Hollywood’s casting decisions can be influenced by a variety of factors, including public perception, controversies, and personal behavior. Over time, some actors and actresses have found themselves on the fringes of the industry due to controversies, legal issues, or changes in public sentiment. Here’s a list of 15 actors and actresses who have faced significant challenges in their careers and have seen a notable reduction in casting opportunities:
Mel Gibson
Gibson, once a major Hollywood star and director, faced a severe backlash due to a series of public controversies and offensive remarks in the late 2000s and early 2010s. While he has made a comeback in recent years, his career was significantly impacted by these issues.
Kanye West
While primarily known as a musician, Kanye West made attempts to break into acting but faced difficulties due to his outspoken and controversial behavior. His frequent public outbursts and polarizing statements have affected his mainstream appeal.
Ezra Miller
The actor gained fame for roles in The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Fantastic Beasts. However, a series of legal issues and allegations of erratic behavior have significantly impacted their career, leading to fewer high-profile roles.
Roseanne Barr
Barr’s career took a major hit after a racist tweet led to the cancellation of her hit show Roseanne in 2018. Despite a brief return with a new show, The Conners, her public image remains tarnished.
Kevin Spacey
Spacey was a highly respected actor until numerous allegations of sexual misconduct emerged in 2017. These allegations led to his removal from projects such as House of Cards and All the Money in the World and severely affected his career.
Johnny Depp
Depp has faced significant career setbacks due to his highly publicized legal battles and allegations of domestic abuse during his divorce from Amber Heard. Although he continues to act, his roles have become less frequent and often in independent or smaller films.
Armie Hammer
Hammer’s career has been impacted by allegations of sexual misconduct and disturbing behavior. The fallout from these allegations led to the suspension of his involvement in several high-profile projects.
Jesse Smollett
Smollett faced a major career setback after staging a fake hate crime and being charged with disorderly conduct. The controversy led to his removal from the show Empire and a significant reduction in acting opportunities.
Chris Brown
Known more for his music career, Brown’s acting aspirations have been hindered by his legal troubles and controversies, particularly following his high-profile assault charge involving Rihanna.
Teri Hatcher
Hatcher experienced a decline in high-profile roles following her stint on Desperate Housewives. Her career has faced challenges due to reports of difficult behavior on set and a reduced media presence.
Heather Locklear
Locklear’s career suffered due to struggles with substance abuse and legal issues. While she has continued to work sporadically, her presence in mainstream projects has diminished.
Shia LaBeouf
LaBeouf’s career has been marked by erratic behavior and legal issues, including arrests and problematic public appearances. Despite a recent attempt at a comeback, his career remains volatile.
Nina Dobrev
Dobrev’s career faced some challenges after her departure from The Vampire Diaries, with fewer high-profile roles. However, it’s worth noting that her career isn’t as impacted as some others on this list.
Laura Dern
While Dern’s career has not been completely derailed, she has faced challenges in securing high-profile roles at times. Her public persona and involvement in high-profile controversies have occasionally impacted her career trajectory.
Jean-Claude Van Damme
Known for his action roles in the 80s and 90s, Van Damme’s career has seen ups and downs due to personal issues and fluctuating public interest. While he continues to work, his roles are less prominent than they once were.
