Queer Eye Star Carson Kressley Reveals He Lost Major Film Role to Stanley Tucci
Original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy star Carson Kressley has disclosed that he was in direct competition with acclaimed actor Stanley Tucci for a pivotal role in the 2006 cinematic hit The Devil Wears Prada. Kressley humorously remarked, "Thanks for ruining my career," during a recent television appearance, shedding light on a behind-the-scenes casting battle that could have altered his professional trajectory.
The Casting Process and Near Miss
During a segment on Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, Kressley, aged 56, recounted the events of 2003, when Queer Eye for the Straight Guy was at the peak of its popularity and The Devil Wears Prada was in the early stages of production. "I went in. I must have read for it, and, allegedly, according to the casting people, I made it all the way up the totem pole and there were two people up for the role. It was me and that Stanley Tucci fellow!" he revealed with a laugh.
The film, directed by David Frankel, became a cult classic comedy drama, featuring Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, a recent college graduate who becomes the personal assistant to the formidable fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly, portrayed by Meryl Streep. Emily Blunt also starred as Andy's rival, Emily Charlton, in a narrative that captivated audiences worldwide.
Why Kressley Was Ultimately Passed Over
Despite the casting team finding Kressley "really, really nice," their decision ultimately hinged on his lack of prior acting experience. Kressley recalled their feedback: "[They] said, 'Oh God, you're great, we love you, but we can't have somebody who's never been in a movie in the scene with Meryl Streep. That might be too big of a gamble.' So I didn't get it." He quipped in response, "Damn you, Stanley Tucci!" highlighting the lighthearted nature of his disappointment.
Co-host Jenna Bush Hager noted that Tucci, also 56, was scheduled to appear on the show the following day, prompting Kressley to joke about sending a message: "Thanks for ruining my career!" He quickly clarified, "No, he is amazing, and he was so great in it," expressing admiration for Tucci's work, including his popular cooking shows. Kressley added an amusing coincidence: "In my research about Stanley Tucci, which I was making my voodoo doll — I mean, when I was just researching — I found out we have the same birthday, we're both November 11. So there will be a time when I do something with Stanley."
Career Paths and Upcoming Sequel
While Kressley missed out on the role of Nigel, the caustic art director at Runway magazine, Tucci will reprise this character in the highly anticipated sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2, set for release this May. The film will reunite Tucci with Streep, Hathaway, and Blunt, alongside new cast members such as Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, and Lucy Liu. The belated sequel will explore Miranda Priestly's battle with her former assistant-turned-rival executive, Emily, for advertising revenue amidst the decline of print media.
In contrast, Kressley has carved out a successful career as a television personality and fashion expert. Best known as one of the original Fab Five on Bravo's Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, which later inspired the revived series Queer Eye, he has hosted shows like How to Look Good Naked (2008) and served as a regular judge on RuPaul's Drag Race since 2015. His journey underscores how different paths can lead to lasting success in the entertainment industry.
