10 Actors Who Turned Down Star Trek
1. Edward James Olmos Said Make It.... No!
The role of Jean-Luc Picard certainly had its contenders. Not only was the previously mentioned Yaphet Kotto a forerunner until he backed out, but the role was actually offered to the intense and enigmatic Edward James Olmos. However, he turned the offer down as he was busy working in film and theatre in the 80s and didn't find the idea of Sci-Fi particularly appealing.
Ironically, this would come full circle, as he's likely best known to most as Commander William Adama in Battlestar Galactica. Despite choosing to pass up the iconic Star Trek franchise, was more than happy to lend his name to this series, as it focussed on aspects of acting that he found to be more enjoyable, such as drama over space battles.
Of course, Patrick Stewart was one of the major reasons that Picard became who he was, and it helped him plunge his career into the mainstream. Had Olmos taken on the role then The Next Generation may have turned out to be a completely different experience.