Peter Krause Worked with Aaron Sorkin as a Bartender in College, Recalls Turning Down Major Opportunity Because He Was Too Busy

**Peter Krause Reflects on Career Choices and Missed Opportunities**

Actor Peter Krause, renowned for his roles in acclaimed series like *Six Feet Under*, recently spoke candidly about his acting journey, reflecting on a significant missed opportunity that still lingers in his mind. In an interview with *Esquire*, he recounted a pivotal moment in his career that involved fellow actor and writer Aaron Sorkin during the 1980s.

Back in the mid-‘80s, while pursuing his studies at New York University, Krause worked as a bartender at the Palace Theatre on Broadway. It was there he crossed paths with a then-aspiring Sorkin, who served as the bar manager. Sorkin, now a celebrated writer and director, approached Krause with a suggestion to participate in a reading of a play he was developing. Krause hesitated, ultimately declining the offer due to the demands of his drama curriculum, which involved juggling scene-study classes alongside a Shakespeare production.

The play that Krause regrettably turned down was *A Few Good Men*, a title that would later become emblematic in theatre and film history. “I still feel a wince when I think about it,” Krause revealed, acknowledging the significance of the work that he passed up on.

Years passed, and in a twist of fate, Krause found himself connected to *A Few Good Men* again—this time behind the bar at the Music Box Theatre when it opened on Broadway in 1989. Following its success on stage, the play was adapted into a blockbuster film in 1992 featuring an array of star talent including Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise, further testament to the play’s impactful narrative.

Krause’s relationship with Sorkin did not end there. The two would reunite in the late ‘90s for the television show *Sports Night*, where Krause portrayed Casey McCall, a sports broadcaster. The series, which aired from 1998 to 2000, included a strong ensemble cast featuring Josh Charles, Felicity Huffman, and Robert Guillaume.

In reflecting on their partnership, Krause expressed that their friendship remains strong, stating, “I’m still good friends with Aaron and would love to work with him again.” Such enthusiasm for collaboration is unwavering, despite the time that has elapsed since *Sports Night* was on air.

He further shared that there have been fleeting discussions between him and Sorkin about possibly reviving *Sports Night*. Krause commented, “We talked about it very briefly once. I would love to do *Sports Night* again.” However, he acknowledged that any potential return would require a fresh perspective—“It would need to be somewhat different, a reimagining.”

The actor pondered what a contemporary version of *Sports Night* would look like, especially in light of the evolving landscape of sports and media. “It would still have to capture the essence of delivering sports highlights and showcasing the behind-the-scenes team,” he noted, adding, “But we’d also need to consider how sports today intersect with social media and current societal themes, something Aaron is adept at exploring.”

While Krause’s career has had many successes, the experience of turning down Sorkin’s offer has instilled a valuable lesson in him about seizing opportunities as they arise. He advises younger actors not to hesitate, emphasising, “If you’re a young actor, make the time…and if anybody managing a bar says, ‘Come do this play reading’—do it.”

As Krause continues to navigate the entertainment industry, his retrospective insights serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of acting careers and the importance of being open to new opportunities. Despite any past regrets, it seems clear that Krause remains optimistic about the future, particularly when it comes to potential collaborations with Aaron Sorkin.