So, who else did the director offer the role to prior to Bullock? None other than the four-time Golden Globe Winner and Academy Award winner, Julia Roberts. While it would have been a good move for Roberts considering the film’s eventual success, Roberts chose to turn down the role.
She did not feel that the part was right for her… perhaps she also just had to meet Tuohy in real life and then she too would have wanted to be a part of the film. So, Sandra Bullock took the role and gave an outstanding performance that would re-develop her career for the better, and we will explain why later on in the list.
The Story Behind Oher`s Mentor
In the film, it seems that Michael Oher developed a love for football thanks to Sandra Bullock, who plays Leigh Ann Tuohy. While she did play a pivotal role in helping to jump-start Oher’s football career, he didn’t learn everything from her nor did he get all his training from her.
The real Michael Oher felt that the director wanted to depict a moving mentor-and-mentee story, and thus chose to leave out some important details regarding what Oher himself did to reach his achievements. He feels that the film didn’t include the hard work that he had to put into his career himself in order to reach his goals. Michael Oher has said "I've been studying, really studying, the game since I was a little kid."
Sandra Bullock Almost Was Not In The Movie
Sandra Bullock received rave reviews for her performance as Leigh Anne Tuohy in The Blind Side. So rave, that she even took home an Oscar and Golden Globe award for her performance. However, even Bullock had some uncertainties about the role.
Bullock was offered to play the role several times but she declined because she was nervous to play a devout Christian. Bullock could not be persuaded to accept the role, that is until she met Leigh Anne Tuohy in real life. Following that event, she at once decided it was her mission to be a part of the story. However, she wasn’t the only actress being considered for the part.
A Few Years Apart
Most fans of the film and those who were devoted football fans can understand how Quinton Aaron might pass as the football star Michael Oher. They have a similar build and height. However, one minor difference separates the two.
Quinton Aaron is a bit older than Michael Oher. He was born in 1984, while Michael Oher was born in 1986. The age difference is pretty insignificant and Quinton Aaron proved himself to be one fine Michael Oher.
Having Famous Friends
While Michael Oher wasn’t a huge fan of the film, he didn’t have any negative feelings toward the actors and actresses who portrayed his story. Actually, one star of the film still has quite the presence in his life; Sandra Bullock herself.
Sandra Bullock developed a relationship with Michael Oher, as well as with the entire Tuohy family. She continues to follow Michael Oher’s progress as an athlete and roots for him whenever she gets the chance. She can be spotted at many Super Bowl games, alongside the family, hoping to see him win.