Clift turned down the role of Joel Gillis because it was too close to his own relationship with singer Libby Hollman. He found the story idea "disgusting"

Great director Billy Wilder offered the role of brokendown, opportunistic screenwriter "Joe Gillis" to his "Double Indemnity" star, who turned it down.

Director Billy Wilder was turned down by the exotic silent film star when he offered her the great role of "Norma Desmond."

Director Billy Wilder went personally to offer the "Norma Desmond" role to Pickford, arguably the greatest and most powerful of all female silent film stars.