- Roger Moore, The Wild Geese, 1978. This takes some believing. But Roger Moore swore it was true. The elegant UK producer Euan Lloyd was in Hollywood when the casting director pencilled in OJ for Shawn Flynn. Why? “Well, in the script it says Shawn Flynn is black-Irish.”
- Howard E Rollins, Ragtime, 1981. He vowed to quit football if he got this one – in James Cagney’s comeback and final cinema role – “hello again” and “farewell”! “Coalhouse Walker is one of those parts you can build a career on.” Rollins would hardly agree.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Terminator, 1983.
Like a future murder trial jury, the producer thought he was way too nice to be a killer. As director James Cameron put it: “I didn’t know he would murder his wife and become a real Terminator.” Arnold was due to play Reese. Cameron and his team had lunch with him “For some reason I kept talking about the Terminator.” Having recently been impressed by Yul Brynner as ”the toughest cowboy… and shooter” in Westworld, Arnold proceeded to lecture Cameron how the Terminator had to do things automatically. “He does two or three things at once. He doesn’t look at his gun when he’s loading it – he’s a machine! He should not he played as a machine – but should be a machine.” Cameron looked around the table of nodding heads and declared: “ We all agree you should be the Terminator.” Only to be shocked by Arnie saying “No, thanks!” He was done with Conaning.. not interested in just 27 lines… Reese was more of a challenge. “I don’t wanna regress!” “Trust me,” said Cameron. “You will be the most memorable character, the #1 villain and the #1 hero. I know how to do that.” That included shooting ”Il’l be back!” ten times, as Schwarzi (*naturally) differed with Jim Cameron on the delivery. “Don’t rewrite my script,” ordered Jim. “But we’ll do ten takes and you can choose…” - Michael Douglas, Fatal Attraction, 1987.
- Dr Joyce Brothers, The Simpsons #76: Last Exit to Springfield, TV, 1993. 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… Simpson refused to be a Smartline panellist. He was subbed by TV psychologist Dr Joyce Brothers. OJ replaced by a shrink…! Please believe me when I say I’m not making this stuff up!
Usual occupation: DisgraceBirth year: Death year: Other name: Casting Calls: 5