Which Major Celebs Turned Down 'Dancing With the Stars'?

By PopEater Staff Posted Sep 1st 2010 02:06PM

Sure, the new 'Dancing With the Stars' lineup looks swell. But hearing what could have been -- Sylvester Stallone! Condoleezza Rice! Tim Allen! Ann Coulter! Suzanne Somers! -- yeah, it stings a bit.

The Hollywood Reporter nabbed a behind-the-scenes look at the show's failed conquests, speaking to a source involved with casting the reality dance series and speaking to executive producer Conrad Green. "We've approached a lot of people over the years," Green says. "People say no for a variety of reasons. Some people like the show but think they suck at dancing. It's a lot easier to say no than it is to say yes."

Other stars who've turned the show down include Kirstie Alley, Joel McHale, Drew Carey, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg, the real-life Erin Brockovich and British billionaire Richard Branson.

Rejections go both ways -- stars like Melissa Joan Hart have successfully campaigned to get on the show in the past, but according to THR's casting source, Melanie Griffith tries and fails to appear on 'DWTS' every year.

In the first six seasons of 'Dancing,' just two reality TV stars appeared: Kim Kardashian and 'Bachelor' gal Trista Sutter. Now, reality stars pepper the field consistently, including Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino of 'Jersey Shore' and Audrina Patridge of 'The Hills' on the upcoming 11th season.

"Every season you move things forward," Green says. "When we first started, there weren't many reality shows, now there are a billion of them. Everyone interesting to watch has either had a reality show or been approached for one. Those are the people buzzed about, and they are the same people that will make our show compelling to watch."

Other interesting tidbits we learned from THR's behind-the-scenes glimpse include the stipulation that all contestants receive the same payment for participating, the stars lose some of their paycheck if they shirk the grueling rehearsal schedule, and no one gets to bring in their personal hair or makeup team.

And the gossip is already starting. Sarah Palin's daughter, Bristol, is being pegged as the new Kate Gosselin, aka Ms. Difficult, THR's insider says. "Bristol was really annoyed by all the questions about whether her mom would be in the audience to support her. She kept complaining about the amount of press she had to do. She is acting like this is all a big pain."

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Tags: Dancing With the Stars

Comments

(258)

Thursday 02 September

By chiz

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Well at least they really have been stars...Bristol Palin oh please Poster child for un wed mothers

By kimd

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Someone(not me although I agree 100%)once said that the show should be called "Dancing With The STAR" singular.Even then one would be hard pressed to name the star.Why is this show even on the air?

By Fallout

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"Reality Show Star" is an oxymoron (emphasis on the moron),kind of like "Rap Artist". Nobody on a stupid reality show has any talent, just an attitude. I normally watch DWTS, but not this time. Get some "A" list actors or musicians on there.

By garyrjas

No stars here. Bristol Palin a star? Kirsty Alley? Who wants to see that in a gown? When you get Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, etc. etc. I'll start watching again. But not with these bunch of losers.

I agree!!

She is pretty, but she was before too. It's true that she is unrecognizable. It's her face, she can do what she wants, but I didn't think there was anything wrong with her. She probably hated her nose.

Dave, Obama won't be available in 2012 since he'll still be Pres. No one out there to run against him who has a chance. Sorry, maybe 2016.

By curltop475

It's suppose to be dancing with the stars..these Bristol Palin is not a star. I won't be tuning in to watch this season. I guess the dancing star has begun to dim.. :-(.

By Drue

Dancing with the stars is the new Hollywood Squares. A place for people who's 15 minutes of fame are almost over...LOL.

By nick

This show is for morons.

By rjlady1

I like the show and I am looking forward too this season. If you don't like it; then watch another program.

By cici

If you don't want to be asked questions, then don't participate!!!! What I want to know is who is paying for the baby sitting for the Palin baby? Hopefully proceeds from this and that are not going towards that. This show has changed so much. Count me out. Done with it.

By Bugs

Bristol Palin is not her mom! I can fully understand her being agitated about people trying to make what she's doing 'all about her mom.' Give her a break, she might surprise a lot of us!

By militarymom

Amen! I so totally agree!

By Memaw

Before you start calling people names, fat, pig, or saddletramp, you need to look at yourself. Don't judge others. You will be judged in the end. If you do not like what is there then don't watch it but do not stoop so low as name calling. May God Bless You in your life.

By Peggy

Rock stars would be fun.... Jon Bon Jovi for one.

By sandy

A STAR?????? WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE CONSIDERED A STARE THESE DAYS??? PUBLIC HUMILIATION, LEUD BEHAVIOR, INFERIOR C RATED ACTING, 'hasbeen..ness"?????? what a minsomer ! STARFISH PERHAPS ! GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR RATINGS.

By Lizaio

Since when is Kirstie Alley British? On the AOL page that brings you here you call her "a British billionaire and TV host". Did Richard Branson say no to having his face on the front page?

By MAGOOS

Would any entertainer worth a hoot consider parading on this show? As for Palin's emerging nature look to the gene pool. Mother Sarah has a reputation for trampling on those around her in her drive toward millionaire status. The acorn falls very near to the oak.

By rl

I will be FF through the Jersey guyjust like I did for the Gosselin cow.And I mean no disrespect to cows.

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