Had this actor taken the role of Derek Shepard on Grey's Anatomy, we might never have had McDreamy.
At least that's what Rob Lowe thinks. The actor, famous for countless roles over more than four decades in Hollywood, turned down the role that turned Patrick Dempsey into the medical heartthrob beloved by practically every household in America. Dempsey went on to play the role for 11 seasons before his (spoiler alert) untimely death on the show. Though, to fan's delight, he made an unexpected return in the most recent 17th season.
Meanwhile, in a new interview with Variety, Lowe reflected on his decision and the impact it had on not only his career, but the course of pop culture.
"Me in that part isn't as interesting as Patrick in that part," he told the website. "If it'd been me [the fans] wouldn't have called me 'McDreamy,' they would have called me Rob Lowe."
Just as significantly, someone else would have been the face of Parks and Recreation's Chris Traeger, which Lowe starred as for six seasons. "Had I done Grey's," he pointed out, "I wouldn't have been in Parks and Recreation."
Clearly, the actor doesn't hold any regret over his pivotal choice. As he told Variety of getting to star in Parks & Rec as a result, "That alone for me is enough."
While some might get caught up in the "what ifs," the 56 year old accepts the outcome of his choices and doesn't dwell. "This is what longevity, experience and recovery give you. There are no accidents," he told Variety. "Whatever decision you come to, if you come to it from the right place, it's never wrong."
For more beloved TV roles that almost went to other stars, just keep scrolling!