Alice in Chains guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell has had an iconic career in rock, but there’s one decision he still wonders about: turning down a role in a major Hollywood film. In a recent interview, Cantrell revealed that he was once offered a part in Jerry Maguire, the 1996 film starring Tom Cruise.
The offer came directly from director Cameron Crowe, who has a well-known love for rock music and often incorporates musicians into his films. Crowe wanted Cantrell to play the role of “guy getting out of the cab,” a minor part that could have been his first step into acting. However, Cantrell declined the opportunity.
“I thought it was cool, but I just didn’t do it,” he admitted. Looking back, he now feels a little regretful about the decision. “I probably should have done that,” he said, acknowledging that it would have been a fun experience and an interesting addition to his career.
Though he missed that chance, Cantrell has still had a brush with the film industry. His music has been featured in multiple movie soundtracks, and he even made a brief cameo in Singles, another Cameron Crowe film from 1992, which heavily featured the Seattle grunge scene.
Fans of Alice in Chains might wonder what could have been, but Cantrell’s legacy as a rock legend remains untouched. Maybe Hollywood will come knocking again—this time, he might just say yes.
