As grand as Hollywood might seem, the acting world is actually a rather small community. As such, it's not uncommon to hear stories about two established actors having auditioned for the same role, with one winning out in the end and making history with their portrayal of the character. These situations always create a fun "what if" scenario. For example, both The Young and the Restless' Judith Chapman (Gloria Fisher) and Victoria Principal auditioned for the role of Pamela Ewing on the popular 1980s soap opera Dallas. Principal ultimately landed the role, but it's entertaining to think about what it would have been like had Chapman taken on the character of Pamela instead. And the actress admits she sometimes plays the "what if" scenario, as well.
"I left for L.A., and the first thing I auditioned for out here was Dallas," Chapman shares with Soap Central. "Of course, I didn't get the part -- it was between me and Victoria Principal -- but I often think, 'I wonder...'"
Anyone who's seen Chapman sparkle as Y&R's Gloria and in the multitude of other roles she has played over the years might wonder why she didn't nab the part. Only the former casting directors of Dallas, which ran from 1978 to 1991, know the real reason why Principal seemed to be a better fit. But Chapman -- who at the time already had plenty of acting experience under her belt in both London and New York -- has a solid theory.
"I was just from New York, my hair was all frizzed out, and I was wearing a simple outfit... in walks Victoria with her black spandex pants and her black T-shirt with a glittery star in the shape of Texas over her right breast and in stiletto heels, and I went, 'Ah, I think I'm in Hollywood!'" she says with a laugh. "It's very different than growing up being a European or New York actress. Another education!"
In the end, Principal went on to wow viewers with her portrayal of Dallas's Pamela, and the classic soap's fans probably can't imagine anyone but her in the role she played from 1978 to 1987. But as Shakespeare once wrote, all's well that ends well: Chapman went on to star as General Hospital's Ginny Webber and has an impressive list of credits that includes Flamingo Road; Magnum P.I.; The Fall Guy; Murder, She Wrote; and Silk Stockings. She won the role of Y&R's Gloria in 2005 and has been playing the character on a recurring basis since that time.
What do you think about Chapman's Dallas audition story? Can you imagine her in the role of Pam? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
