Cher, Susan Sarandon and the iconic 1991 movie role that got away: “I got really sick”

Cher says she turned down a leading role in the 1991 film *Thelma & Louise*, which later became a major success starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis. She said illness kept her from working for two years, and later called herself “stupid” for passing on a script she liked, while also accepting that the role was meant for Sarandon.

The film earned $45.4 million against a $16 million budget and became known in part for its final scene at the Grand Canyon. Cher had already won an Oscar for *Moonstruck*, but her acting work became less frequent in the early 1990s as she focused more on music and chose roles selectively.