TV Star, 56, Says Bizarre 'ER' Audition Cost Him Career-Making Role: 'I Thought I Nailed It'originally appeared onParade. ActorSam Rockwell, 56, may have all but stolen the show inThe White LotusSeason 3, but theversatile starsays he once went "too far" in an audition that could have launched him to TV stardom much earlier. Related: Justin Timberlake Shares Behind-the Scenes Tour Footage of His Rarely-Seen Kids In a recentEntertainment Tonightroundtable promoting their animated filmBad Guys 2, Rockwell sat down with costarsAwkwafina,Anthony Ramos, andMarc Maron. WhenCrazy Rich Asiansscene-stealer Awkwafina, whose real name isNora Lum, asked the group to share early career auditions they likely bombed, Rockwell jumped in without hesitation. "ER," Rockwell confessed. "I was up forER… Noah Wyle's part." Rockwell then revealed he may have overcommitted to the character of Dr. John Carter by showing up to the audition wearing a lab coat and carrying a fake hypodermic needle. While the other actors laughed at Rockwell's humble take on the failed audition, he added, "I thought I nailed it," only to realize the producers likely thought he was crazy. The actor was quick to clarify that there was no actual needle attached to the prop syringe. Nonetheless, he admitted the props were probably more off-putting than he had intended. Related: Nicole Scherzinger Leaves Jimmy Fallon Speechless With Jaw-Dropping High Note: 'She's Iconic Period' Though Rockwell didn't land theERrole alongside his longtime friendGeorge Clooney, he went on to become one of Hollywood's most sought-after film and television stars, with credits includingCharlie's Angels,The Green Mile, andIron Man 2. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 TV Star, 56, Says Bizarre 'ER' Audition Cost Him Career-Making Role: 'I Thought I Nailed It'first appeared on Parade on Aug 3, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Aug 3, 2025, where it first appeared.