Omar J. Dorsey Says Wood Harris Beat Him Out for “Remember the Titans” Role. 24 Years Later, Dorsey Got Revenge (Exclusive)

Omar J. Dorsey Recalls Losing ‘Remember the Titans’ Role to Wood Harris

Omar J. Dorsey, best known for his roles in various films and TV series, recently shared an interesting anecdote about a missed opportunity that involved actor Wood Harris. During a recent event in Los Angeles, Dorsey revealed to PEOPLE that Harris had beaten him out for the role of Julius Campbell in the iconic 2000 football drama “Remember the Titans.”

Reflecting on the audition process back in 1999, Dorsey reminisced about his younger self, still a college student at the time. Despite his best efforts, it was Harris who ultimately landed the role that would help launch his career. However, Dorsey made light of the situation and joked about getting revenge by landing a role in the HBO series “Bookie” over Harris later on.

“Remember the Titans,” starring Denzel Washington, portrayed the story of a high school football coach navigating the challenges of coaching a newly-integrated team in a racially tense environment. The film served as a platform for emerging talents like Ryan Gosling and Hayden Panettiere.

Although Dorsey missed out on the opportunity to be part of that iconic film, he found success elsewhere. Shortly after the “Remember the Titans” audition, Dorsey secured a role in the 2000 comedy “Road Trip,” alongside Breckin Meyer, Seann William Scott, and Tom Green. This experience taught him that breaking into Hollywood was far from easy, despite initial impressions.

Over the years, Dorsey has worked diligently to carve out his space in the entertainment industry. Honored at the Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood event, he reflected on his journey, describing it as surreal. From humble beginnings, struggling and sleeping on couches, to now being celebrated for his contributions to the industry, Dorsey acknowledged the beauty of his evolution.

Currently, Dorsey can be seen in the HBO series “Bookie,” which follows the story of a veteran bookie navigating the world of sports gambling. He expressed his hope for the show to continue its success and potentially secure a new home for future seasons, highlighting the dedication and passion poured into the project by the entire team.

As Dorsey looks towards the future of his career, he remains grateful for the opportunities that have come his way and the progress he has made. His resilience and persistence serve as a testament to the often challenging nature of the entertainment business, where talent and determination go hand in hand to create lasting success.

In conclusion, Omar J. Dorsey’s journey from a college student vying for roles to an established actor making his mark in Hollywood is a testament to his dedication and talent. Despite setbacks and missed opportunities, Dorsey’s story is one of perseverance and triumph in an industry known for its highs and lows.