Chris Pine's Acne Prevented Him From Scoring This Major TV Role
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Before he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe or went to outer space in Star Trek, Chris Pine was an up-and-coming actor looking for his next big break. In the early 2000s, he was in the running for the role of Ryan Atwood on the eventual hit teen drama The O.C. And while he impressed casting director Patrick Rush, he ultimately lost out on the part due to something that had nothing to do with his acting abilities.
Rush spoke about Pine's audition in Alin Sepinwall's new book Welcome To The O.C.: The Oral History. The future superstar "was really good" when reading for the role, but ended up passing on him because he didn't look the part, so to speak.
"I hate saying this, but it’s the truth: Chris Pine was at the age where he was experiencing really bad skin problems. And it was at that point where it looked insurmountable," he confessed. "As a kid who grew up with horrible skin, it just broke my heart. But Chris Pine’s fine now. He’s all right."
The part ended up going to Ben McKenzie, while Pine continued to work hard to make a name for himself. After appearing on shows like ER and CSI: Miami, he made his major film debut opposite Anne Hathaway as a dashing young royal in 2004's The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. A few years later, he landed the iconic role of Captain James T. Kirk on the Star Trek film reboot series, further launching him to stardom. Just last year, he made waves as a part of the Olivia Wilde-directed Don't Worry Darling. (Interestingly enough, Wilde was also passed over for a role on The O.C.)
It just goes to show you never know how puberty is going to treat someone.
