Craig T. Nelson, who starred in NBC’s Parenthood, almost played the role of Jay Pritchett in Modern Family.
The role eventually went to Ed O’Neill. The news was revealed in the new book “Modern Family: The Untold Oral History of One of Television’s Groundbreaking Sitcoms.” Casting director Jeff Greenberg said in the book, “He wanted star money, and it wasn’t a star show.
It’s an ensemble show. I understand from his agent that he regretted his decision. I’m not surprised.” The show’s creators also heard he was “a bit difficult on set.” “That scared us, frankly,” creator Steve Levitan said. “There was a lack of self-awareness there and compassion that worried us.
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