Elvis Presley declined a renowned film part due to his manager's apprehension that he would be eclipsed: source.

Norman Brokaw's son, Joel Brokaw, wrote a biography titled 'Driving Marilyn.'

Elvis Presley declined a renowned film part due to his manager's apprehension that he would be eclipsed: source.
Elvis Presley declined a renowned film part due to his manager's apprehension that he would be eclipsed: source.

Barbra Streisand was not shared the screen with Elvis Presley, which is one of his biggest regrets.

Joel Brokaw, son of Norman Brokaw, wrote a biography about the late Hollywood agent titled "Driving Marilyn."

In 2016, at the age of 89, Brokaw, who represented Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood, and other top stars, passed away.

Elvis Presley looks off in the distance wearing a black jumpsuit with a red scarf
Elvis Presley would have turned 90 on Jan. 8. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

"Joel shared with Planet Chronicle Digital that he had interviewed Priscilla Presley, who was also a client of his father's. During their conversation, Joel asked Priscilla about her relationship with Colonel Tom Parker, her manager. She revealed that there was only one instance where they had any disagreements."

Barbra Streisand discouraged Elvis Presley from starring alongside her in "A Star is Born" in 1976, as she believed he might be overshadowed by her.

"It was a decision that Elvis regretted," Joel wrote.

Book cover for Driving Marilyn
Joel Brokaw's book, "Driving Marilyn," is available now. (Lyons Press)

Joel revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital that at the time, Presley was eager to be recognized as a serious Hollywood actor. He drew inspiration from "Rebel Without a Cause" star James Dean. Nevertheless, Parker urged Presley to prioritize his musical career, even if it meant settling for subpar performances.

"Elvis wanted to explore more substantial acting roles, but Colonel Parker preferred to maintain the successful formula of Elvis's movies with soundtracks, which resulted in numerous hit songs. The films were entertaining and lighthearted, and they were a perfect fit for Elvis's first residencies in Las Vegas. Elvis was one of the first artists to pioneer this approach."

Elvis Presley regretted turning down 'A Star Is Born': book.

Elvis Presley regretted turning down ‘A Star is Born’: book

"Joel revealed that Elvis had a marketing strategy that was very convenient, but he wanted to become an actor. Colonel Parker rejected the opportunity to star in "A Star is Born" with Barbra Streisand because he didn't want Elvis to be overshadowed by her."

Barbra Streisand performing alongside two women in a scene from A Star is Born
Barbra Streisand played Esther Hoffman in the romantic drama "A Star is Born." (FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images)

Priscilla stated that their relationship had no other flaws besides that one blemish, according to Joel.

The author believed that Streisand would eclipse Presley, which is why Parker was so determined.

Colonel Parker's hesitation about pairing Barbra Streisand with Elvis may have been due to their current trajectory and career paths, he explained.

"Elvis wanted to develop himself as an actor. And so, [his manager] Colonel Parker turned down the opportunity, the offer for Elvis to star in ‘A Star is Born’ with Barbra Streisand… He didn’t want to see Elvis being overshadowed by Barbra Streisand." — Joel Brokaw, author of "Driving Marilyn"

Elvis Presley playing a performing to a woman in Hawaii.
Joan Blackman and Elvis Presley in 1961's "Blue Hawaii." The singer was deeply dissatisfied with his Hollywood career. (Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

As the 1960s approached and the British invasion and Beatles' rise occurred, Elvis's popularity began to decline.

"Barbra Streisand was on the rise," he remarked. "I believe Parker felt that she had more momentum at that moment."

In the 1930s, Janet Gaynor and Fredric March starred in the film, while Judy Garland and James Mason played the roles in the 1950s remake. Streisand starred in her version of the film alongside Kris Kristofferson.

Kris Kristofferson embracing Barbra Streisand in A Star is Born
Kris Kristofferson went on to star opposite Barbra Streisand in "A Star is Born." (Screen Archives/Getty Images)

In 2018, a fourth version of the romance between a rising young performer and a fading one was released, featuring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, who also directed the film.

In November, Priscilla revealed that Streisand was considering Presley for the role of her onscreen love interest, but Parker advised him against it.

"People magazine reported in November that Presley's ex-wife revealed that Barbra had offered him a part, but Colonel convinced him against it, stating, "It won't be good. She'll be in charge, not you. Her movie, not yours.""

Norman Brokaw posing next to Colonel Tom Parker smoking a cigar
Norman Brokaw, left, a sought-after talent agent, represented Elvis Presley. He is seen here with Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. (Brokaw Family Collection)

"Elvis felt he could have played that part, which caused him regret," the 79-year-old stated.

In her memoir "My Name is Barbra," Streisand revealed that she had considered Presley for the role in the music-centered drama before it was given to Kristofferson. She traveled to Las Vegas to meet with him in an attempt to persuade him to take on the part.

"The 82-year-old wrote in a letter, as quoted by USA Today, "We discussed the film, and Elvis showed interest. However, it didn't work out. Marty Erlichman, my manager, stated that Colonel Parker requested more money than we could afford. Producer Jon Peters also mentioned that the Colonel wanted to produce the film. I'm not certain about that.""

elvis presley with priscilla presley and elvis father vernon
Priscilla Presley also confirmed that her ex-husband wanted to work alongside Barbra Streisand. (Oscar Abolafia/TPLP/Getty Images)

"She revealed that Elvis had gained weight and was no longer at his peak, but he still drew big audiences. She added that the story may have been too similar to his own life, and the Colonel may have convinced him not to pursue it."

The Netflix documentary "Return of the King: The Fall & Rise of Elvis Presley" examines the intricate bond between Presley and Parker through interviews with Priscilla and Jerry Schilling, among others.

In the movie, Elvis Presley is heard expressing his frustration with making cash-grab musicals instead of taking on more serious roles.

Barbra Streisand singing on stage in front of a large crowd.
Barbra Streisand wrote that she traveled to Las Vegas in hopes of convincing Presley. (Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)

"I knew that Hollywood's portrayal of me was inaccurate, but I was powerless to correct it," Presley stated. "I was at a loss, feeling bound to fulfill obligations despite not fully believing in them."

Presley stated that no amount of money could have made him feel satisfied if he had been paid it.

In the 1967 film "Double Trouble," the Grammy winner Presley sang the children's melody "Old MacDonald Had a Farm."

Elvis Presley acting out a scene in Double Trouble
Elvis Presley opposite Annette Day in "Double Trouble," circa 1967. (FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images)

In the film, Priscilla stated that the scene she was watching was a crime.

"Putting him in that situation and singing that song made him a laughingstock, and he knew it was a crime."

Jason Hehir, the filmmaker, stated that Presley often felt overwhelmed and trapped by his career, causing him to become physically ill.

Elvis Presley looking down with lights facing him.
Netflix documentary "Return of the King: The Fall & Rise of Elvis Presley" is available for streaming. (Netflix)

"Hehir stated, "He was deeply dissatisfied and couldn't get out of bed. Many people don't realize how disappointed he was. He was taking these movie roles and seemingly just taking the easy way out and cashing enormous checks. But it wasn't his ambition as an artist.""

"Hehir shared that it had always been a frustration for him, as he couldn't even get out of bed due to his starvation for an artistic challenge. However, he had locked himself into movie contracts and his management had allowed him to be locked into them."

Hehir stated, "Performing on stage was what truly mattered to him, and after seven years of being on movie sets and doing increasingly mediocre films, a light bulb went off in his head."

A close-up of Elvis Presley wearing a white blazer with a polka dot collared shirt.
Filmmaker Jason Hehir told Planet Chronicle Digital that Elvis Presley was eager to make his own mark as a star, similar to his idols James Dean and Marlon Brando. (Netflix)

"He yearned to pursue his own interests, rather than catering to his management or movie fans. Specifically, he aimed to reconnect with his Elvis persona."

Presley died in 1977. He was 42.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

by Stephanie Nolasco

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