When “The Godfather” was released in 1972, it became an instant classic, and its reputation has only grown over time. The film’s impact on American culture is immeasurable, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the iconic role of Vito Corleone, the head of the Corleone crime family. However, as it turns out, a number of famous actors turned down the role before Marlon Brando ultimately accepted it.
One of the most surprising actors who turned down the role of Vito Corleone was Frank Sinatra. At the time, Sinatra was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, but he was reportedly incensed that the character of Johnny Fontane, a singer who seeks Vito’s help in the film, was based on him. Sinatra allegedly lobbied hard for the role of Johnny, but when that didn’t pan out, he refused to be associated with the project in any way.
Another actor who turned down the role was Ernest Borgnine. Borgnine had a successful career as a character actor and had recently won an Oscar for his role in “Marty,” but he reportedly didn’t want to be associated with a film that glamorized the mafia. Borgnine was Italian-American himself and reportedly felt that the film was perpetuating negative stereotypes about his community.
Jackie Gleason was also considered for the role of Vito Corleone, but he turned it down due to health reasons. Gleason was reportedly suffering from a heart condition at the time and felt that the stress of filming such a demanding role would be too much for him.
Orson Welles was another actor who was considered for the role, but he turned it down due to a scheduling conflict. Welles was already committed to directing and starring in another film at the time and didn’t want to risk the two projects interfering with each other.
Ultimately, the role of Vito Corleone went to Marlon Brando, who gave an iconic performance that has become synonymous with the character. Brando’s portrayal of Vito was complex, nuanced, and incredibly memorable, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role.
In conclusion, while many actors turned down the role of Vito Corleone in “The Godfather,” it ultimately went to Marlon Brando, who delivered an unforgettable performance. Sinatra, Borgnine, Gleason, and Welles may have missed out on the chance to be a part of cinematic history, but their careers continued to flourish despite their rejection of the role. And in the end, it’s hard to argue with the choice of Brando, whose performance in “The Godfather” is widely considered one of the greatest in film history.