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Michael Douglas Shocked to Learn He Wasn't First Choice for Iconic 'Wall Street' Role

Michael Douglas recently expressed surprise upon learning he was not the original choice to play Gordon Gekko in the film "Wall Street." He discovered the role was first offered to Warren Beatty and then to Richard Gere, both of whom passed on it. Douglas believes his background as a producer and his familiarity with East Coast culture helped director Oliver Stone ultimately select him. His performance in the role earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1987.

Key Points: Michael Douglas: 'Wall Street' Role Offered to Others First

  • Role was first offered to Warren Beatty
  • Then offered to Richard Gere
  • Douglas learned decades later
  • His background helped him land the part
  • Won Best Actor Oscar in 1987
3 min read

Michael Douglas says he "didn't know" his Oscar- winning role in 'Wall Street' was first offered to other actors

Michael Douglas reveals he didn't know Warren Beatty and Richard Gere were offered his Oscar-winning Gordon Gekko role before him.

"I didn't know any of that because you always like to think you were the one. - Michael Douglas"

Los Angeles, February 8

Michael Douglas recently admitted that one of the most iconic roles of his career almost didn't come to him at all.

The actor, who won an Oscar for playing "Gordon Gekko" in Wall Street, revealed that he only learned years later that two big Hollywood stars were offered the role before him.

According to PEOPLE, while speaking at a film event in New York, Douglas expressed his surprise at learning that he wasn't the first choice for the role. He shared with the audience that the role was first offered to Warren Beatty, then to Richard Gere, before it finally reached him. He admitted he had no idea about this at the time and had always believed he was the first choice.

"I must say, we were talking just before, while doing a little preparation for this, since I haven't seen the movie fully in about 40 years... but I saw an article recently that said that Oliver first went to Warren Beatty, who passed on it, then to Richard Gere, who also passed," Douglas told Alicia Malone at the TCM Classic Film Festival New York Pop-up x 92NY event on January 31, as reported by PEOPLE.

"I didn't know any of that because you always like to think you were the one," he added.

Douglas also discussed how seriously he approached the role from the very beginning, noting that the script felt like "serious work" and something that required his full commitment.

"I was really happy and excited to bring my heart into it," he said. "You don't get many good parts in your life."

The actor also shared why director Oliver Stone may have ultimately chosen him for the role. Douglas explained that his background helped him relate to the world of Wall Street better than most actors.

"I guess when Oliver was asked, he was looking for an actor who had some business acumen. Because I was also a producer, and because I grew up in New York City, went to Allen Stevenson School, and later attended prep schools," he explained.

"So I had a familiarity with the East Coast and that kind of lifestyle. I also had friends from early school who were involved in Wall Street, so while I wasn't closely familiar with it, I understood the lifestyle. I guess that's why he chose me," the actor shared.

Although others were first in line for the role, Douglas went on to make Gordon Gekko one of the most memorable characters in film history. His performance in Wall Street earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1987.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is a great lesson in humility and destiny. Sometimes the role finds you, not the other way around. His background definitely shows in the performance - he understood that world's vibe perfectly. A classic example of the right actor for the right part.
A
Aman W
Honestly, I can't picture anyone else as Gordon Gekko. Beatty and Gere are great, but Douglas brought a specific cold, calculating energy that was perfect. It's like SRK in DDLJ - some roles are just meant for certain actors. 🎬
S
Sarah B
It's refreshing to see such honesty from a star of his stature. Many actors would pretend they were always the first choice. His point about not getting many good parts in a lifetime is so true and humble.
K
Karthik V
This reminds me of how many iconic Bollywood roles were also offered to others first! Makes you wonder about all the 'what-ifs' in film history. But ultimately, Douglas *became* Gekko. His Oscar was well-deserved.
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Nikhil C
While I admire his performance, I do wish he had acknowledged this a bit earlier. It's a small thing, but transparency is good. That said, his work speaks for itself. The film is a masterpiece about ambition, very relevant even today.

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