Close Casting Calls for Stars

Some of today's brightest stars nearly landed iconic TV roles, but didn't for better or worse. Author Eila Mell reveals a few near-misses to the New York Post:  

• Harrison Ford turned down the part of "Meathead" in All in the Family.

• Mickey Rooney also passed on bigot Archie Bunker.

• Rosie O'Donnell was almost cast on Seinfeld as neighbor Elaine.

• Whitney Houston might have been Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show.

• Rachel Dratch played Jenna Maroney in the 30 Rock pilot, but was later replaced.

• Jenna Fischer auditioned for Alias before becoming Pam on The Office.

• Leonardo DiCaprio could have made waves as David Hasselhoff's Baywatch son.

• Nancy McKeon from The Facts of Life wanted Courteney Cox's role on Friends.