Being a working actor means having the luxury to be selective about the projects you take on. Some actors choose to take whatever they can early on in their careers, but true stars understand the importance of choosing the right role at the right time. However, sometimes these decisions come with a price. Many actors have turned down roles that went on to become huge hits.

In the vibrant landscape of 80s cinema, one name shone brightly and left an indelible mark on the era: Molly Ringwald. With her distinct charm, endearing performances, and relatable characters, Ringwald captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Movies like “Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” and “Pretty in Pink” firmly established her as the reigning queen of teen-driven films.

But as the 90s approached, Ringwald was offered a role that could have taken her career to another level: the lead in “Pretty Woman.” However, she ultimately turned it down. Ringwald stated, “Julia Roberts was wonderful in it, but I didn’t really like the story. Even then, I felt like there was something icky about it.”

Ringwald’s decision allowed Julia Roberts to step into the role and become a superstar. “Pretty Woman” became a massive success, grossing $463 million worldwide and earning Roberts an Academy Award nomination.

Although turning down “Pretty Woman” may have raised eyebrows, it showed Ringwald’s commitment to staying true to her artistic vision and promoting meaningful portrayals of women on screen. She has had an incredible career of her own, and ultimately, she knows she made the right choice.