It’s hard to deny that Oprah Winfrey has the midas touch.
Time and time again, books, TV shows, and even pajamas that manage to garner her blessing go on to become hugely successful. But when it comes to the mogul’s acting career, it turns out her outsized personality has sometimes works against her.
Recently, TMZ caught up with Winfrey in New York while she was in town promoting her latest film, A Wrinkle In Time. In the fantasy film, she plays. Mrs. Which, a wise being that helps guide Meg (Storm Reid) through the universe. Speaking briefly with the outlet, she admitted that in spite of her immense celebrity and acting chops, she still has to audition for roles–and sometimes they don’t go her way.
“I would have to audition for a role and I’ve gotten turned down for roles because of the Oprah factor,” Winfrey explained.
When asked which role she really wanted but didn’t get, Winfrey said she hoped to appear in the 2008 Oscar-nominated film, Doubt.
“I wanted to be in Doubt,” the OWN founder said. “I mean, it’s fantastic because Viola [Davis] got it. She was wonderful. But the director told me no because the part wasn’t long enough to lose the ‘Oprah factor.’”
Though Davis appeared on screen for just eight minutes in Doubt, her powerful performance was recognized with a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award nomination.
Nevertheless, despite missing out on a role she would have loved to play, Winfrey has remained busy as both an actress and producer, with projects including The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Greenleaf, Queen Sugar and an upcoming biopic about legendary comedian Richard Pryor. under her belt, just to name a few.