Anthony Hopkins' iconic role as Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs made him a Hollywood legend. If Sean Connery had been willing to take the role, however, it might have taken Anthony longer to become a super star. Likewise, the role of Clarice Starling was also offered to someone else- Michelle Pfeiffer. Michelle wasn't willing to take the role, however, so it went to Jodie Foster who had been actively lobbying for the role.
When Paramount acquired the rights to Grease, it thought it had the ideal lead for the film- Henry Winkler. Winkler was starring as Fonzie on the mega hit ABC sitcom Happy Days. Henry, however, was unconvinced. He saw the role as possibly typecasting him as a 1950's greaser for the rest of his career. The role went to John Travolta, who campaigned for Olivia Newton John to play Sandy. Ms. John likely wouldn't have gotten the role that made her a star if Henry Winkler had taken the part.
