Blossomalmost starred a boy played by Stephen Dorff

For five seasons onBlossom, Mayim Bialiks Blossom Russo trailblazed a new space for young women on television.

But in the shows original concept, the central character ofBlossomwas actually a teenagedboy.

In Reos conception, the boy would be the central figure in a show about a family.

His name was Richie, Reo explains.

I actually wanted Stephen Dorff to play Richie.

and a kid sister named Blossom who was this precocious smart kid.

As Bialik explains, the shows development rapidly shifted.

Why would you make a show about a girl?'

As Reo recalls, he sparked to the NBC executives request to refocus the show on the little sister.

Reo had loved Bialiks role inBeachesand wrote the pilot script with her in mind for the lead role.

Don and I shared a love ofCatcher in the Ryeand J.D.

Salinger, she says.

EW recently got the wholeBlossomcast for a reunion special,which you could watch here.

And Stephen Dorff did ultimately appear on the show playing a love interest for Blossom.