David Alan Grier Reflects on Turning Down Roles in ‘Ace Ventura’ and ‘Seinfeld’ and What He Learned
David Alan Grier has recently reflected on missed opportunities from his past, expressing some regrets over specific casting choices in his career.
The star of St. Denis Medical appeared on NBC’s Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, where he discussed his decision to decline roles in iconic projects such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Seinfeld.
Regarding the 1994 comedy film, Grier stated, “I passed on it because it was a bad script. What I didn’t see is what Jim [Carrey] saw, which was, ‘Can I do anything?’ They said, ‘Yeah.’ So he had total freedom. He took that script and he reinvented it. And that’s why it was so successful.”
Despite being poorly received by critics, Ace Ventura became a box office success, garnering a devoted following and leading to a franchise that includes a sequel, animated series, and a made-for-TV spin-off. Notably, Grier had worked with Carrey on the sketch comedy series In Living Color, which aired from 1990 to 1994.
Grier also shared his rationale for passing on the role of George Costanza in Seinfeld, believing the show would not find success. “I auditioned for George Costanza. And I read with Jerry [Seinfeld] and it was like, [imitating Seinfeld] ‘George, tell me about your day.’ And I’m like, ‘Well, this man, he can’t act. It’s not funny. This will never be a hit,’” he recalled. “Well … wrong again! The bag was fumbled.”
Seinfeld, famously characterized as a show about nothing, ran for nearly a decade from 1989 to 1998. The role of the neurotic Costanza ultimately went to Jason Alexander.
Following his stint on In Living Color, Grier returned to NBC with his current role in St. Denis Medical, a hospital mockumentary currently in its second season and already renewed for a third. Grier stars as Ron, a disillusioned ER physician.
