Fired Stars' Surprising Path to Stardom

Numerous Hollywood stars have experienced the sting of being fired from a role, only to find greater success elsewhere. Gene Hackman was replaced in "The Graduate" but received his first Oscar nomination for "Bonnie and Clyde" the same year.

Richard Gere lost a part in "The Lords of Flatbush" to Sylvester Stallone's enmity but became a movie star with "American Gigolo" and "An Officer and a Gentleman."

Jerry Seinfeld's recurring role on "Benson" ended with his firing, pushing him to refine his stand-up comedy and eventually create the hit sitcom "Seinfeld."

Lisa Kudrow, initially cast as Roz Doyle in "Frasier," was let go before shooting any scenes but later won an Emmy for her role as Phoebe in "Friends."

Ray Romano, after being fired from a sitcom, found vindication with his own show, "Everybody Loves Raymond," which ran for nine seasons.

Mariska Hargitay lost the role of Dulcea in "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie" but became a fixture on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."

Eric McCormack's character was cut from Jenny McCarthy's sitcom, but he later achieved fame as Will Truman in "Will & Grace."

Hilary Swank was let go from "Beverly Hills, 90210" before winning an Oscar for "Boys Don't Cry" and a second for "Million Dollar Baby."

Robert Downey Jr. was fired from "Ally McBeal" due to legal troubles but made a remarkable comeback, eventually starring in "Iron Man."

Will Arnett's character was cut from "Still Standing," leading him to a beloved role as Gob Bluth in "Arrested Development."

Jon Hamm was recast in the pilot of "Related" but found lasting fame as Don Draper in "Mad Men."

Ryan Gosling was replaced in "The Lovely Bones" but has since delivered a string of acclaimed performances, including Oscar-nominated turns in "La La Land" and "Barbie."