Steven Weber stepped into the role of Jack Torrance in the 1997 miniseries adaptation of The Shining, but he wasn't the first actor considered for the part. While the miniseries wasn't necessarily well-received, multiple reviewers were impressed with Weber's performance. Let's look at who the role was originally meant for.
The Shining is a television adaptation of Stephen King's novel of the same name. Just like Stanley Kubrick's famous movie adaptation, the miniseries follows recovering alcoholic Jack Torrance's descent into madness. Torrance moves his family into a hotel to work as temporary caretakers while he finishes his book, but his mind begins to unravel as the haunted hotel reveals its hidden ghosts.
Unlike the film adaptation, King was involved in this version of The Shining. King famously detested Kubrick's film, as it strayed far from his novel. He made sure the miniseries got things right, including the way that Jack was portrayed. While Weber was the actor who ended up taking on that iconic role, two other actors almost stepped into Nicholson's shoes.
Gary Sinise and Tim Daly Almost Played Jack Torrance
The role of Jack Torrance in The Shining miniseries was originally offered to two other actors — Gary Sinise and Tim Daly. Each actor had to turn down the part for different reasons. Sinise turned down the part because he felt that no one could live up to Nicholson's performance. Sinise is known for a number of dramatic roles, which is likely why he was considered for the part of Jack Torrance. Sinise is perhaps most well-known for the part of Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. Lt. Dan was gruff and eccentric, which could have been a good jumping off point for playing Jack Torrance. Sinise was also known for playing Mac Taylor in CSI: NY and George Milton in Of Mice and Men — two other no-nonsense roles. Recently, Sinise was seen in 13 Reasons Why as Clay's therapist.
Tim Daly was also offered the part of Jack Torrance. Daly is more well known on the smaller screen. Daly has played Henry McCord on Madam Secretary, Mitch on Hot in Cleveland, and Dr. Pete Wilder on Private Practice. The actor was playing Joe Montgomery Hackett on the sitcom Wings when he was approached to play Jack Torrance in The Shining miniseries. While Daly was unavailable for the part, he suggested they consider his Wings costar and good friend, Steven Weber. Weber, of course, would eventually take on the role, and played it in a completely different way than Nicholson, bringing a version of Jack Torrance to life that was closer to the character depicted in King's novel. Weber may not be remembered for his performance of Jack Torrance in The Shining miniseries, but he delivered what King felt was missing from Kubrick's film.