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There are more than 18,000 cities, villages and towns in the U.S., according to the National League of Cities. Many of these towns boast strange or unusual claims to fame, so many, in fact, that it’s rare to find a town that doesn’t make such a claim. But some claims are definitely more offbeat, completely random or downright bizarre than others. Here are 10 American towns with unusual claims to fame. Those towns touting their status as the birthplace of American Idol finalists or obscure Olympic athletes need not apply.

Gene Hackman toiled in obscurity as an actor until he reached middle age. But after establishing himself as a star in the early 1970s in films such as The French Connection and The Poseidon Adventure, Hackman quickly became a fan favorite. His roles in legendary films such as Hoosiers and Unforgiven ensure his legacy will live on for years to come. Here are the top 10 Gene Hackman movies.

Have you ever watched a great movie and been so impressed with the lead actor or actress that you thought they were “perfect” for the role? Such casting usually doesn’t happen by accident. The movie studio, producer, director, casting agencies, agents, actors and actresses all vie to fill key movie roles through auditions, networking and other methods. Often, fate intervenes in the process. An actor everyone thinks is perfect for the role wants too much salary. Or an actress rejects the role because she doesn’t like the script.

Hollywood history is full of instances in which an actor or actress took an Academy Award-winning role that another performer passed up. Here’s a look at 10 famous movie roles rejected by other stars.