JEREMY IRONS - IRONS ALMOST MISSED OUT ON OSCAR

English actor JEREMY IRONS nearly turned down his Oscar-winning role in REVERSAL OF FORTUNE, fearing the part was "tasteless". The star was worried about playing Claus Van Bulow - a real-life convicted murderer - in the 1990 movie, but was encouraged to take on the part by co-star Glenn Close. He says, "I tried to turn it down. I kept saying 'no' but Glenn Close persuaded me. "I thought it might have been a bit tasteless. The man it was about was still alive and it was like digging up his family history."