Sebastian Stan has carved out a respectable Hollywood career over the last three decades.
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Born in Romania, the 44-year-old actor has appeared in a wide range of movies and television series, including "Hot Tub Time Machine," "Law & Order," "Gossip Girl," and "The Apprentice."
Stan was cast as the MCU's Bucky Barnes in 2012, a recurring role that he's reprised in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Black Panther, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Endgame and Thunderbolts.
Before he was fighting (and sometimes enacting) crime in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Stan aspired to become a singer.
Not only that, the Romanian actor once went to great lengths to secure an audition on "American Idol."
Marvel Star Recalls Failed American Idol Audition
During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, the MCU star recalled camping out in Times Square in the early 2000s for an audition on the singing show.
His overnight stay in the Big Apple didn't pan out, though. To his chagrin, Stan was rejected before the televised stage.
"I wore these Gap leather pants," said Stan. "We went up there, and they take you five at a time. They line you up like they're gonna assassinate you."
"Each person steps forward, and for 10 seconds, sings their song a cappella. And I sang the medley from Moulin Rouge! and like, never made it past that."
Stan admitted he knew "very quickly" that his 10-second performance wouldn't be enough to land him on the grand stage. "But I was used to rejection pretty well at that time in my life," said the actor.
Stan did not specify which season he auditioned for, but the rejection may have been a blessing in disguise.
Although he didn't fulfill his dream as a vocalist, the Romanian actor has amassed immense on-screen success.
Stan received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2022 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role as Tommy Lee in Hulu's "Pam and Tommy."
He has also earned millions as the MCU's Bucky Barnes.
Stan will reprise his role as Bucky Barnes in Avengers: Doomsday.
