Alec Guinness, in his published diary "My Name Escapes Me" writes in his March 29, 1996 entry: "Three years ago I was offered $10,000 — call itŁ7000— to be in New York for a month, at my own expense, to play a part (admittedly small) in the film 'The Age of Innocence.' I declined."

Hepburn turned down the role of the Countess Ellen Olenska in this first film adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel.

Kiefer Sutherland turned down the role of Newland.