Could W.A.S.P. frontman Blackie Lawless have achieved fame as a leading actor in Hollywood? While we may never uncover the definitive answer, the talented musician recently disclosed to Chris Jericho on the Talk Is Jericho podcast that he was invited to audition for two major blockbuster films during the vibrant times of the ’80s and ’90s. This revelation raises intriguing questions about the film roles that could have transformed his career trajectory.

Exploring the Reasons Behind Blackie Lawless’s Decision to Decline Major Film Roles

In his engaging conversation with Jericho, Lawless reflected on whether he ever thought about shifting his focus to acting. He confirmed that during the ’80s and ’90s, he was indeed approached for “a bunch of stuff,” but he ultimately chose to stay committed to his music career, which he was deeply passionate about.

One of the prominent roles he was considered for was the now-legendary T-1000 character, a pivotal part originally played by Robert Patrick in the iconic film Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Lawless reminisced, “I got offered the Terminator part in Terminator 2. It was amusing because I bumped into Robert Patrick about a year after the film’s release.”

He elaborated, “The initial script, which I still possess, portrayed a character that resembled a barbarian. They were exploring a different direction, and it was either Arnold Schwarzenegger or director James Cameron who recognized my potential and said, ‘He’s the guy.'” Lawless emphasized how invested he was in creating his music, particularly with the production of his album The Crimson Idol, which had just begun.

Despite his commitment to music, the film representatives continued to pursue him for a potential audition. “They showed up on a Friday afternoon and said, ‘We’d like you to come down and read. Would you be interested in this opportunity?’ I replied, ‘Not really.’ They countered with, ‘Did you see the first movie?’ To which I said, ‘Yes.’ They followed up with, ‘Did you enjoy it?’ I responded, ‘Not really,'” Lawless recounted. “This back-and-forth continued throughout the afternoon until they mentioned, ‘The first movie made 100 million.’ Back then, that was a substantial amount of money, and I thought, ‘Yeah, we’ll get back to you.’

As he mulled over the opportunity, Lawless began to reconsider. “I had just constructed my studio and was eager to produce my record. If I took on that role, everything I had worked for would be put on hold. Yet, I must admit, I have friends who are now successful actors, and being part of a major hit movie is undeniably appealing. So, I thought, ‘Well, maybe this is worth considering.’

Ultimately, it was one pivotal question that derailed his chances. “I called them back, and while contemplating, I remembered attending a few parties where Arnold was present. He’s somewhat sensitive about his height, so I asked, ‘Does he know how tall I am?’ They replied, ‘No. How tall are you?’ I said, ‘6’ 4″‘ and there was a long pause on the line before they said, ‘We’ll get back to you.’

Uncovering Other Notable Film Roles Blackie Lawless Passed On

During the insightful discussion, Lawless also revealed another significant film role he turned down years earlier. This opportunity arose during the production of the action-comedy 48 Hours, starring Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte.

According to Lawless, he was considered for the role of Billy Bear, a character who serves as one of Murphy’s convict associates and holds a crucial supporting position in the film. He mentioned that the casting team was intrigued by his appearance, as they aimed to cast a Native American actor for the part that ultimately went to Sonny Landham.

“To be honest, I didn’t find the script compelling. So, I decided to pass on that opportunity, along with a few others, primarily because they were often looking for characters that resembled axe murderers. That’s not a role I wanted to take on,” Lawless stated candidly.

Reflecting on the Paths Not Taken: Blackie Lawless’s Thoughts on Potential Film Success

Lawless shared his thoughts on what might have transpired had he embraced those acting roles. “Over the years, I’ve pondered this frequently. If I had participated and it became a blockbuster, it would have significantly altered my career trajectory,” he said. “My friends in the acting world, despite their successes, often experience long stretches without work. The allure of starring in a major hit is undeniable, but I feel I made the right choice.”

He continued, “I’ve always been cautious about venturing into film, as I’ve witnessed many musicians who attempted to cross over only to see their careers derailed. Did I miss out on certain opportunities? Yes, undoubtedly. However, I firmly believe I made the correct decisions. My passion lies in music, not acting.”

Catch Blackie Lawless of W.A.S.P. on the Talk Is Jericho Podcast