5 audition tapes of famous actors before they hit it big
These actors are some of the biggest names in Hollywood, but these audition tapes show their humble beginnings. Here are 5 audition times of actors before they were famous.
1. Julia Roberts
Before Roberts became a breakout star in Steel Magnolias in 1989, she auditioned for Seven Minutes in Heaven. She lost the part to Jennifer Connelly who had a bigger reputation at the time.
2. Hugh Jackman
In 1999, stage actor Jackman auditioned for the character of Wolverine in X-Men. He didn’t get the role until Dougray Scott, the actor who was originally cast, got injured and had to quit production. Director Bryan Singer then re-watched Jackman’s audition tape and invited him back for a screen test before offering him the role.
3. Robert De Niro
In 1971, Robert De Niro auditioned for the role of gangster Sonny Corleone in The Godfather. He lost the role to James Caan, however he landed a role in The Godfather Part II as the young Vito Corleone. He won his first Oscar for the part.
4. Natalie Portman
In 1993, Portman auditioned for the lead role in Léon: The Professional. She landed the role and then went on to star in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
5. Scarlett Johansson
In 1994, 11-year-old Scarlet Johansson auditioned for the part of Judy Shepherd in Jumanji. She lost the role to Kirsten Dunst, who was an already-established child actor.