Debra Winger has revealed that she quit the 1992 hit movie A League of Their Own after learning the director had hired Madonna to star alongside her.
The Oscar-nominated actress also claimed that she was still paid for it, having trained for months in the baseball-themed project, after being replaced by A-List star Geena Davis in the lead role.
Winger, 66, who trained with the Chicago Cubs for three months in preparation, told The Telegraph in a new interview that she felt director Penny Marshall was making 'an Elvis film' after casting Madge, 62.
Not winging it: Debra Winger has revealed that quit the 1992 hit movie A League of Their Own after learning the director had hired Madonna, despite training for three months (Pic, 2019)
'The studio agreed with me because it was the only time I ever collected a pay-or-play on my contract. In other words, I collected my pay even though I did not play, and that’s very hard to get in a court,' Winger explained.
The well-reviewed film that also starred Tom Hanks, went on to make $132.4million at the box office against a $40million budget, making it a resounding success.
Still, Winger has no regrets.
'As entertaining as [the finished film] was, you don't walk away going "Wow, those women did that." You kind of go "Is that true?"' she explained, stating her case.
Big success: The movie - also starring Rosie O'Donnell - went on to make $132.4million at the box office against a $40million budget. Still, Winger says she has no regrets.
Replacement: Winger's role was recast with A-List star Geena Davis instead
Winder also said that although the other stars didn't train as hard as she did, her replacement Davis, 65, 'did OK.'
'I certainly don’t begrudge any of them,” Winger added. But when asked about Madonna's performance, Winger is said to have replied: 'I think [her] acting career has spoken for itself.'
Madonna
