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Roles turned down by Shirley MacLaine:
Shirley MacLaine turned down the role of Alice Hyatt. She admitted regreting it.
Actor who got the part: Ellen Burstyn
Bob Fosse offered the role of Audrey Paris to MacLaine, who claims she gave Fosse the inspiration to make a movie about his experiences as a heart attack survivor. Some say MacLaine turned Fosse down because he couldn't meet her salary demands.
Actor who got the part: Leland Palmer
The star was contracted to play the leading role in a lavish George Cukor-directed musical version of the Broadway musical. The plug was pulled, MacLaine sued and won a huge settlement.
Actor who got the part: Project Abandoned
Shirley MacLaine dropped out of this project before filming began.
MacLaine was considered for the role of Bonnie Parker.
Actor who got the part: Faye Dunaway
Shirley MacLaine turned down the lead role of Holly Golightly.
Actor who got the part: Audrey Hepburn
Declined the role of movie star, mother "Chris MacNeil."
Actor who got the part: Ellen Burstyn
MacLaine was the studio's top choice to play legendary comedienne and Ziegfeld star Fanny Brice.
Actor who got the part: Barbra Streisand
According to a friend of director Chuck Walters: "His first choice for the lead role was Shirley MacLaine, but Debbie campaigned to unseat her. She and Chuck were buddies, so she played that card big time! Debbie even called Shirley directly to talk her out of accepting the role. Shirley had tons of other offers, so she graciously stepped aside. That made it possible for Debbie to play the role and garner her only nomination as Best Actress."
Actor who got the part: Debbie Reynolds
Did you know that Shirley MacLaine was not the only choice for these movies? (click to learn more)
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Shirley MacLaine
