Typically, Hollywood gives us the impression of stunning actors, luxurious lifestyles, and limitless possibilities. However, the truth is that a few of the most prominent stars have been rejected because of their looks. Some are considered unattractive, while others are deemed too attractive. This group of celebrities were either turned down for roles or almost missed out on them due to their appearance. Let’s explore which successful performers were labeled as either too unattractive or too beautiful for a particular role.
Meryl Streep
Our list begins with an iconic actress who is highly revered. Meryl Streep, who is now a decorated star, did not always hold such a reputable position. In the year 1976, when she attempted to audition for the adventure movie King Kong, she faced rejection in an impolite manner.
Upon arriving for her audition, Meryl overheard an Italian producer refer to her as “ugly” in his native language, not realizing that she was fluent in Italian and understood everything he said. It was a rather uncomfortable situation.
Emily Ratajkowski
It may not come as a shock that Emily Ratajkowski, a model and actress from America, was rejected from some roles due to her immense beauty. Her outstanding appearance is undeniable. Emily, who used to walk the runway, has stated that certain filmmakers avoid casting her because her bosom is quite large.
According to Emily Ratajkowski, she frequently gets typecast into roles that only require her looks, and movie producers are unable to envision her in other kinds of roles. She astutely characterizes this as a form of discrimination against women.
Reese Witherspoon
Among the celebrities listed, Reese Witherspoon is one who we definitely would not consider as unappealing or unattractive. Nevertheless, the American actress has disclosed that she was repeatedly informed that she did not possess sufficient beauty to portray a principal character.
Reese was constantly told that she was too short and not attractive enough. However, she has proven her critics wrong with her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA, two Golden Globes, and an Emmy.
Charlize Theron
On a number of occasions, Charlize Theron, a South African actress, almost lost out on roles due to her attractiveness. However, when she portrayed Aileen Wuornos, a serial killer, in the movie “Monster”, she had to go through a significant change of appearance.
In a similar manner, during her audition for the horror film The Devil’s Advocate, Charlize was informed by the director that she was too attractive for the role. Thus, she made some changes and decided not to apply makeup, avoided brushing her hair, and woke up early in the morning so as to appear less remarkable. Fortunately, her attempts were successful!
Jessica Chastain
Jessica Chastain was unfortunately told for many years that she did not meet the physical standards required to become a movie star. It was only in recent years that she started receiving compliments about her beauty with people now acknowledging her physical appeal. Previously, she had been rejected for roles as she wasn’t deemed pretty enough.
It’s absurd that the casting directors constantly advised the stunning redhead actress to change her hair color to blonde for better roles. It’s like they lack creativity. Nevertheless, she has managed to win an Oscar now.
Jamie Dornan
The TV show titled “The Fall” is a crime drama that depicts Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson’s pursuit of a serial killer in Northern Ireland. According to Gillian Anderson, who portrays Stella, Jamie Dornan was nearly rejected for the role of the criminal Paul Spector because of his attractive appearance.
She mentioned that the original plan was not to employ someone who was extremely attractive. However, as time passed and they filmed two seasons of the TV series, the actor from Northern Ireland gained worldwide recognition for his role as the alluring Christian Grey in the movie Fifty Shades of Grey.
Winona Ryder
The notion that Winona Ryder was discouraged from pursuing an acting career is simply absurd, but she has revealed that during the 1980s a casting director did in fact make that negative remark to her.
It seems that while she was speaking, they interrupted her and expressed their opinion that she wasn’t attractive enough to pursue a career as an actress. They also suggested she leave and go back to school. Despite this discouragement, she went on to become an icon in the fashion and acting industries.
Jon Hamm
On this list, some celebrities believe that their traditional good looks have restricted the types of roles they can take. An example is actress Emily Ratajkowski who has been typecasted due to her physical appearance.
Jon Hamm, an actor, has expressed his dissatisfaction with being typecasted as a serious leading actor, when he would love to explore comedic roles. He believes that there is more to him than just his appearance.
Lea Michele
It is disheartening that Hollywood places such importance on physical appearance that it often shatters the aspirations of numerous people at a relatively young age. Actress Lea Michele, while struggling to establish her career, was advised by her agent to undergo cosmetic surgery, which is even more distressing.
Both Lea and Lady Gaga were advised to get a nose job to improve their chances of getting acting or music opportunities. It was suggested that having a nose job was necessary for them to succeed in their respective fields as it appeared to be a common practice among other famous individuals.
Alicia Silverstone
The popular teenage series My So-Called Life was initially broadcasted in 1994 and gained a devoted following. Although the primary role was performed by the relatively unknown Clare Danes, another actress was also considered for the part. Alicia Silverstone was among the contenders for the role, but one of the show’s creators believed that her physical appearance was too glamorous to portray the character of Angela Chase.
According to Marshall Horowitz, the girl has been receiving compliments about her appearance since she was six years old, and therefore, it would not be fitting to depict her with the current written description.
Benedict Cumberbatch
When Sherlock showrunner Steven Moffat first presented Benedict Cumberbatch to BBC executives, they weren’t happy. They claimed that they had been promised a super-hot leading man, and weren’t impressed with the English actor’s less conventional attractiveness.
Thankfully, the showrunners kept Benedict Cumberbatch as their leading man. Clearly, they made the right decision as he won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries in 2014. The star also has a dedicated fanbase who would certainly disagree with the idea that he’s not handsome enough.
Christina Hendricks
While many Hollywood hotties are tall, slim, and blonde, Christina Hendricks bucks the trend. With her red hair, fair skin, and curvaceous figure, the actress has stunned audiences in a variety of roles. However, her good looks have also held her back.
The American actress and former model has said that she’s had very strong auditions and has been surprised not to land the part. On one occasion, she was told that she didn’t get the part of a doctor because doctors simply don’t look like her.
Rowan Atkinson
English actor Rowan Atkinson is known for various comedic characters. He charmed British audiences as the irritable Blackadder in the ’80s sitcom of the same name. Then, he charmed millions of children as the childish Mr. Bean in a number of TV shows and movies.
The actor initially studied to be an electrical engineer, but eventually made his way into the comedy arena. According to some sources, the star was told by various directors and producers that he wasn’t attractive enough for leading man roles.
Rob Lowe
Up next is another handsome actor who has been frustrated by being typecast. Rob Lowe was a true ’80s heartthrob and member of the Brat Pack. Annoyingly for him, this meant that he was only offered certain types of roles based on his appearance.
The star has said, “There’s this unbelievable bias and prejudice against quote-unquote good-looking people, that they can’t be in pain or they can’t have rough lives or be deep or interesting.” Thankfully, as Chris Traeger, he proved them wrong.
Emma Thompson
British actress Emma Thompson has been very outspoken about Hollywood’s unrealistic beauty standards. The star has proudly claimed she will never have cosmetic surgery. In fact, she sees our obsession with plastic surgery as a collective illness.
During her career, Emma was repeatedly told by male executives that she wasn’t “pretty enough.” She has said she has “never conformed to the shape or look of someone they might want to see naked.” Oh well, at least she has two Oscars!
