Hollywood actress Joan Collins lost the opportunity to play the iconic role of Cleopatra in the 1963 film to Elizabeth Taylor, after allegedly refusing to sleep with the head of 20th Century Fox at the time, Buddy Adler, and the board’s chairman.

Collins, who was coming off the success of a string of hit films at the time, was guaranteed the role if she were “nice” to them.

However, she soon realized that being “nice” meant she was expected to sleep with the studio executives, which she couldn’t bring herself to do.

“This was the casting couch. He was head of the studio, and he said, ‘I can put you up in a nice little apartment, and I’ll come and visit you. And you’ll not only get all the best roles at Fox, but we’ll see that you get Cleopatra,” Collins said in a 2019 interview with CBS Sunday Morning.

“I was never ever, ever, going to settle for giving my body to some old man for a role — or even young man, or anybody. I would never do that, ever, ever.”

In the end, the role went to Elizabeth Taylor, who played the powerful Queen of Egypt in the lengthy yet spectacular love story, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.

The film depicts Cleopatra experiencing both triumph and tragedy as she attempts to resist the imperial ambitions of Rome, as well as detailing her manipulation of Julius Caesar and her passionate love affair with Mark Antony.

Cleopatra was the highest-grossing film of 1963, earning $57.7 million at the box office in both the United States and Canada, making Taylor a Hollywood legend and one of the well-known public figures in the world.

The film’s success also earned Taylor a $1 million payday, and it is one of the highest-grossing films of the decade at a worldwide level.

Though Collins missed out on playing the iconic role, she went on to have a successful career in Hollywood.

Today, she’s considered one of the most iconic actors in the industry, and to think, she didn’t even need to star in a huge production to receive this honor.

Collins revealed that when Taylor was hospitalized during production, her agent called her, saying they might need to recast the role, and that she was at the top of the list.

But since Taylor was one of her good friends, Collins turned down the opportunity to take Taylor’s place in the film.

“I said, ‘I can’t do that! She’s a friend of mine. I would feel absolutely dreadful,’” Collins told CNN in 2011.

“He said, ‘Listen, this is show biz, kid.’”

Taylor eventually recovered and was able to carry on with the film, securing her place in cinematic history.

Meanwhile, Collins continued her successful career, becoming a household name thanks to her role on the hit soap opera, Dynasty.

Cleopatra marked a turning point in Elizabeth Taylor’s life and career, with the actress’s striking beauty and commanding presence captivating audiences around the world.

However, the film was also plagued by various issues, including massive budget overruns, numerous rewrites and reshoots, and the onset romance between Taylor and Richard Burton.

Despite these difficulties, Cleopatra cemented Taylor’s status as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, and the film is still regarded as a classic of the era.

Meanwhile, Collins continued to work in Hollywood, appearing in a string of films and TV shows over the years.

In recent years, Collins has become something of a style icon, known for her glamorous fashion choices and signature red lipstick.

She’s also continued to act, appearing in a number of high-profile projects, including the TV series American Horror Story and the movie The Time of Their Lives.

In addition to her acting career, Collins is also a prolific author, having published several books, including memoirs and novels.

The issue of the casting couch and sexual harassment in Hollywood has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with many women coming forward to share their experiences of being coerced into sexual acts by powerful men in the industry.

Collins’ story sheds light on the reality of the casting couch culture that existed in Hollywood during the 1960s and earlier.

In the wake of the #MeToo movement, there have been efforts to address this issue and make the industry a safer and more equitable place for women.

Many women have spoken out against the casting couch culture, and there have been calls for greater accountability and transparency in the industry.

Collins’ refusal to succumb to pressure and compromise her values is a testament to her strength and resilience as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

Her story serves as an inspiration to women everywhere to stand up for themselves and refuse to be treated as objects or commodities.

Despite the challenges she faced early on in her career, Collins went on to achieve great success and become a trailblazer for women in Hollywood.

Her iconic role on Dynasty and her enduring status as a fashion and style icon are a testament to her talent, hard work, and perseverance.

In conclusion, Joan Collins lost the role of Cleopatra to Elizabeth Taylor because she refused to sleep with a studio executive.

Although Collins missed out on the iconic role, she went on to have a successful career in Hollywood and is considered one of the most iconic actors in the industry.

Her refusal to compromise her values in the face of pressure is an inspiration to women everywhere.