A Stunning Rejection: When Meryl Streep Was Deemed “Too Ugly” for a Major Role.
it’s a story that continues to circulate in Hollywood lore – a young Meryl Streep, already displaying immense talent, being told she wasn’t attractive enough for a leading role.
You might be surprised to learn that this happened during auditions for the 1976 remake of King Kong.
Producer Dino de Laurentiis famously – and rather bluntly – declared Streep “che brutta” (“How ugly”) right in front of her,unaware she was fluent in Italian.
Her rapid-witted response, delivered in perfect Italian, reportedly stunned those present.
Ultimately, the role of Dwan went to Jessica Lange.
Tho, this early setback didn’t define Streep’s career trajectory.
Rather, she went on to become arguably the most acclaimed actress of her generation, boasting a record-breaking 21 Academy Award nominations and three wins.
This incident serves as a potent reminder that conventional beauty standards frequently enough fail to recognize true talent.
I’ve found that the entertainment industry has historically been prone to such misjudgments, often overlooking potential stars based on superficial qualities.
Here’s what makes this story so compelling:
- The audacity of the comment: De Laurentiis’s remark was shockingly direct and disrespectful.
- Streep’s quick thinking: Her Italian retort demonstrated intelligence and confidence.
- The irony of her success: Streep’s subsequent career wholly shattered any notion of her lacking star quality.
- A broader industry issue: It highlights the subjective and often flawed nature of casting decisions.
The story of Streep’s audition isn’t just a Hollywood anecdote; it’s a testament to resilience and the enduring power of talent.
It underscores the importance of looking beyond surface appearances and recognizing the unique qualities that make an actor truly extraordinary.
You can see how this experience likely fueled her determination and contributed to her unwavering commitment to









