9 Famous TV Characters Who Were Originally Much Smaller Roles

1. President Jed Bartlet - The West Wing

The Character: Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen) was the democratic president of the United States in Aaron Sorkin's political drama. Bartlet was a man of great stoicism and integrity, who often had a clever retort no matter what the current crisis was. During his tenure, Bartlet had to contend with ordeals such as re-election, assassination attempts, military operations and his own battle with multiple sclerosis.

What Almost Happened? Shockingly, Bartlet was originally not supposed to appear in the series at all. Sorkin first conceived of the show as focusing on Sam Seaborn (Rob Lowe) and the other senior staff, while Bartlet was just an unseen aspect of the story. The role gradually grew as the production continued to the point where Martin Sheen was cast. His critically-acclaimed performance sealed the character's fate and Bartlet became the main focus for the show from then on.

How'd It Turn Out? Similar to the early plans for Entourage, having a show set in the White House in which the President doesn't appear would have been very strange. While the antics of Seaborn and the others were always entertaining, the real thrills came from the presidential business. Bartlet was a flawed man in a very tough position who was nevertheless open to the opinions of his friends and loved ones.

More importantly, Sheen's performance was a major highlight of the show and he gave us one of the greatest on-screen Presidents of all time. American could sure use a candidate like him right about now.