10 Movie Roles Originally Intended For Other Actors
2. Molly Ringwald – Vivian Ward In Pretty Woman
When it comes to an iconic role that established someone's career as a mega-star, an obvious one to look at is Julia Roberts' portrayal of Vivien Ward in Garry Marshall's Pretty Woman. That role and film are likely the reason you even know who she is, but it almost wasn't meant to be.
At the time, Roberts' career was just getting off the ground, and while she had a few credits to her name, she had almost no name recognition in or out of Hollywood. One woman who did have that "it" status thanks to starring in numerous hits in the '80s was Molly Ringwald.
Ringwald was approached to star opposite Richard Gere in what was almost guaranteed to be a hit, but when the offer came in, she quickly passed. Ringwald didn't want to play a prostitute thinking it would go against the image she built from movies such as Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink.
The role then went to Roberts whose career was given a booster shot by her performance. She went on to win awards and was paid a disturbingly large amount of money over the years. Ringwald followed up passing on Pretty Woman to pass on the role of Molly Jensen in Ghost. That role went to Demi Moore, and Ringwald faded into near obscurity as the '90s rolled on.