Comedian and former The Conners showrunner Whitney Cummings has a surprising take on the time pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter auditioned for the hit sitcom—and didn’t make the cut. In a candid chat at LAX on Thursday, Whitney spilled the tea on what could’ve been and why passing on Sabrina turned out to be a game-changer for the young star.
Sabrina’s Audition That ‘Lit Up the Room’
According to Whitney, Sabrina Carpenter auditioned years ago for the role of Harris Conner-Healy, Darlene’s daughter in The Conners. While Sabrina dazzled everyone with her radiant energy, the showrunners had something else in mind. “We were looking for someone with a darker vibe,” Whitney explained, adding that Sabrina’s natural brightness just didn’t align with the character’s edge.
It’s not every day that being too charismatic works against you, but in this case, it did. However, Whitney insists this rejection was a blessing in disguise—not just for Sabrina, but for Hollywood.
Rejection Fueled a Pop Star’s Rise
“Sabrina lit up the room,” Whitney said, “but honestly, not getting cast was the best thing that could’ve happened to her.” Why? Because landing the part might have meant sacrificing time and focus on her music—a career that has since catapulted her to global stardom.
Whitney even joked that Sabrina owes her a little something for the career boost. “I mean, a cut of her tour profits would be nice—or at least some front-row seats,” she laughed. On a more serious note, Whitney highlighted how rejections often serve as pivotal turning points in Hollywood, shaping bigger, better paths for talented individuals.
Sabrina’s Post-Conners Success and Breakup Advice
With her music career on fire and her fanbase growing by the minute, Sabrina’s star power is undeniable. But what about her personal life? When asked about Sabrina’s recent split from actor Barry Keoghan, Whitney kept it simple: “Keep going, girl.”
While the missed opportunity on The Conners could have been a setback, it instead propelled Sabrina Carpenter toward a career that aligns perfectly with her energy and passion. For Whitney, it’s a prime example of how rejection doesn’t have to mean failure—it can be the springboard to something extraordinary.
A Sliding Doors Moment in Hollywood
Could Sabrina Carpenter have brought Harris Conner-Healy to life in a way no one else could? Maybe. But as Whitney Cummings so wisely pointed out, some doors close to push others wide open. For Sabrina, the path not taken led her to the global stage—and that’s a plot twist we can all cheer for.
As Whitney quipped at the end of the conversation, “Sometimes, not getting what you want is exactly what you need.”
Stay tuned—who knows what dazzling “what-ifs” Hollywood will serve up next?
