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Being a working actor means being able to be picky about the projects that you take on. While some will take what they can get early on, true stars know the value of choosing the right role at the right time.
Sometimes, however, these decision come with a price. Emma Stone has turned down numerous hits, Chris Farley turned down There’s Something About Mary, and even Jonah Hill turned down a billion-dollar franchise.
At the start of the ’90s, Molly Ringwald turned down a film that became a classic, and earned it’s star an Oscar nomination.
Molly Ringwald Was A Darling Of ’80s Cinema
In the vibrant landscape of ’80s cinema, one name shone brightly and left an indelible mark on the era: Molly Ringwald. With her distinct charm, endearing performances, and relatable characters, Ringwald captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Sixteen Candles introduced the world to Molly Ringwald’s undeniable talent. Portraying the lovable and relatable Samantha Baker, a teenager navigating the complexities of high school, Ringwald effortlessly won hearts with her wit and vulnerability. Sixteen Candles struck a chord with audiences and firmly established Ringwald as the quintessential ’80s teen icon.
In The Breakfast Club, Ringwald’s portrayal of Claire Standish showcased her range and solidified her status as the leading lady of teen-oriented films.
Continuing her successful collaboration with director John Hughes, Molly Ringwald headlined Pretty in Pink, a romantic comedy-drama that explored the complexities of high school love and social class divide. Her endearing performance as the quirky and independent Andie Walsh earned her further acclaim, cementing her status as the reigning queen of teen-driven films.
Things were rolling along nicely for Ringwald in the 1980s, and as the 1990s were fast approaching, the actress was offered a role that could have taken things to another level, while helping her shed the label of ’80s teen star.
Ringwald Turned Down A Chance To Star In Pretty Woman
While Molly Ringwald’s name became synonymous with the ’80s movie scene, one role that could have reshaped her career was ultimately declined—the lead role in Pretty Woman. Released in 1990 and starring Julia Roberts, the film became a colossal success, propelling Roberts to superstardom.
According to Ringwald, “Julia Roberts was wonderful in it, but I didn’t really like the story. Even then, I felt like there was something icky about it.”
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Previously, on a Reddit AMA, Ringwald had touched on what happened all those years ago.
“I think I saw an early draft and it was called $3,000. I don’t specifically remember turning it down. The script was okay, but I gotta say, Julia Roberts is what makes that movie. It was her part. Every actor hopes for a part that lets them shine like that,” she said in an answer.
Ringwald was out, and Julie Roberts was in.
Julia Roberts Got The Job, And Became A Superstar
Pretty Woman hit the silver screen on March 23, 1990, directed by Garry Marshall and starring Julia Roberts as the vivacious Vivian Ward and Richard Gere as the dashing Edward Lewis. The film proved to be an instant hit, resonating with viewers of all ages. It grossed a staggering $463 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing romantic comedy of its time. The film’s success was a testament to its universal appeal.
Apart from its impressive financial success, Pretty Woman garnered critical acclaim for its storytelling, performances, and infectious charm. Julia Roberts’ breakout role as Vivian Ward earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, solidifying her status as a rising star in Hollywood. Richard Gere’s portrayal of Edward Lewis showcased his versatility and on-screen chemistry with Roberts, resulting in a captivating dynamic that captivated audiences.
Nearly three decades after its release, Pretty Woman remains an influential cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with audiences. Its legacy extends beyond the box office success, making a lasting impact on popular culture and inspiring subsequent romantic comedies.
For Roberts, it was a career-defining role early on, and for Ringwald, it was just a missed opportunity.
Ringwald has had a wonderful career, finding lots of success on the big and small screen, while Roberts has done the same, though largely on the big screen.
While declining the lead role in Pretty Woman may have raised eyebrows, it also showcased Ringwald’s unwavering commitment to staying true to her artistic vision and promoting meaningful portrayals of women on screen. Her decision continues to be a point of discussion, but at the end of the day, she knows she made the right choice, and has had an incredible career in her own right.
