture, Annie explained how Abby Elliot was attached to play Alexis before she ultimately had to drop out. So, Annie came in and auditioned for Alexis, but also Stevie.

"I auditioned for Alexis and I got a call from Dan [Levy] after my first audition, asking me to also audition for Stevie. So I ended up testing for both of those ladies, and it was super fun to be able to play different characters," she recalled.

8.Before landing the role of Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey almost played Simon Basset in Season 1.

Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, wearing a dark-tailored suit with a cravat
Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, wearing a dark-tailored suit with a cravat
A closeup of Rege-Jean Page as Simon Basset wearing high collar and ascot, looking pensive
A closeup of Rege-Jean Page as Simon Basset wearing high collar and ascot, looking pensive

Netflix

In an interview with Oprah Mag, Jonathan said, "It wasn’t until I was talking to the production company and Chris Van Dusen, the showrunner, and at the end of the meeting we’d spoken about family, and men in society, and women in society, and our own personal experiences. And they said, 'Have you thought about Anthony? We’re gonna send you some scripts to read because we think you might be an Anthony.'"

9.Golda Rosheuvel, who has now played Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, first auditioned for Lady Danbury.

Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte in a regal gown with an elaborate and tall hairstyle along with detailed jewelry in a scene from the TV show
Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte in a regal gown with an elaborate and tall hairstyle along with detailed jewelry in a scene from the TV show
Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury at an outdoor formal event wearing a suit jacket, gold jewelry, and a matching top hat. Colorful flowers in the background
Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury at an outdoor formal event wearing a suit jacket, gold jewelry, and a matching top hat. Colorful flowers in the background

Netflix

She told Oprah Mag, "I first auditioned for Lady Danbury. But it went to the marvelous, marvelous Adjoa Andoh, who is a dear friend. Then they came back and said, 'Would you attend a self-taping for Queen Charlotte?'"

10.Hannah Dodd was originally in the running to play Daphne Bridgerton in Bridgerton before she eventually took over the role of Francesca Bridgerton in Season 3.

Hannah Dodd as Francesca holding a champagne glass
Hannah Dodd as Francesca holding a champagne glass
Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne looking upwards at someone else with a serene expression as they walk
Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne looking upwards at someone else with a serene expression as they walk

Netflix

When the audition for Francesca came around, with Hannah ultimately replacing Ruby Stokes, it was very top-secret, and she didn't know what show or character she was exactly auditioning for.

In an interview with Shondaland, Hannah added, "I auditioned for season one, so when I did a taped audition again for season three, I’d grown to love the show as a fan. But I didn’t know I was auditioning for Bridgerton at the time. It was just one scene; literally, no idea what it was for."

11.Before landing the role of Andre Anderson on Gen V, the spinoff of The Boys, Chance Perdomo revealed he actually auditioned for Hughie Campbell in the original series.

An actor stands in front of a historic building, wearing a striped jacket, green shirt, and gold necklace
An actor stands in front of a historic building, wearing a striped jacket, green shirt, and gold necklace
A person is seen smiling in a close-up shot with an indoor setting in the background
A person is seen smiling in a close-up shot with an indoor setting in the background

Prime Video

In an interview with Variety, Chance said, "I came into this as a fan of The Boys; I actually had originally auditioned for Hughie years ago. I read it, and I thought it was such a great script. And I was like, 'Whether I get it or not, I still want to watch the show.'"

He added, "Then I watched The Boys, and I think, ‘Wow, this has never been done; it’s amazing.’ So then to get Andre was such a blessing because I come into it and I get to enjoy the playground that is The Boys universe."

12.Joe Keery first went in to read for the role of Jonathan Byers on Stranger Things before getting the role of Steve Harrington.

Joe Keery as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, wearing a casual outfit with a spiked bat on his shoulder, in a wooded area
Joe Keery as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things, wearing a casual outfit with a spiked bat on his shoulder, in a wooded area
Charlie Heaton in a scene facing another character, wearing a dark jacket, in a serious moment from a TV show or movie
Charlie Heaton in a scene facing another character, wearing a dark jacket, in a serious moment from a TV show or movie

Netflix

In an interview with Live with Kelly and Ryan, Joe said he "sent a tape in" for the role of Jonathan and hadn't heard anything for months, so he assumed he wasn't going to book the job.

Then, he said they wanted him to tape for "this other role," and he was initially like, "What?! The jerky boyfriend?"

13.Before landing the role of Nathan Scott on One Tree Hill, James Lafferty revealed he first read for Lucas Scott.

A man in a black shirt stands outdoors, smiling
A man in a black shirt stands outdoors, smiling
Chad Michael Murray in a scene from a TV drama, wearing a slightly unbuttoned blue shirt with a loosely tied black and white striped tie
Chad Michael Murray in a scene from a TV drama, wearing a slightly unbuttoned blue shirt with a loosely tied black and white striped tie

The CW / Warner Bros

On an episode of the Drama Queens podcast, James explained, "I didn't get Lucas and then I went and read for Nathan, and I went through a series of auditions for Nathan. At a certain point in the audition process it got through to me through back channels that I was too nice, I was not hard enough to be this guy, but they liked me." He worked with an acting coach, tested five times, and then eventually booked the job.

He also said how he immediately connected with the show because he loved basketball, has a brother, and grew up in a small town.

14.Shay Mitchell originally auditioned for the role of Spencer Hastings on Pretty Little Liars before landing the role of Emily Fields.

Shay Mitchell in a scene from a TV show, looking concerned with furrowed brows, wearing a sleeveless top
Shay Mitchell in a scene from a TV show, looking concerned with furrowed brows, wearing a sleeveless top
Troian Bellisario wearing a white shirt with black vest, holding a smartphone to her ear, appears focused in an indoor setting
Troian Bellisario wearing a white shirt with black vest, holding a smartphone to her ear, appears focused in an indoor setting

Freeform

In an interview with Ocean Drive per Teen Vogue, Shay said she also initially faced criticism after being cast as Emily. She recalled, "The criticism started when I first went into the PLL role and [the critics said], 'Oh, she doesn’t look anything like the character. The character is supposed to have red hair, fair complexion, and freckles; she looks nothing like that.'"

Shay added, "The world is a melting pot now. It’s no longer the typical American girl with blonde hair and blue [eyes]."

15.Samantha Hanratty first auditioned for the role of young Natalie Scatorccio on Yellowjackets prior to booking young Misty Quigley.

Young girl with curly hair, glasses, and a backpack looking anxious in a close-up scene from a movie or TV show
Young girl with curly hair, glasses, and a backpack looking anxious in a close-up scene from a movie or TV show
Sophie Thatcher wearing a casual tee, with her hair styled in loose waves, giving a soft smile against a dark background
Sophie Thatcher wearing a casual tee, with her hair styled in loose waves, giving a soft smile against a dark background

Showtime

In an interview with Collider's Ladies Night, Samantha explained, "I'm not Natalie and that's totally fine, and she's amazing. It's so weird when you audition for a different character, and then you see how somebody else does it, and you're like, ‘Yes!’ Because there's other times where you see it and you're like, ‘Really? That’s what they went with?’ But this was definitely a win for our show having Sophie Thatcher."

She added, "She's incredible. I can't even touch what she’s got going on."

16.Paul Wesley initially went in to read for Damon Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries before he was cast as Stefan Salvatore.

Paul Wesley in a dramatic scene, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and tie
Paul Wesley in a dramatic scene, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and tie
Ian Somerhalder holding a glass in a scene from a TV show
Ian Somerhalder holding a glass in a scene from a TV show

The CW / Warner Bros

In an interview on Inside of You, Paul said the audition process for TVD was "hell," adding, "This was the worst experience of my life."

He continued, saying he tested for some other shows and eventually got a "frantic" phone call that the studio had done multiple rounds of testing and could not find "anybody" for the role of Stefan. Then, he went in, read for it, tested alongside 14 other potential Stefan actors, and shooting ultimately began a week or so later.

17.And finally, Sonequa Martin Green originally went out for the role of Michonne on The Walking Dead before booking the role of Sasha Williams.

Sonequa Martin-Green dressed in a military-style outfit, holding a rifle, and looking intently to the side in an industrial setting
Sonequa Martin-Green dressed in a military-style outfit, holding a rifle, and looking intently to the side in an industrial setting
Danai Gurira as Michonne stares intensely in a scene from
Danai Gurira as Michonne stares intensely in a scene from

AMC

In 2015, she tweeted in response to a fan asking if she first auditioned for Sasha, "I did not, I originally auditioned for Michonne."

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