Nick Cassavetes Insulted Ryan Gosling During ‘The Notebook’ Audition
Ryan Gosling, now a Hollywood star, nearly lost his chance to play Noah in The Notebook. During his audition, director Nick Cassavetes made a harsh comment about Gosling’s fit for the role. Despite the criticism, Gosling went on to lead the film, which became a romantic classic.
An Unlikely Leading Man
At the time, Gosling was known for indie films, not big Hollywood romances. Many didn’t see him as a traditional romantic lead. When Gosling auditioned for The Notebook, Cassavetes reportedly told him, “The fact that you have no natural leading man qualities is why I want you in this role.”
While the remark sounded insulting, Cassavetes believed Gosling’s unconventional looks made him perfect for Noah. He wanted Noah to feel like an everyday man, not a polished Hollywood star.
Gosling’s Response to the Criticism
Rather than being offended, Gosling embraced the challenge. He focused on bringing depth to Noah, a character far from the typical Hollywood romantic hero. His performance soon became iconic, and The Notebook achieved massive success. Gosling later revealed that Cassavetes’ comment didn’t affect him negatively. Instead, it gave him confidence to break away from standard leading man roles.
A Role That Changed His Career
The Notebook became one of the most beloved romance films of its time. Gosling’s undeniable chemistry with Rachel McAdams made Noah and Allie unforgettable. The role allowed Gosling to prove that he could lead a movie, even without fitting the usual mold. This success helped launch him into bigger, more diverse roles in Hollywood.
Cassavetes’ Bold Casting Decision
Nick Cassavetes made a risky choice by casting Gosling as Noah. Ignoring traditional casting rules, he created a more genuine love story. While Cassavetes’ comment about Gosling’s lack of leading man qualities may have sounded harsh, it ultimately worked in the film’s favor. This bold move allowed Gosling to showcase his talent and charm, leading to a successful and varied acting career.
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