15 Actors Who Used to Be Huge But Everyone Hates Now and for Good Reason

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We’re all for constructive criticism and second chances, but some actors have really tested our patience over the years. So, brace yourselves for a light-hearted roast as we take a look at 15 actors who were once the darlings of Hollywood but have somehow managed to get on everyone’s bad side. (Disclaimer #2: Hate is a strong word, but let’s just say they’ve fallen out of favor.)

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#1. Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf at Cannes Film Festival
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Shia LaBeouf rose to fame with roles in blockbuster films like “Transformers” and “Indiana Jones.” However, his public image took a hit due to a series of bizarre behaviors, including wearing a paper bag on his head at a film premiere, questionable movie roles like “Nymphomaniac,” and allegations of abuse. Additionally, he faced legal trouble for petty theft. These incidents collectively led to a decline in his popularity and the loss of the public’s affection.

#2. Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan at the 12th Annual Race to Erase MS, Century Plaza Hotel, Century City, CA 04-22-05
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s_bukley /Depositphotos.com.

Lindsay Lohan was once a promising child star with undeniable talent. However, her personal life struggles, including multiple convictions for drunk driving and drug use, as well as numerous rehab stints, have eroded her once-positive public image. Her courtroom appearances and ongoing legal troubles have made it difficult for the public to continue supporting her.

#3. Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl at the 23rd annual William S. Paley Television Festival's Presentation of "Grey's Anatomy". Director's Guild of America, Los Angeles, CA. 02-28-06
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Katherine Heigl was known as the queen of romantic comedies, but her reputation took a hit due to her public criticism of “Grey’s Anatomy” and the films she starred in. Her outspokenness and negative comments about her own projects led to a decline in her likability within the entertainment industry and among fans.

#4. Charlie Sheen

DORTMUND, GERMANY - April 13th 2019: Charlie Sheen (*1965, American film and television actor) at German Comic Con Dortmund Spring Edition, a two day fan convention
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Charlie Sheen’s infamous “Tiger Blood” meltdown and subsequent exit from the popular sitcom “Two and a Half Men” left many people perplexed and concerned about his mental health. His erratic behavior and public rants on social media contributed to a decline in public support.

#5. Kanye West

Kanye West on location for 14th Annual HOT 97 Summer Jam 2007 Concert, Giants Stadium, Meadowlands Sports Complex, NJ, June 03, 2007. Photo by: Steve Mack/Everett Collection
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Kanye’s outspokenness on various topics, from politics to social issues, has been polarizing. His tendency to make controversial statements and engage in public feuds has turned many fans away, causing a decline in his overall popularity.

#6. Gwyneth Paltrow

VENICE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 03 : Actress Gwyneth Paltrow attends the premiere of 'Contagion' during the 68th Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2011
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Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle brand, Goop, has been a source of controversy and criticism. She has been accused of promoting questionable health trends and products that lack scientific credibility. Many view her recommendations as out of touch with the average person’s reality due to their high price tags. Additionally, her announcement of “conscious uncoupling” from Chris Martin, a unique way to describe divorce, raised eyebrows and contributed to the negative perception of her public image.

#7. Mel Gibson

Actor Mel Gibson
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Once regarded as a Hollywood heavyweight, Mel Gibson’s career took a severe hit due to his controversial statements and behavior. His use of anti-Semitic slurs during a DUI arrest and other offensive remarks tarnished his reputation. Despite his earlier cinematic achievements, these incidents overshadowed his career and left many with a negative view of him.

#8. Katherine Zeta-Jones

Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones poses as she arrives at the opening ceremony of Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis of Wanda Group in Qingdao, east Chinas Shandong province, 22 September 2013.
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Katherine Zeta-Jones’ extravagant lifestyle, including her infamous “jungle” bathroom, has become a subject of ridicule. Such ostentatious displays of wealth have turned her into more of a punchline than a beloved actress. Her focus on opulence and luxury in the public eye has contributed to her diminishing popularity.

#9. Nicolas Cage

VENICE, ITALY - AUGUST 30: Actor Nicolas Cage attends 'Joe' Premiere during The 70th Venice Film Festival on August 30, 2013 in Venice, Italy
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Nicolas Cage has become the subject of a “Cage Rage” phenomenon, largely due to his over-the-top acting style and a string of questionable movie choices. His eccentric performances have turned him into a walking meme, and his career choices have raised questions about his judgment in selecting roles. Despite his earlier success, his recent image is more associated with internet jokes than with his acting prowess.

#10. Alec Baldwin

(NEW) 2023 Roundabout Theatre Company Gala. March 06, 2023, New York, New York, USA: Alec Baldwin attends the 2022 Roundabout Theatre Company Gala at The Ziegfeld Ballroom on March 06, 2023 in New York City. Credit: M10s / TheNews2 (Foto: M10s/TheNews2/Deposit Photos)
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Alec Baldwin, known for his acting talent, has also gained a reputation for his hot temper and frequent Twitter rants. His off-screen antics, including public altercations and verbal outbursts, have often overshadowed his impressive body of work in film and television. While Baldwin’s acting abilities are widely recognized, his behavior has led to a decline in public favor and a focus on his controversies rather than his craft.

#11. Kirstie Alley

Kirstie Alley at the screening of "Mission: Impossible III". Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, CA. 05-04-06
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Kirstie Alley’s public support of Scientology, a controversial religious organization, has made her a polarizing figure in Hollywood. Her vocal advocacy for Scientology, as well as her endorsements of weight loss products, have drawn criticism and raised questions about her beliefs and motivations. These factors have contributed to mixed opinions about her within the entertainment industry and among the public.

#12. Tom Cruise

American actor Tom Cruise attends a press conference to promote his new movie "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" in Shanghai, China, 12 October 2016.
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Although Tom Cruise remains a box office draw, his association with Scientology has been a source of scrutiny and skepticism. Cruise’s unwavering support for the organization and his involvement in its activities have led to negative perceptions, particularly among those who view Scientology as a controversial and secretive group. Additionally, Cruise’s infamous couch-jumping antics on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” were widely mocked and contributed to his image as a subject of mockery.

#13. Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes at arrivals for American Ballet Theatre 2018 Fall Gala, David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, New York, NY October 17, 2018. Photo By: Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection
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Katie Holmes, once a beloved actress known for her role on “Dawson’s Creek,” faced a significant media circus surrounding her marriage to Tom Cruise. The intense scrutiny of their relationship, combined with the public’s skepticism about Cruise’s involvement with Scientology, may have soured her image. Holmes’s career has also taken a hit, as she became more known for her personal life and divorce from Cruise than for her acting roles.

#14. Kevin Spacey

Actor Kevin Spacey
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Kevin Spacey, once celebrated for his acting talent, experienced a dramatic fall from grace following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. These allegations had a devastating impact on his career, leading to his removal from projects and a tarnished reputation. Spacey’s fall from grace serves as a stark example of how personal misconduct can overshadow an actor’s professional achievements and lead to widespread public disapproval.

#15. Megan Fox

American actress Megan Fox wearing a David Koma dress arrives at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. (Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency)
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Megan Fox, known for her roles in films like “Transformers,” gained notoriety for her candid comments about her co-stars and controversial plastic surgery choices. Her outspokenness and sometimes provocative statements have drawn both admiration and criticism. Additionally, her evolving appearance due to plastic surgery has been a topic of discussion and debate in the media, often overshadowing her acting career. These factors have contributed to a mixed perception of Fox in the public eye.

“10 Things That Will Fade Away as the Baby Boomer Generation Bows Out”

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The winds of change are upon us, and as the baby boomer generation slowly makes its way into their senior years, many users agree that there are certain aspects of life that will inevitably fade into the past. The generational shift is bound to bring about transformations that might leave us both nostalgic and relieved.

10 Things That Will Fade Away as the Baby Boomer Generation Bows Out

“18 Things Millennials Do That Annoy Boomers”

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Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are the demographic cohort born between 1981 and 1996. They have grown up in a world that is vastly different from that of their parents and grandparents, the Baby Boomers. As a result, there are certain behaviors and attitudes that Millennials exhibit that can be perceived as annoying by Boomers.

18 Things Millennials Do That Annoy Boomers

“13 Things That Were Once Highly Respected But Is Now a Complete Joke”

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We scoured social media threads to bring you the most candid and honest responses from real people. From the mundane to the shocking, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the things that were once highly respected but is now a complete and utter joke.

13 Things That Were Once Highly Respected But Is Now a Complete Joke

“11 Old-School Etiquette Rules You Don’t Need To Follow Anymore (And 3 You Do)”

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In a rapidly changing world, social norms and etiquette have evolved significantly over the years. What was once considered proper and polite may now seem outdated and unnecessary. While some old-school etiquette rules still hold value today, others have become obsolete.

11 Old-School Etiquette Rules You Don’t Need To Follow Anymore (And 3 You Do)

“22 Things Non-Boomers Share That Makes Them a Complete Boomer”

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A social media post asked folks to share what makes them feel like total “boomers” even as they embrace the digital age. Their responses were both amusing and relatable, proving that no matter how advanced we become, some things will always have us shaking our heads.

22 Things Non-Boomers Share That Makes Them a Complete Boomer

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Pri Kingston

Ash & Pri are the Founders of AshandPri.com and have spent the last decade building their way towards financial freedom and a lifetime of memories. Having successfully achieved their early retirement goal in under 10 years, they look forward to sharing their financial sense with like-minded people. Read more about Ash & Pri in the 'About Us' section.