At times, casting decisions can either break or make a project, and it’s always fun to know about what other actors were considered for your favorite character’s role. Fans of That ‘70s Show enjoy doing this a little too much, as all of their beloved characters on the show went on to become pop culture staples.
Chuck Norris | Conan O’Brien/YouTube
And there are whispers in the wind about a casting choice made for an irreplaceable figure on the show, and none other than the great Chuck Norris was considered for the part. So, what led him away from such an interesting opportunity, and was he ever offered the role in the first place? Let’s find out!
Chuck Norris on That 70s Show: A Role That Wasn’t
Chuck Norris in Walker. Texas Ranger | Top Kick Productions
Multiple media outlets like CBR and Screen Rant have reported that Chuck Norris was considered for the role of Red Forman, and it was even part of the show’s trivia on IMDB. The story suggested that Norris being a martial artist, would be perfect for the hyper-masculine role of Red.
However, he was committed to Walker, Texas Ranger, and did not sign up for the opportunity due to scheduling conflicts. So his unavailability opened up the door for Kurtwood Smith to glide in and swoop the part, which some fans would argue was the better casting choice.
Now, it’s important to remember that none of the cast and crew members had confirmed the same. The news of Norris being offered to play Red sounds compelling, but one should note that these were all claims. Until recently, Smith himself commented on this piece of gossip and revealed the truth.
Kurtwood Smith From That 70s Show Sets The Record Straight
Kurtwood Smith in That 70s Show | Fox Network
Kurtwood Smith, debunked the rumor himself in an interview with Forbes, where he was primarily discussing Netflix’s follow-up series, That 90’s Show. He addressed the speculation and said:
No, it’s not true at all. It certainly was a well-spread rumor. I remember asking the producers about it at one point, and they were like, ‘No, who told you that?’ That was all pretty much made up.
So, it was nothing more than a widely circulated Hollywood trivia, and the rumor has been thoroughly debunked. Also, one can barely imagine anyone else but Smith playing the character, who did it so well, that even today, people want to be called “dumbass” by him. The rumor may live on as a quirky footnote, but Red Forman’s actor has already ensured that his legacy remains firmly intact.
