Actors Who Regret Missing Out On Major Roles

For an actor, picking the right role can make or break a career. Actors who land the perfect part can look forward to fame and fortune, including adding an Oscar, Golden Globe or other major award to the trophy cabinet.

But searching for that ideal role can sometimes cause them to pass up parts that ended up becoming iconic. Here are the stories of Hollywood celebrities who passed on famous movie roles.

Henry Winkler - Grease (1978)

Henry Winkler had just wrapped up the TV show Happy Days, in which he played the unforgettable, ice-cool bad boy The Fonz, when he was offered the role of Danny Zuko in Grease. However, Winkler didn't want to end up typecast, so he passed on the part. Rumor also says that Winkler was unsure if his singing skills were up to the challenge.

Al Pacino - Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

Speaking of career-defining roles! When George Lucas was making his hugely-impactful space epic, he strongly considered Pacino to play Han Solo. But Pacino just didn't understand the script. The role instead went to a carpenter who'd had a few parts in earlier Lucas films, Harrison Ford.

Matt Damon - Avatar (2009)

According to Matt Damon himself, James Cameron offered him 10% of the film's profits if the actor signed on to play the lead role of Jake Sully. Damon was interested, but ultimately couldn't let down the cast and crew of The Bourne Ultimatum, to which he'd already committed.