Although Vivien Leigh often worked in theater, she appeared in many Hollywood films throughout her career. She is most well known for her role as Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind" and as Blanche DuBois in "A Streetcar Named Desire."
However, Leigh missed out on other starring roles that other actresses made famous. Here are a few parts Leigh didn't get.
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1. Cleopatra, "Cleopatra" (1963)
Leigh was reportedly one of many actresses considered to play the film's lead role,
according to NotStarring.com. Elizabeth Taylor ultimately got the part and starred alongside Richard Burton and Rex Harrison.
2. Ophelia, "Hamlet" (1948)
Leigh "wanted very much to star as Ophelia in her husband Laurence Olivier's adaptation of 'Hamlet.' But Olivier felt that she was too famous,"
says the book "Casting Might-Have-Beens: A Film by Film Directory of Actors Considered for Roles Given to Others." However, NotStarring.com says Olivier felt his wife was too for the part. Jean Simmons got the part instead and was nominated for an Oscar in the supporting role.
3. Miriam, "Hush ... Hush, Sweet Charlotte" (1964)
According to NotStarring.com, Leigh declined the role in "Hush ... Hush, Sweet Charlotte," telling director Robert Aldrich she couldn't look at Bette Davis, who was cast in the role of Charlotte. Olivia de Havilland was chosen for the role instead.
4. Elizabeth Bennet, "Pride and Prejudice" (1940)
Olivier wanted Leigh to star with him in this classic film, but Greer Garson was cast as the leading lady instead.
5. Violet Venable, "Suddenly, Last Summer" (1959)
Leigh had agreed to take this part, but later backed out of "Suddenly, Last Summer" to do a play instead. Katharine Hepburn, who was good friends with Leigh, got the role after Leigh's departure. Hepburn was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe for her part.
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