Overview
- Olivia Munn says she was told she booked the role of Avery Jessup on NBC’s 30 Rock, then lost it after Alec Baldwin objected that she looked too young to play his love interest.
- She says the decision flipped more than once before the part ultimately went to Elizabeth Banks, who began playing the character in season four.
- Coverage notes the ages at the time were Baldwin 52, Munn 30, and Banks 36, which framed concerns about the on-screen pairing.
- The account comes from a new Hollywood Reporter interview, and outlets say they asked Baldwin’s representatives for comment with no response included.
- Munn says the setback boosted her confidence rather than derailing her path, pointing to how a lead actor’s sway can redirect a role.