1. – Sean Penn, Carlito’s Way, 1993. The Australian Robert De Niro-lookalike was in the last three, before (the Hackmanesque) Penn won the role that had been slated for his co-star Pacino, when the main role was set for Marlon Brando.
2. – James Gandolfini, The Sopranos, TV, 1999-2007. New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano was first written with Bruce Springsteen guitarist Steve Van Zandt in mind. When creator David Chase nearly had a deal at Fox, Tony (ex-Tommy) was to be the Aussie often cast as New York tough guys. (His Al Capone was dropped in Sam Mendes’ final cut of Road to Perdition, 2002). LaPaglia went in to TV law enforcement as an FBI agent in Without A Trace, 2002-07.
Birth year: Death year: Other name: Casting Calls: 2