In Hollywood’s glitzy, fast-paced world, casting decisions can often make or break a film, not to mention the actors’ careers. One of the most intriguing ‘what-if scenarios in film history revolves around American Gigolo, the 1980 crime drama that catapulted Richard Gere to stardom and left many wondering about John Travolta’s career path. What if Travolta had accepted the role of Julian Kaye? This decision profoundly impacted Travolta’s and Gere’s careers, and the ripple effects are still felt today.
The Role and the Decision
American Gigolo was envisioned as a stylish, provocative exploration of the life of a high-end male escort in Los Angeles. Written and directed by Paul Schrader, who had already made a name for himself with Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, the film was expected to be a critical and commercial success. Schrader’s script was compelling, and the lead role of Julian Kaye was highly coveted.
John Travolta, coming off the massive successes of Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Grease (1978), was at the peak of his career. He was seen as the perfect fit for Julian Kaye, a character who exuded charm, sophistication, and a particular vulnerability. Travolta’s boyish good looks and star power made him an obvious choice, and he was offered the role.
However, Travolta, perhaps wary of being typecast or uncomfortable with the explicit sexual content, declined the offer. Some reports suggest that Travolta’s advisors were worried about the potential effects of such a provocative role on his image, which had been carefully cultivated as a wholesome, all-American star. This one is particularly consequential in a career marked by several high-profile decisions.
Richard Gere’s Rise to Stardom
Enter Richard Gere, a relatively unknown actor at the time. Gere had already shown promise with roles in Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977) and Days of Heaven (1978), but he had yet to find that one defining role that would launch him into the stratosphere. Before Gere was cast, the producers and director Paul Schrader considered several other actors to fill the void left by John Travolta’s departure.
Among those considered were:
Christopher Reeve: Fresh off his success as Superman, Reeve was approached for the role. However, he turned it down, reportedly uncomfortable with the film’s explicit content and the nature of the character.
Jeff Bridges: Known for his versatility and already an established actor, Bridges was another contender. His decision to pass on the role remains less documented, but it’s speculated that he may have been seeking different roles at that point in his career.
Treat Williams: Having made a name for himself with Hair (1979), Williams was also in the running. His rugged charm and acting chops made him a strong candidate, but ultimately, he did not take on the role.
Sam Elliott: Known for his deep voice and strong screen presence, Elliott was another actor considered. However, his rugged cowboy persona may have aligned differently with Julian Kaye’s sophisticated, suave nature.
Mel Gibson: Though not yet a major star in the United States, Gibson’s rising fame in Australia with films like Mad Max (1979) made him a consideration. However, he did not pursue the role.
Ultimately, Richard Gere took on the role of Julian Kaye, bringing a different kind of intensity and magnetism to the character. Gere’s portrayal was transformative, showcasing a raw sensuality and emotional layers that audiences praised.
This additional context underscores the competitive nature of casting in Hollywood, where a single role can pivotally impact an actor’s career. The intense competition and high stakes of the industry are palpable, making every casting decision a potential game-changer for an actor’s career.
Gere’s portrayal of Julian Kaye was a transformative masterpiece. He brought a raw sensuality and emotional layers to the role that resonated with audiences and film critics alike. The film showcased Gere’s ability to embody complex characters, blending vulnerability with a steely resolve. His performance in American Gigolo was a tour de force that not only established him as a leading man in Hollywood but also inspired a generation of actors.
The film itself was a visual and stylistic triumph. Schrader’s direction, coupled with Giorgio Moroder’s iconic score and the now-legendary opening sequence featuring Gere strutting down Sunset Boulevard in Armani, created a memorable image that defined the era. Gere’s performance was central to the film’s success, opening the door to high-profile roles in the 1980s and beyond.
The Impact on Travolta’s Career
The decision to pass on American Gigolo marked a turning point for John Travolta. While he continued to enjoy success in the following years, with roles in films like Urban Cowboy (1980) and Blow Out (1981), he also experienced a notable dip in his career in the mid-1980s. This decline in his career can be directly linked to the missed opportunity of American Gigolo. The role could have further solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood, but instead, he needed help finding roles that matched the impact of his earlier successes. This decline was also influenced by changing audience tastes and the rise of new stars in Hollywood.
In Pulp Fiction (1994), Travolta experienced a significant career resurgence. Quentin Tarantino’s film reintroduced Travolta to a new generation of moviegoers and cemented his status as a Hollywood icon. In interviews, Travolta has often reflected on the ups and downs of his career, acknowledging the role that pivotal decisions—like turning down American Gigolo—played in his journey.
A Defining Role
Richard Gere, on the other hand, seized the opportunity and never looked back. American Gigolo was followed by a series of acclaimed performances in films such as An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Breathless (1983), and Pretty Woman (1990). These roles, which showcased his versatility and acting prowess, were made possible by the recognition and respect he gained from his performance in American Gigolo. Gere’s career trajectory was set, and he became one of his generation’s most respected and enduring actors. The film jumpstarted his career and left a mark on popular culture. Its exploration of commodification, identity, and redemption resonated with audiences and influenced a generation of filmmakers. Gere’s performance remains a benchmark for actors performing similarly complex and challenging roles.
The role of Julian Kaye not only defined Gere’s career but also left an indelible mark on popular culture. American Gigolo’s exploration of themes such as commodification, identity, and redemption resonated with audiences and influenced a generation of filmmakers. Gere’s performance remains a benchmark for actors performing similarly complex and challenging roles, a testament to the film’s enduring influence on popular culture.
The Legacy of American Gigolo
The legacy of American Gigolo extends beyond the careers of its lead actors. The film is often credited with popularizing the Armani brand in America, partly thanks to Gere’s impeccably tailored wardrobe. It also helped to define the aesthetic of 1980s cinema, blending high fashion with a gritty, urban sensibility.
Moreover, the film’s exploration of sexuality and power dynamics was groundbreaking. Schrader’s unflinching portrayal of the world of high-end escorts challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of mainstream cinema. American Gigolo’s success paved the way for more nuanced and mature explorations of similar themes in subsequent movies and television shows, influencing how Hollywood approached and depicted these complex and controversial topics.
Conclusion
In the end, John Travolta’s decision to turn down the role of Julian Kaye in American Gigolo had far-reaching implications. For Travolta, it was a missed opportunity that could have altered his career trajectory. For Richard Gere, it was a career-defining moment that propelled him to stardom and established him as one of Hollywood’s leading men.
The story of American Gigolo serves as a testament to Hollywood’s unpredictable nature and the impact of casting decisions. It reminds us that behind every iconic performance is a complex web of choices, chance, and circumstance. For fans of film and Hollywood history, the tale of Travolta, Gere, and American Gigolo is a fascinating glimpse into the magic—and the madness—of the movie industry.