Henry Winkler says fears of being typecast prompted him to turn down the lead role in 1978's "Grease." "I was dumb," Winkler told People magazine in this week's issue. "I spent so much energy, so much time … I spent so many sleepless nights thinking, 'How do I not get typecast?

Who turned down the lead role in Grease?

Henry Winkler said his fear of being typecast after years playing “The Fonz” led to him rejecting the lead role in 1978 hit film Grease.

Why did Henry Winkler turn down the role in Grease?

Happy Days star Henry Winkler rejected Grease role for fear of being typecast. Henry Winkler said his fear of being typecast after years playing "The Fonz" led to him rejecting the lead role in 1978 hit film Grease.

Who turned down Danny Zuko?

But after his effortlessly cool character became a bedrock of the hit American sitcom across the show's 10-year run, Winkler found himself paralyzed by fears of being typecast, going so far as to turn down the role of Danny Zuko in 1978's Grease, which was ultimately played by John Travolta, he writes in his new memoir ...

What other actors were considered for Grease?

Other surprising names who came close to appearing include Steven Ford - son of US President Gerald Ford - as football player Tom Chisum, and 'Deep Throat' actor Harry Reems as Couch Calhoun. (The latter was nixed by the studio, whilst the former reportedly 'vanished' during rehearsals.)

What actor turned down Grease?

Who turned down Sandy in Grease?

John Travolta's 'Grease' co-star Olivia Newton-John almost turned down Sandy, casting director claims.

Who was offered the role of Sandy in Grease?

Before Newton-John was hired, Allan Carr was considering numerous names such as Carrie Fisher, Ann-Margret, Deborah Raffin, Susan Dey and Marie Osmond for the lead role. Fisher, who had recently finished Star Wars, was ultimately rejected because neither Stigwood nor Carr knew if she could sing.

Who turned down the Indiana Jones role?

Harrison Ford took the lead role in the franchise as the archeologist, but it could've been Tom Selleck. Karen Allen, who played Marion Ravenwood opposite Ford as Indiana Jones, revealed the Friends alum's TV career forced him to turn down the gig. "Tom Selleck had been cast, and then it turned out Magnum P.I.

Who was the first choice to play Fonzie?

Originally, former The Monkees band member Micky Dolenz was considered for the role, but he was too tall when compared to Ron Howard. Travolta wanted the role but he didn't want to go blond, which was how they originally envisioned The Fonz.

Who was originally supposed to play Danny Zuko?

Grease could've had very different cast members. According to Vanity Fair, Henry Winkler of Happy Days fame was offered the lead role of Danny Zuko and Travolta only stepped in after Winkler turned down the opportunity.

Why did Grease 2 flop?

Grease 2 is often regarded as one of the worst sequels in movie history; it's pointless, a complete copy of the original (minus all the good parts), and the songs are forgettable for the most part.

Why didn t people like Grease 2?

The "Grease" sequel had a bad girl and good boy meeting and going against the high school social hierarchy, opposite of the first film. That would have been fine, if both of the characters had been willing to change for each other, as Danny and Sandy both were. But they weren't, and none of this movie made much sense.

Who auditioned for Grease 2?

With only a few television roles and small film appearances, Michelle Pfeiffer, then aged 23, was a relatively unknown actress when she attended the casting call audition for the role of Stephanie. Other actresses considered for the part included Lisa Hartman, Kristy McNichol, Andrea McArdle, and singer Pat Benatar.

Did Elvis turn down a role in Grease?

Olivia Newton-John stars as Sandy in the 1978 film Grease

Despite a career packed with movie musicals, Elvis Presley actually said no to being in the biggest one of all time.

What did Barry Gibb do in Grease?

In 1978, Barry Gibb wrote the title track for the 1978 film adaptation of the popular stage musical Grease.

Was Helen Travolta in Grease?

Ellen Travolta was born on October 6, 1939 in Englewood, New Jersey, USA. She is an actress, known for Grease (1978), Joanie Loves Chachi (1982), and Charles in Charge (1984). She was previously married to. She is one of John Travolta's siblings and has had her own respectable career.

Why did Fonzie go blind?

When Al accidentally strikes him on the head with a metal tray, Fonzie loses his sight. With the possibility of his blindness being permanent, Fonzie struggles to come to terms with it; but Richie is determined to make his friend face the situation and revive his morale.

Who was supposed to play Forrest Gump?

Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump (1994)

The classic role of Forrest Gump was initially offered to John Travolta. He declined the part and has since openly admitted that passing on the role was one of the biggest mistakes of his career.

Who auditioned for the role of Fonzie but was too tall?

Originally, former Monkee Micky Dolenz was considered for the role, but he was too tall compared to Ron Howard.

Who turned down the role of Forrest Gump?

John Travolta ('Forrest Gump')

He said he doesn't regret turning down the role because he was happy to appear in Pulp Fiction. He explained, “No, because if I didn't do something Tom Hanks did, then I did something else that was equally interesting or fun.

Who turned down the role of Jenny in Forrest Gump?

Jenny was played by Emmy-nominated actress Robin Wright, but as with Hanks, she wasn't the first pick. The studio offered the role to both Jodie Foster (The Silence of the Lambs, Panic Room) and Demi Moore (Ghost, G.I. Jane), who ultimately passed.

Who almost played Pretty Woman?

Vivienne, Pretty Woman

Molly Ringwald, notable for her hit coming-of-age '80s films such as The Breakfast Club and 16 Candles, was offered the part of Vivian in a bid to break the high school mould. “I don't specifically remember turning it down,” she began, before acknowledging that Pretty Woman was made for Roberts.

Was Donny Osmond in Grease?

Marie's brother Donny was imagined as the Teen Angel. And so was Elvis. Carr had Donny Osmond in mind for the appearance, and Elvis—who died during the summer the film was shot—was also rumored for the part, which eventually went to Frankie Avalon.

Did Olivia Newton-John ever date John Travolta?

In her autobiography, Newton-John recalls having a mutual "attraction" with Travolta but explains that they were both committed to other people. "The truth is, it never went beyond friendship with John despite the fact that the fans wanted for us to become a couple in real life.

Are Frenchy and Sandy cousins?

The Grease girls, who played memorable best buds and cousins Sandy and Frenchy in the 1978 classic, joined one another on stage at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino during Newton-John's show.