<P> The blimp hangar used for the famous fight scene between Louis Gossett Jr. and Richard Gere is located at Fort Worden State Park and as of 2013 is still intact, but has been converted into a 1200 - seat performing arts center called the McCurdy Pavilion . </P> <P> The filming location for the exterior of' TJ's Restaurant' is located at the Point Hudson marina in Port Townsend . The space is now occupied by a company that makes sails . The fictional "TJ's" is an homage to the Trader Jon's bar in Pensacola, Florida, as a naval aviator hangout until it closed later in November 2003 . For years, it was traditional for graduating Aviation Officer Candidate School classes to celebrate their commissioning at "Trader's ." </P> <P> Originally, folk music singer and occasional actor John Denver was signed to play Zack Mayo . But a casting process eventually involved Jeff Bridges, Christopher Reeve, and Richard Gere . Gere eventually beat all the other actors for the part . John Travolta had turned down the role, as he did with American Gigolo (another Richard Gere hit). </P> <P> The role of Paula was originally given to Sigourney Weaver, then to Anjelica Huston and later to Jennifer Jason Leigh, who dropped out to do the film Fast Times at Ridgemont High instead . Eventually, Debra Winger replaced Leigh for the role of Paula . Rebecca De Mornay, Meg Ryan, and Geena Davis auditioned for the role of Paula . </P>

Who turned down the lead role in an officer and a gentleman