If I remember correctly, he wasn't the first choice for the Godfather. People thought he was washed up and too expensive. But he came in, read the part and walked out with it.
Danny Thomas waged a hard fight for the role. I believe he was the choice before Brando nailed it.
Yeah, thats true. I've seen his original screen test somewhere where he comes in, stuffs the tissues in his cheeks, and totally transforms himself before your eyes. It was pretty amazing.
I heard he had to audition for the Godfather. The audition was held in his home, and he was told they just wanted to see if kleenex in the jowls would work for the look they were after.