The Role of a Lifetime Paul Newman Turned Down—and Always Regretted

Paul Newman, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, once passed on a role that he later called a major regret.

The part was the lead in the 1979 musical drama All That Jazz, directed by Bob Fosse. Newman was offered the role that eventually went to Roy Scheider, famous for his work in Jaws.

All That Jazz tells the story of an obsessive director trying to balance his work on a Broadway musical while editing a movie, a storyline drawn from Fosse’s own life. The film mixes fantasy and reality to show the pressures and ambitions of its central character. It features a strong supporting cast, including Jessica Lange, Ann Reinking, and Ben Vereen.

The movie became a critical and commercial success. Scheider’s performance was praised, and the film earned numerous awards, including the Palme d’Or at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival.

It also received nine Academy Award nominations and won four Oscars, including Best Original Score and Best Editing. Even Stanley Kubrick called it “the best film I think I have ever seen.” In 2001, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as a culturally significant work.

Looking back, Newman admitted he regretted turning down the role. “It was just dumb of me. I was just so stupid, I didn’t take into consideration what the contribution of the director was going to be. That was a terrible oversight,” he said.

This story shows that even the most successful actors can miss out on career-defining opportunities. Newman’s decision serves as a reminder of the role chance and judgment play in shaping a career.

What do you think about actors passing on roles they later regret? Could you imagine turning down a role that becomes iconic? Share your thoughts in the comments.