10 Actors Who Turned Down Iconic TV Roles For Stupid Reasons
7. Michael Richards - Adrian Monk (Monk)
Cosmo Kramer, AKA Michael Richards, made a name for himself starring on the seminal sitcom Seinfeld, for which he won three Primetime Emmy Awards and carved himself into pop culture as one of TV's best comedic actors.
When the show came to an end in 1998, Richards found himself approached by ABC Studios to take the role of homicide detective Adrian Monk in the police comedy-drama Monk.
According to reports, the role was actually written with Richards in mind in hopes of getting him on board once Seinfeld came to an end.
But, despite being told that Monk's severe OCD would lead to some great comedy moments amongst the dramatic setting of the series, Richards turned it down because he didn't think it was funny enough.
Since Richards' career has been very slow since the end of the show that made him famous, and since Monk became a massive critical and commercial success that would win lead actor Tony Shalhoub three Emmys and a Golden Globe, it could be that he's come to regret the decision.
His decision is proof that sometimes, it's worth taking a risk and seeing where a new road will take you in the long run.