The screentest is the last hurdle an actor has to jump over before being given the role that could change his or her life forever. A nobody can instantly become a somebody, or an actor can just continue the struggle of looking for work. For many of the talented actors on this list of those who missed out, it was only a matter of time before the big role came along. For others, however, the story is not as kind, and these screentests probably keep them from sleeping most nights. It is strange to think how incredibly different some films would have been if a different actor had won the role...
10. Marlon Brando - Rebel Without a Cause
James Dean is an icon. The babyfaced badboy. The way that he brought the character of Jim Stark to life stands as the quintessential role of his devastatingly short career. What an amazing feat it is for someone to appear so tough, yet so sensitive at the same time. It seems a strong wind could blow him over. There is no doubt James Dean is brilliant in Rebel Without a Cause, yet another future acting giant almost got the role. Watching Marlon Brando walk through that door and hurl himself on that couch feels so wrong, yet so, so right. This five minute screentest showcases the handsome, charming, and emotional Marlon Brando, who melted hearts around the world. It's like Marlon is built like a tank, but the tank is being operated by a sensitive little boy. And my goodness, he really hates his father's "stupid face."