Susan Sarandon read for, but was passed over for, what role that became a central character in a series of films?

Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon (best actress in Dead Man Walking) has had a distinguished film career with some her other notable roles at Louise Sawyer (Thelma & Louise) and Annie Savoy (Bull Durham). She's also received Oscar nominations for Atlantic City, Lorenzo's Oil, Thelma & Louis and The Client.

But the role she wanted but eluded her may have been even more memorable in a pop culture text.

Sarandon read for the part of Adrian, which became an iconic central figure in the Rocky movies that starred Sylvester Stallone. Sarandon liked the part. Some producers liked her, but ultimately did not offer it. Later, many of the producers said Sarandon may have been too "pretty" for the role considering the character was pictured more mousy, shy and easily intimidated. It was hard for them to picture Sarandon making it believable.

Talia Shire, the sister of Francis Ford Coppola, auditioned for the part and, as they say, the rest is movie history.

Sarandon, born in Queens, N.Y. in 1946, is also a five-time Emmy Award winner.