Bruce Willis, a renowned figure in Hollywood, is known for his action-packed roles and significant impact on the film industry. However, some might not know that the iconic actor turned down several movie roles that ultimately became significant parts of Whoopi Goldberg’s career. In an intriguing twist of fate, these rejected roles laid the foundation for Goldberg’s rise to stardom.
The twist in this story begins with Whoopi Goldberg stepping into the spotlight with her Oscar-nominated role in 1985’s “The Color Purple,” directed by Steven Spielberg. Despite this critical success, Hollywood was uncertain about how to cast Goldberg, a comedian with a distinct style. This uncertain period of her career is explored in the Apple TV+ documentary, “Number One on the Call Sheet.”
Initially, after the Oscar nod, Goldberg found herself having to navigate the industry creatively. Her breakthrough came with a different strategy—seeking roles that other major stars, including Bruce Willis, had turned down. In particular, Goldberg discovered opportunities in projects ready for production but without a committed lead after stars opted out.
“You discover that you get what you get, and for me, I went and found stuff,” Goldberg reflects in the documentary. Her persistence paid off, as she secured roles in films like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” originally set for Shelley Long, “Burglar,” passed on by Bruce Willis, and “Fatal Beauty,” where Cher decided not to proceed. This move proved pivotal, leading her to roles that defined her career.
Goldberg’s ability to capitalize on these opportunities underscores an era in Hollywood when Black actresses often struggled for substantial and leading roles. The documentary features reflections from other notable actresses like Halle Berry and Angela Bassett, shedding light on the broader context of Goldberg’s career maneuvering.
One standout success following this strategy was the movie “Ghost,” for which Goldberg credits Patrick Swayze’s insistence on her casting. This role won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, cementing her as a formidable talent in Hollywood.
Goldberg’s career evolved over the years to include a variety of projects, ranging from serious cinema like the “Emmett Till” biopic to television hits like “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and daytime TV mainstays on “The View.” Notably, she made a cameo in the musical adaptation of “The Color Purple” in 2023, a testament to her enduring influence and iconic status.
The paths not taken by Bruce Willis inadvertently opened doors for Goldberg, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the film industry. This narrative emphasizes the resilience and adaptability required to thrive amidst such uncertainty. As Goldberg continues to expand her reach and impact, the stories of her career remind us of the opportunities hidden within rejections, particularly in a world as dynamic as Hollywood.
Overall, as seen with the likes of Bruce Willis and Whoopi Goldberg, the film industry is often an unpredictable landscape where one person’s pass becomes another’s stepping stone to success.
