Mary Steenburgen, 73, explains she feels no regret over missed roles since they shaped the fulfilling path she enjoys today.

On the latest edition of The Daily Beast's "Obsessed" podcast, the performer described making "one big mistake" by turning down a part she now believes she "probably should have done."

She vowed to "never tell anyone" the specific opportunity out of consideration for the performer who landed it instead. Still, she harbors no real remorse, noting that altering that single decision might have redirected her entire journey.

"I know someone that is very haunted by roles that other people - including myself - get, and I feel so bad for this person because, for whatever reason, I'm free of that," Steenburgen said. "I always have been."

Her distinctive outlook on life convinces her that events unfold with purpose, even the role she once wished she had taken.

"The truth is, I don't really feel I should have, because if I had done that, I might not have met Ted, and then Kate and Alexis wouldn't be my stepdaughters," Steenburgen said. "All the ways that my life would be different are impossible to imagine."

Steenburgen wed actor Ted Danson in 1995, creating a blended household that includes two children from prior relationships for each partner.

Instead of envying others' achievements, Steenburgen draws happiness from seeing talented performers deliver standout work.

"I'm sad for people that don't feel that," she added. "It's not a competitive sport. You're in it together."

She applies the same perspective to films that fell short of expectations.

Every project has offered value, whether through enduring friendships, personal growth, or cherished moments alongside her children.

"I've made really good movies and some of them epically good, but I've also made some turkeys, and I'm glad I did them," Steenburgen said.

Additional performers have expressed similar acceptance regarding roles that defined others' careers.

Prior to Margot Robbie taking on Barbie, Anne Hathaway was linked to an earlier version of the project. During a 2023 appearance on the "Happy, Sad, Confused" podcast, Hathaway viewed the outcome as fortunate since it paved the way for the beloved final cut.

"They hit a bull's-eye. And the bull's-eye caused the entire world to reach this level of ecstasy. Now imagine that version - that much energy, that much anticipation, that much emotion - but it's not the right version," Hathaway said.

Cillian Murphy came close to portraying Batman in Christopher Nolan's series before Christian Bale was selected. In 2023, he shared with GQ that the result proved ideal.

"I never considered myself as the right physical specimen for Batman. To me, it was always going to be Christian Bale," Murphy said.