10 More Movie Roles Obviously Designed For Other Actors
6. Marilyn Monroe As Holly Golightly - Breakfast At Tiffany's
This is a case not so much of a screenwriter envisioning an actress but, before that, the author of the original novel. When putting together the 1958 Breakfast at Tiffany’s novella, Truman Capote pictured the character of Holly Golightly portrayed in his mind by Marilyn Monroe. And why not? She was the most prominent woman in cinema during that period, after all.
So, when the film was adapted for the big screen years later, Capote pushed for his vision to become a reality.
To that point, screenwriter George Axelrod was asked to write his script in a way that appealed to the actress’ strengths. However, Lee Strasberg (who had trained Marilyn Monroe out of his acting school in New York City) advised Monroe to pass on the role as her portraying a “lady of the evening” could harm her image. Capote was incensed.
The studio’s choice for Holly was Audrey Hepburn who, at first, also passed on the role before changing her mind.
Coincidentally, Breakfast at Tiffany’s would go on to be one of Hepburn’s most iconic and beloved performances and the image of her with her hair up and holding a large cigarette holder is one of the 21st century’s most recognisable cinematic looks.