The Iconic Role John Travolta Almost Played And Why He Turned It Down

John Travolta (who currently holds the title of Beret King) got his big break on the sitcom "Welcome Back Kotter." As Vinnie Barbarino, the leader of the "Sweathogs" high-school underachiever class, Travolta was equal parts swagger and sweetheart. That winning combination quickly led to his other two signature '70s roles: Tony Manero in "Saturday Night Fever" and Danny Zuko in "Grease" (funnily enough, he played a supporting role in the Broadway show, as T-Bird member Doody). Today, Travolta might be known for yet another famous character if only he hadn't turned it down. During a 2008 interview with Reuters, the actor was asked which role he regretted turning down above all else. "'Chicago' probably (Travolta was offered the role of Billy Flynn). I wasn't all that into the stage show," he confirmed, later adding, "'Green Mile' I probably should have said yes to and 'An Officer and a Gentleman'. But I gave Richard Gere and Tom Hanks a career! What you turn down can be a gift to someone else. There is enough to go around."

Another rumor that just won't die revolves around Travolta being offered, and ultimately rejecting, another major Hanks role: Forrest Gump. It won the "Toy Story" star millions of hearts, alongside one of his Academy Awards. But producer Wendy Finerman clarified to USA Today that Travolta was never officially in the running, acknowledging only, "Maybe he read a script." At least he was supposedly in good company; Bill Murray and Chevy Chase also reportedly missed out on the part. Don't feel too sorry for the "Carrie" star, though; Travolta was offered Vincent Vega in "Pulp Fiction" around the same time. The smooth, ponytailed hitman was a sharp departure from his previous roles, which kept him from being pigeonholed in addition to reviving his career. 

As the famous quote goes, life is like a box of — well, you know the rest. John Travolta was nominated for a best actor Oscar for his performance in "Pulp Fiction," but lost to Tom Hanks for "Forrest Gump." In a 2007 interview, the "Grease" star confirmed that he has no regrets about the decision to turn down, presumably, "The Green Mile," "because if I didn't do something Tom Hanks did, then I did something else that was equally interesting or fun," (via Remind magazine). Despite Travolta's often tragic life, the Oscar nominee has enjoyed consistent success in his chosen field. Notably, acting has been a near-lifelong passion for him, with Travolta famously leaving high school at 16 to make the audition rounds. His success in "Pulp Fiction" led to blockbusters like "Face/Off," alongside comedies ("Wild Hogs"), cartoon voiceover work ("Bolt"), and plenty more besides.

Travolta even returned to singing when he played Edna Turnblad — a role traditionally played by a man — in the musical version of "Hairspray." John Waters, who created the original movie, enthused in a chat with Variety, "John Travolta plays Edna as someone who had been young and very hot, but now is stay-at-home and embarrassed to go out of the house." The "Saturday Night Fever" star admitted to second-guessing another role that eventually went to his good friend Hanks too. In a separate interview quoted by Far Out magazine, Travolta acknowledged, "I probably should have said yes" to playing Paul Edgecomb, the kind-hearted prison guard in "The Green Mile." But, he added, "What you turn down can be a gift to someone else. There is enough to go around."