Jill Clayburgh turned down the role of Norma Rae.

Faye Dunaway turned down the role of Norma Rae.

Turned down the role of Norma Rae.

According to her bio, Shirley MacLaine loved to play Norma Rae.

After being nominated for THE GOODBYE GIRL, Marsha Mason was offered the role as NORMA RAE but declined due to personal issues/commitments with Neil Simon and his family.

One of the first choices for the title role.