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CBS Feared Jon Cryer, Not Sheen, Sinking Sitcom
13 Oct
Summary
- CBS executives initially feared Jon Cryer's casting on 'Two and a Half Men'.
- Network brass believed Cryer was 'the death of comedy' due to past failures.
- Jon Cryer won two Emmys for his role, defying early network concerns.
Chuck Lorre's new memoir, "Sitcom," discloses that CBS executives harbored significant doubts about Jon Cryer's casting in "Two and a Half Men" long before Charlie Sheen's notorious on-set issues. Network executives, including casting head Peter Golden, reportedly expressed strong reservations, viewing Cryer as a potential detriment to the show's success.
These concerns stemmed from Cryer's history of starring in four sitcoms that failed to last beyond a single season. Lorre recounted being told that Cryer was considered "the death of comedy." Despite this, Lorre, having previously worked with Cryer, championed his audition.
Cryer impressed immensely during his audition, demonstrating excellent chemistry with Charlie Sheen. Network executives, including Chairman and CEO Les Moonves, were visibly skeptical but ultimately relented after Cryer's strong performance. The pilot was a hit, and "Two and a Half Men" became a major success.
Cryer's performance as Alan Harper earned him two Emmy Awards, with his second win occurring in 2012, a year after Sheen's dismissal. The show concluded its 12-season run in 2015, with Ashton Kutcher having replaced Sheen.
