Alexandra Billings Reveals She Was Originally Cast As The Lead In ‘Transamerica’

etcanada.com:

Alexandra Billings is spilling secrets behind the casting of  2005’s “Transamerica”. The actress spoke on SiriusXM’s “Bevelations” with Bevy Smith about the representation of transgender people in Hollywood and a big role she lost out on.

The host said that Billings, who is a transgender actress, mentioned being originally cast in the lead role of “Transamerica”, and while she respected Felicity Huffman, she wished that a trans woman played the role. READ MORE: Ariana Grande Pledges Up To $1.5 Million To Support Trans Youth Facing ‘Disgraceful’ Legislation “So when I was cast in that film, the writer – who was wonderful actually – was very honest with me and said ‘Alex, I can’t make a film with you in the lead, you’re not that famous.

I can’t do it, so I’ve gotta cast Felicity if I’m gonna get the film made,'” recalled Billings. “I remember having that conversation with him and saying, ‘you know what, Duncan [Tucker], I’m heartbroken, but at least it will be made.

At least it will be done.'” She then revealed that she actually met Huffman at a dinner coincidentally years ago and the actress had no idea she had taken the role from Billings. “We met randomly at this dinner, and we were randomly – once again, this is how the universe works – sat next to each other,” she said. “I told her this whole story and she had no idea.