They say every professional athlete wants to be an entertainer and every entertainer thinks they can be a professional athlete. While plenty of athletes have attempted to crossover, only a few have found success in ventures outside of sports. One of those is Shaquille O’Neal who has found success both in music and movies. Now, the NBA legend has revealed he once turned down the role that eventually went to Michael Clarke Duncan in ‘The Green Mile.’
While Shaquille O’Neal’s acting resume may not be Oscar-worthy, the former NBA player recently claimed his filmography almost included a part that was indeed nominated for an Academy Award. O’Neal was recently asked if there were any roles in Hollywood he turned down, and his answer surprised ever one. “That was my role in ‘Green Mile.’ I turned it down,” said O’Neal.
According to the New York Post, the role eventually went to Michael Clarke Duncan, who was nominated for best supporting actor at the 2000 Academy Awards for the role. “I didn’t want to play the down-South African American guy during slavery. I didn’t want to play that role. But the guy who played it, Michael Clarke Duncan, did an excellent job,” said O’Neal. If only he took the role, O’Neal may have an Academy Award next to his MVP trophy.
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