Greta Garbo: Roles She Missed That Other Actresses Made Famous

Swedish-born actress Greta Garbo may have kicked off her career starring in commercials, but it only took a few months for her to rise to stardom. She is best known for her work in the films "Anna Christie" and "Romance."

Throughout her tenure as an actress, Garbo starred in a variety of films making her one of Hollywood's most legendary actresses. However, Garbo didn't take every role she was offered. She did, in fact, turn down some parts that other actresses made famous.

Here's a look at some of the roles Garbo missed, according to the Internet Movie Database and Notstarring.com.

Vote Now: Which Actress Is Your All-Time Favorite?

1. Maddalena Anna Paradine, "The Paradine Case" (1947)
Garbo was approached by director Alfred Hitchcock to take the lead in "The Paradine Case," where the role would have placed her as a murderous wife. Garbo declined and the lead went to actress Alida Valli.

2. Rachel Sangalletti Ashley, "My Cousin Rachel" (1952)
Olivia de Havilland took the part of Rachel in "My Cousin Rachel" after Garbo declined and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Motion Picture Actress.

3. "Airport 1975" (1974)
Garbo decided not to take a part in "Airport 1975," calling it "boring," according to IMdB. Gloria Swanson was later cast in the role. Swanson wrote all her own dialogue for the part, in which she appeared as herself.

4. Karen Blixen, "Out of Africa" (1985)
Garbo's reluctance to star in "Out of Africa" was a big win for actress Meryl Streep who was cast instead. Melanie Griffith and Audrey Hepburn were also considered for the part. Streep was nominated for an Oscar as a result of her role in this film.

5. Mama, "I Remember Mama" (1948)
Irene Dunne claimed her fame with this film that Garbo wanted no part of. Dunne was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her work in "I Remember Mama."

Tell Us: Who Is Your Favorite Actor of All Time?

6. Norma Desmond, "Sunset Blvd." (1950)
Garbo was already in retirement when this film began taking shape. Although producers tried to lure her into playing Desmond, she declined. Gloria Swanson was nominated for an Oscar, and won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Actress-Drama.

7. Lil Andrews, "Red Headed Woman" (1932)
Garbo turned down the MGM production of "Red Headed Woman," which later went to Jean Harlow.

Related Stories:

• Greta Garbo's Acting Credentials: Awards and Highlights from a Storied Career
• The 5 Roles That Defined Greta Garbo's Career