20 Actors who passed on iconic roles

Modified Jan 27, 2025 12:13 ET

Opening Ceremony - The Red Sea International Film Festival 2024 - Source: Getty

3) Leonardo DiCaprio

The BAFTA Tea Party Presented By Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, And BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions - Inside - Source: Getty

Leonardo DiCaprio has played many iconic roles in popular movies but he passed on the iconic role of the lead character in the movie Brokeback Mountain. He wasn't the only one. Actors like Brad Pitt and Matt Damon also rejected the role in the movie. Director Gus Van Sant said they weren't really ready to take on the film's groundbreaking themes back then. Eventually, the roles went to Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, who gave unforgettable performances.