- Treat Williams, Hair, 1978. Nearly, Springsteen and Madonna…! Unbelievably, Broadway’s hippy hit was once planned as a movie vehicle for Bee Gees brothers Barry and Maurice Gibb (as George Berger and Woof). A much better plan was for The Boss to play Berger. Born in Manchester England, England! But losing The Boss and Madonna – doesn’t say much for the famous eye of Czech director Milos Forman, succeeding George Lucas as director.
- Kurt Russell, Swing Shift, 1984. When Kevin Costner proved unavailable, director Jonathan Demme thought of Springsteen as Lucky Lockhart. Then, Russell, showed up – and co-star Goldie Hawn approved him. (They are still together). Demme thought of Springsteen again when he wanted a song summing up Philadelphia, in 1993. The moving song won an Oscar.
- Emilo Estevez, Maximum Overdrive, 1986. Stephen King wanted Springsteen for his hero and AC/DC for the music. He got AC/DC… This is the 19th of King’s staggering 313 screen credits. He has had no memory of writing the novel due to his alcohol addiction – and was “coked out of my mind” when directing the movie. Fortunately, he had his good friend and often collaborator George A Romero (Creepshow, etc), on the set. Much of the films look like Romero took over. Why hasn’t King directed a second time? “Just watch Maximum Overdrive...” He now calls it a moron movie. (King Kameo: Man at ATM).
- Michael J Fox, Light of Day, 1987. The Boss passed – and decided he did not wish to make movies. OK, said Paul Schrader, but yes, he’d a song. And he did – for the original title: Born In The USA. He then kept that for his next (platinum) album and wrote another for the new title.
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Larry King, The Simpsons #24: One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish, TV, 1991. Since its 1989 birth, the yellowtoon family Simpson smashed records for episodes, audiences, and the most guest stars (as themselves or others). From Buzz Aldrin, Glenn Close (Homer’s Mom), Dennis Franz (Evil Homer!), George Harrison, Stephen Hawking, Dustin Hoffman, Bob Hope, Eric Idle to Paul and Linda McCartney, Conan O’Brien (a Simpsons writer made good), Michelle Pfeiffer, Mickey Rooney, Ringo Starr, Meryl Streep plus Barry (and Betty) White! Not all celebs played ball… So what happens when you can’t get The Boss? Why, you settle for Larry King! (No, really).
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Sting, The Simpsons #48: Radio Bart, TV, 1992. Springsteen sprang away (again) and Sting stung!
Birth year: Death year: Other name: Usual occupation: SingerCasting Calls: 6