Oprah Winfrey as Mrs. Miller in Doubt
Oprah Winfrey reportedly wanted to play the role of Mrs. Miller in the critically acclaimed film Doubt (2008). She reportedly asked director John Patrick Shanley about the role. She later auditioned, but Shanley decided to go with actress Viola Davis in the part instead. Davis went on to earn her first Academy Award nomination for her role in the film.
Angela Bassett as Leticia in Monster’s Ball
Actress Angela Bassett was initially approached to play Leticia Musgrove in the film Monster’s Ball (2001), but she turned it down. The actress gave an explanation, saying, “I couldn’t do that because it’s such a stereotype about Black women and sexuality.”
Actress Halle Berry ended up taking the role, and earning an Academy Award for Best Actress for that film.
