Mickey Rooney as Archie Bunker and Other TV Casting Almosts

by Ted Sennett & Eila Mell

Description by OLDIES.com:

Mickey Rooney was producer Norman Lear's first choice for the starring role of Archie Bunker on All in the Family. Worried about the public's reaction to the bigoted character, he turned the role down. Carrol O'Connor was cast and became a star.

TV's most famous and infamous casting decisions are explored in author Eila Mell's Mickey Rooney as Archie Bunker and Other TV Casting Almosts. You'll read the stories behind the choices that have altered the course of TV history. Inside you'll learn many fun facts including: Katie Holmes was the first choice to play Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Rosie O'Donnell auditioned for Elaine on Seinfeld: Sandra Bullock didn't have the right look for Baywatch: Lara Flynn Boyle was considered for play Carrie Bradshaw on Sex and the City.

The shows are listed alphabetically from According to Jim to Zorro. This book lets you imagine how different your favorite shows could have been.