10 Actors Who Turned Down Movie Roles Because Of Spite
1. Eydie Gorme Wanted Her Husband To Play The Love Interest - Funny Girl
1968 musical dramedy Funny Girl stared out as a 1964 Broadway musical, with Barbra Streisand ultimately playing actress-comedian Fanny Brice in both the stage show and the film itself.
But prior to Streisand's casting the part was heavily sought out, and almost went to Anne Bancroft until she decided she didn't like the music.
The role was next offered to Grammy-winning singer Eydie Gormé, who only agreed to star if her husband and fellow singer Steve Lawrence could play Brice's husband Nicky Arnstein.
The producers however felt that Lawrence was a poor fit for Arnstein, prompting Gormé to withdraw her involvement in protest, leading to Streisand winning the role.
In addition to netting a Tony Award nomination, Streisand won the Best Actress Oscar when she played the part on the big screen, while Gormé's acting career never really took flight.