Others Offered The President’s Role
When casting for the show got underway, the creators and producers received a lot of flack for not including many minorities. However, according to Scott Sassa, who was President of NBC Entertainment at the time, they initially offered the role of President to Sidney Poitier. Unfortunately, the actor turned down the role. Aaron Sorkin told the Hollywood Reporter they also considered Jason Robards, but he was not in good health and wouldn’t have been able to handle the schedule if the series was picked up. Hal Holbrook and John Cullum were also candidates until John Wells suggested Martin Sheen.
