Molly Ringwald reveals the iconic Oscar-winning role she wishes she hadn’t turned down

Molly Ringwald has reflected on one of the biggest “what if” moments of her Hollywood career, revealing she still regrets passing on the lead role in the blockbuster romance Ghost.

During a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, the former Brat Pack star surprised both the audience and host Andy Cohen when she admitted she had turned down the role that ultimately made Demi Moore part of one of the most beloved films of the 1990s.

Ringwald names Ghost as her biggest career regret

When Cohen asked Ringwald whether there was a movie role she wished she had accepted, she answered without hesitation.

“Ghost,” Ringwald said, prompting audible gasps from the studio audience.

Fellow guest Kristen Kish reacted with surprise, while Cohen leaned back in disbelief at the revelation.

Ringwald explained that the role eventually went to Demi Moore, who starred opposite Patrick Swayze in the 1990 supernatural romance.

She praised Demi Moore’s performance

Despite acknowledging the missed opportunity, Ringwald made it clear she has no regrets about Moore’s success.

“Demi’s great in it,” Ringwald said. “She did a great job.”

Rather than dwell on what might have been, Ringwald suggested the role simply was not meant for her.

“I guess it was just not meant to be,” she added.

Her gracious comments highlighted her admiration for Moore’s performance, which became one of the defining roles of the actress’s career.

Why Ghost became a Hollywood classic

Released in 1990, Ghost became both a commercial and critical success.

The film follows Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze), who is murdered but remains on Earth as a ghost to protect his girlfriend, Molly Jensen (Demi Moore), from a dangerous conspiracy. With the reluctant help of psychic Oda Mae Brown, played by Whoopi Goldberg, Sam attempts to communicate with the woman he loves before it is too late.

The film earned five Academy Award nominations and won two Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress for Goldberg and Best Original Screenplay.

Moore’s emotional performance also became one of the most memorable of her career, helping establish her as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars throughout the 1990s

Andy Cohen says the decision could have changed her career

Cohen did not hide his surprise after hearing Ringwald’s confession.

“Not to make this worse for you,” he joked, “but that would’ve changed the entire trajectory of your career.”

While Ringwald laughed off the observation, the comment reflected how enormously successful Ghost became.

The film grossed more than $500 million worldwide and remains one of the highest-grossing romantic dramas ever released.

The Brat Pack stars took different career paths

During the 1980s, both Ringwald and Moore were associated with the Brat Pack generation of young Hollywood actors.

Ringwald became one of the defining faces of teen cinema through films such as Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink, while Moore later transitioned into major box-office hits including Ghost, A Few Good Men, Indecent Proposal and Disclosure.

Although Ghost became one of Moore’s signature performances, Ringwald has built a successful career spanning film, television and theater, most recently starring in One Night Only.

A classic “what if” in Hollywood history

Hollywood is filled with stories of actors turning down iconic roles, and Ringwald’s decision to pass on Ghost has now joined that list.

Even so, the actress expressed no bitterness about the outcome, repeatedly praising Moore’s performance and acknowledging that the film ultimately found the right leading lady.

Featured Image: instagram.com/mollyringwald