Part 4/8:

The second reason Sundstrom points out is related to Benedict's unique cultural and political background. Growing up in a small town in Montana, his values and beliefs diverged significantly from those of many influential figures in Hollywood.

Sundstrom notes that during the production of both Battlestar Galactica and The A-Team, executives expressed reservations about casting Benedict, who was regarded as an actor who did not fit the typical Hollywood mold. It was often only through the advocacy of producers that he was permitted to take on these roles. This disconnect highlights a potentially unspoken tension between the actor’s personal beliefs and the prevailing attitudes of the entertainment industry, which may have impeded his opportunities.