Many of our favorite actors become forever linked to an iconic role ― especially when it’s a television show, and we see them as that character for years on end. How could there be a Tony Soprano without James Gandolfini, or a Buffy The Vampire Slayer without Sarah Michelle Gellar? (We’re still pretending the Kristy Swanson movie never happened.)

But of course, few TV characters are created with the actor who ends up playing them in mind. Many shows go through an exhaustive casting process to find just the right fit ― and some of the actors who almost get cast are pretty famous in their own right. A recently-leaked sign-in sheet for The Office revealed that familiar faces like Hamish Linklater and Adam Scott were considered for the role of Jim (ultimately going to John Krasinski, of course, making him a star), while Paul Giamatti was the first choice for the role that went to Steve Carell.

From big stars who turned down TV projects that ended up being a huge deal to then-unknowns who went on to find fame in future shows, here are TV's most alarming casting near-misses from some of our favorite shows to ever grace the small screen!

Gossip Girl concluded last year with a truly shocking revelation ― the identity of Gossip Girl was none other than…

Well, we don’t want to spoil it, because Season 6 is coming to DVD on February 12, and you should probably watch for yourself. But since the show did such a good job at keeping GG's identity mum for six seasons, it got us thinking about the real-life secrets that have been kept from us by some equally rich and beautiful people.

These days it’s harder than ever for celebs to keep things on the DL, thanks to paparazzi and the lightning-fast speed of internet gossip. But there are a few notable exceptions of juicy tidbits kept quiet for days, weeks, months, and sometimes even years!

Here’s a round-up of some of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets.

People. What is the matter with you?

Other awards shows like the Grammys, the Emmys, and the Oscars may not always get it right, but at least when they’re wrong, we have someone to fault. But when The People make an unwise decision, we only have humanity at large to blame.

The People’s Choice Awards air tonight and while you might think letting the general public have their say when it comes to pop culture sounds fair, as past winners prove, "people" should probably have their entertainment favorites chosen for them.

Here's our round-up of past People's Choice Award winners that don't stand up to scrutiny.