Simon Rex, the actor and musician known for his roles in films like Scary Movie 3, recently revealed that he auditioned for the lead role in the 1997 classic Good Will Hunting, which ultimately went to Matt Damon.
In a candid interview, Rex shared his experience of trying out for the part of Will Hunting, the troubled genius portrayed by Damon in the Oscar-winning film. The role catapulted Damon and his co-writer Ben Affleck to stardom, earning them an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
A Missed Opportunity
Rex, who was relatively unknown at the time, admitted that his audition didn't go as planned. "I was so nervous," he recalled. "I completely bombed it. I think I even forgot my lines at one point."
Despite the setback, Rex has no hard feelings towards Damon, acknowledging the actor's perfect fit for the role. "Matt was brilliant in it," he said. "It's one of those things where you look back and think, 'Yeah, that was definitely meant for him.'"
Life After the Audition
Though he missed out on Good Will Hunting, Rex went on to build a diverse career in entertainment. He gained recognition for his comedic roles in the Scary Movie franchise and later ventured into music and independent films.
Reflecting on his journey, Rex emphasized the unpredictable nature of Hollywood. "You win some, you lose some," he said. "But every audition, every rejection, teaches you something."
