Hugh Grant Was Close to Replacing Charlie Sheen on "Two and a Half Men"

Hugh Grant was on the verge of stepping in for Charlie Sheen on the CBS sitcom "Two and a Half Men" before the role ultimately went to Ashton Kutcher, according to "Two and a Half Men" co-creator Chuck Lorre.

In his new memoir, "Sitcom," Lorre details that network executives considered replacing Sheen due to his increasingly erratic behavior. During this period, Grant's name emerged as a potential successor. Lorre recounted meeting with the British actor, who expressed significant fear of performing in front of a live studio audience. Lorre offered to eliminate the audience, stating in the book, "F–k it. Clearly I had no moral compass."

Grant was reportedly offered a substantial $750,000 per episode and a four-day work week. According to Lorre, Grant had "a pen in hand and was about to sign the contract when he abruptly walked out of the room and became 'unreachable.'" Grant's publicist did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Sheen was eventually fired from the show due to his public outbursts and increasingly difficult behavior on set. Ashton Kutcher was subsequently cast, and the series continued for an additional four seasons.

Lorre also revealed that he had to fight to get Jon Cryer, who played Alan Harper, cast in the role. CBS executives were initially hesitant to cast Cryer, viewing him as a "death of comedy" due to previous unsuccessful sitcoms. Despite initial resistance, Cryer auditioned and impressed executives, ultimately securing the part.

Lorre's memoir also touches on other aspects of his career, including his success with "The Big Bang Theory" and his contentious relationship with Sheen during the latter's tenure on "Two and a Half Men."