Leonardo DiCaprio’s big-screen success might owe a surprising debt to the ’90s show that rejected him.DiCaprio has led one of the most impressive careersin Hollywood, and the 1990s were a formative period for the actor. Although some of his earlier performances were not well-received by critics, these years yielded many of his most acclaimed and notable roles.
DiCaprio launched his career at a young age, rapidly ascending to the esteemed status he holds today.DiCaprio’s public persona is so intertwined with roles likeTitanicthat it’s hard to conceive of him outside them. However, the actor almost landed a role in the 11-season series about lifeguards on the beaches of California, and it would have redirected many ofDiCaprio’s best performances.
David Hasselhoff Turned Leonardo DiCaprio Down For Baywatch
DiCaprio Was Considered For The Role Of Hobie Buchannon
DiCaprio was nearly cast in the American dramaBaywatch, but series lead David Hasselhoff vetoed the decision. Ultimately,DiCaprio’s age was the deciding factor that prevented him from being castin the series, as he was around 15 years old at the time. However, according to reports, the rising star was turned down by Hasselhoff for numerous reasons.
Jeremy Jackson, then around nine years old, replaced the original choice for the role of Hobie Buchannon. When the studio was deliberating between the pair, Hasselhoff reportedly told the crew, “no, no, no, take the kid,” (viaThe Guardian) over DiCaprio. With that in mind, the process of casting these young actors was particularly strange, especially consideringBaywatch’s clear emphasis on appearance.
Baywatch’s producer, Michael Berk, revealed that “The Hoff” protested numerous other castings, including Pamela Anderson as CJ Parker. (viaThe Independent)
Baywatchstar Billy Warlock has previously stated: “You had to be pretty [to be cast], else you weren’t going to be on the show” (viaThe Guardian). It’s certainly plausible, andsome reports suggest Hasselhoff was worried DiCaprio playing his son would make him (Hasselhoff) seem old. During an interview with one ofBaywatch’s original producers, it was said that “[Hasselhoff] had a lot of concerns of that type” (The Independent).
Starring In Baywatch Would’ve Surely Changed The Course Of DiCaprio’s Career
It Worked Out For The Best That DiCaprio Did Not Star In Baywatch
When DiCaprio was considered for the role of Hobie inBaywatcharound 1991, it was only the very beginning of the actor’s career, and the character went on to appear in the series for years.Thankfully, DiCaprio wasn’t cast, as it would have significantly changed the trajectory of his early careerand film choices.
Many ofLeonardo DiCaprio’s most iconic and career-defining performances, including his roles in 1993’sWhat’s Eating Gilbert Grapeand 1997’sTitanic, came about during the 1990s. Had he signed on for several seasons ofBaywatch, he probably wouldn’t have had time for his other major roles, meaningthe actor’s eclectic filmography would be fundamentally different if not nonexistent.
Source: After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun, The Guardian, The Independent
