16. Ken Ruta
While the show hosted many names, some big, and some who blew up later, there was one fish that got away. Ruta was the first pick for the role of Arthur, ultimately played by Rip Torn. The Chicago native, Ruta, had a reputation as an actor’s actor. He’d built his career on the stage, but also dabbled in film. Because of Ruta’s busy life on stage, he could not find the time to do the role, unfortunate for Ruta and for Shandling.