Claim: Martin Freeman turned down the role of Dr. John Watson.
Evidence: Martin John Christopher Freeman -LRB- born 8 September 1971 -RRB- is an English actor , who became known for portraying Tim Canterbury in the original UK version of sitcom mockumentary The Office , Dr. John Watson in the British crime drama Sherlock , Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson 's The Hobbit film trilogy , and Lester Nygaard in the dark comedy-crime drama TV series Fargo.