4 Suits Actors Who Auditioned For Harvey Specter Before Gabriel Macht Landed The Role

Suits captured audiences' hearts with the dynamic duo of Patrick J. Adams as Mike Ross and Gabriel Macht as Harvey Specter. The USA Network series struggled to find the right actor for the latter role due to Specter's complex personality - charming, fiercely loyal, yet prone to outbursts of anger. The casting process nearly derailed the show before it even began.

Several stars were considered, many of whom went on to play supporting characters in the nine-season run and the ill-fated Suits: LA spinoff. Patrick J. Adams was initially suggested for Mike Ross, who faked his way into law school. However, casting director Bonnie Zane revealed that Shawn Ashmore also auditioned for the role of Harvey Specter opposite Adams. Ashmore, known for his role as Bobby Drake/Iceman in the X-Men trilogy, didn't land the part but later starred as Wesley Evers in The Rookie.

Matt Letscher, who played Ted Black's abusive father, Edward Brooks on Suits: LA, was another candidate for the title role. He later became known for his recurring role as Eobard Thawne/Reverse Flash in the Arrowverse. Jeffrey Nordling, who starred in Big Little Lies, was also considered for Harvey Specter, portraying Gordon Klein, the shady executive married to Renata Klein. Despite not getting the role, Nordling later appeared in Suits Seasons 8 and 9 as Eric Kaldor.

Jay Harrington, known for his role as Sgt. David Kay in S.W.A.T., was another actor who auditioned for the role but ultimately didn't make the cut. Instead, he played Mark Meadows, Donna Paulsen's boyfriend, in Suits Season 7. The relationship between Paulsen and Meadows was fraught, with Paulsen always prioritizing her loyalty to Specter over her romantic relationships.