20 Celebrities Who Ruined Their Own Careers

CANNES, FRANCE- MAY 15: Emma Stone attends the 'Irrational Man' Premiere during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2015 in Cannes, France.

In the world of entertainment, actors often rise to fame and fortune, enjoying the adoration of fans and the allure of Hollywood’s glitz and glamor. However, some stars have seen their careers take a nosedive due to their own actions.

Whether it’s personal misconduct, controversial statements, or illegal activities, these 20 actors found themselves facing career setbacks that, in some cases, were difficult to recover from. Here is a list of 20 actors whose careers were marred by their own actions

Featured Image Credit: arp /Depositphotos.com.

#1 – Kevin Spacey

Actor Kevin Spacey
Image Credit: renaschild /Depositphotos.com.

The acclaimed actor faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct, which emerged during the #MeToo movement. These allegations led to the cancellation of his hit show “House of Cards” and a sharp decline in his career.

#2 – Roseanne Barr

LOS ANGELES - MAR 23: John Goodman, Roseanne Barr at the "Roseanne" Premiere Event at Walt Disney Studios on March 23, 2018 in Burbank, CA
Image Credit: Jean_Nelson /Depositphotos.com.

In 2018, Barr posted a racist tweet comparing Valerie Jarrett, an African-American former Obama administration official, to an ape. The immediate backlash resulted in the cancellation of her popular sitcom, “Roseanne.”

#3 – Lindsay Lohan

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

Frequent run-ins with the law, substance abuse issues, and multiple stints in rehab significantly derailed Lohan’s career, which had once held promise during her early acting years.

#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
Image Credit: mwissmann /Depositphotos.com.

Known for his role in “Two and a Half Men,” Sheen’s very public meltdown included bizarre interviews, erratic behavior, and his infamous declaration of “winning.” These actions led to his firing from the show and a tarnished reputation.

#5 – Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heiglat 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
Image Credit: s_bukley /Depositphotos.com.

The actress garnered a reputation for speaking candidly about her dissatisfaction with “Grey’s Anatomy,” criticizing the show’s writing and her character’s development. This outspokenness had a negative impact on her career opportunities.

#6 – Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf at Cannes Film Festival
Image Credit: DenisMakarenko /Depositphotos.com.

Legal troubles, bizarre performance art projects, and allegations of abuse made headlines and negatively affected his standing in Hollywood.

#7 – Mel Gibson

Actor Mel Gibson
Image Credit: DenisMakarenko /Depositphotos.com.

In 2006, Gibson was arrested for drunk driving and made anti-Semitic comments to the arresting officer. These actions severely damaged his reputation and led to a period of exile from the industry.

#8 – Winona Ryder

VENICE, ITALY - AUGUST 30: Actress Winona Ryder attends 'The Iceman' premiere during the 69th Venice Film Festival on August 30, 2012 in Venice, Italy.
Image Credit: arp /Depositphotos.com.

In 2001, Ryder was arrested for shoplifting from Saks Fifth Avenue, which resulted in a high-profile trial and a setback in her career.

#9 – Kathy Griffin

Kristin Chenoweth, Kathy Griffin at the "Descendants" Premiere Screening, Walt Disney Studios, Burbank, CA 07-24-15 David Edwards/DailyCeleb.com 818-249-4998
Image Credit: bossmoss /Depositphotos.com.

Griffin’s career took a hit after she posted a controversial photo holding a fake severed head resembling President Donald Trump in 2017. The image sparked outrage and led to job losses.

#10 – Charlie Chaplin

London, England, UK - January 2, 2020: Waxwork statues of Charlie Chaplin created by Madam Tussauds, Madame Tussauds waxwork museum, one of the popular touristic attractions
Image Credit: askoldsb /Depositphotos.com.

In the 1940s, Chaplin faced accusations of immoral behavior and was perceived as having communist ties during the McCarthy era. This resulted in him leaving the United States.

#11 – 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)
Image Credit: imagepressagency /Depositphotos.com.

Fox publicly criticized director Michael Bay during the promotion of “Transformers,” likening him to Hitler. This led to her removal from the franchise and strained relationships in Hollywood.

#12 – Edward Furlong

Robot / terminator background
Image Credit: abidal /Depositphotos.com.

Legal troubles, drug addiction, and arrests have been recurring issues in Furlong’s life, causing a significant slowdown in his acting career after his role in “Terminator 2.”

#13 – Lara Flynn Boyle

Lara Flynn Boyle at the 30th Annual Carousel of Hope Ball to benefit the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, CA. 10-25-08
Image Credit: s_bukley /Depositphotos.com.

The actress’s extensive plastic surgery significantly altered her appearance, and it’s believed that this may have impacted her career opportunities in Hollywood.

#14 – Macaulay Culkin

Actor Macaulay Culkin walks the runway at the Gucci Love Parade on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard outside the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on November 2, 2021 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Image Press Agency)
Image Credit: imagepressagency /Depositphotos.com.

A bitter legal battle between his parents over his earnings as a child star led to a break in his acting career during his teenage years.

#15 – Kelsey Grammer

Kelsey Grammer at the Los Angeles premiere of "Like Father" at the Arclight Theatre, Los Angeles, USA 31 July 2018Picture: Paul Smith/Featureflash/SilverHub 0208 004 5359 sales@silverhubmedia.com
Image Credit: Featureflash /Depositphotos.com.

The actor has faced multiple arrests for various offenses, including DUI and cocaine possession. He was also accused of sleeping with his child’s underaged babysitter, which marred his public image.

#16 – Mischa Barton

Cannes, France - 16 MAY 2016 - Mischa Barton attends the 'Loving' premiere during the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival
Image Credit: tanka_v /Depositphotos.com.

Substance abuse issues and legal troubles have hindered her career, particularly after her role in the popular TV series “The O.C.”

#17 – Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong in Tour de France
Image Credit: tennisbold /Depositphotos.com.

While primarily a cyclist, Armstrong’s doping scandal had a significant impact on his public image and led to the stripping of his Tour de France titles and sponsorship losses.

#18 – Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes arriving at the 17 Again Premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, CA on April 14, 2009 ©2009 Kathy Hutchins / Hutchins Photo
Image Credit: Jean_Nelson /Depositphotos.com.

The former child star experienced a very public breakdown, marked by erratic behavior, legal issues, and struggles with mental health and substance abuse. This led to a hiatus from acting. Her career never recovered.

#19 – Wesley Snipes

VENICE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 08: Actor Wesley Snipes attends the 'Brooklyn's Finest' Photo-call during the 66th Venice Film Festival on September 8, 2009 in Venice, Italy.
Image Credit: arp /Depositphotos.com.

Snipes faced tax evasion charges, resulting in a prison sentence that significantly impacted his acting career.

#20 – Randy Quaid

Elizabeth McGovern, Ann Cusack, Randy Quaid and Mare Winningham at Quaid's induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, on the very spot where he first set foot in Hollywood, CA 10-07-03
Image Credit: s_bukley /Depositphotos.com.

Legal troubles, bizarre public behavior, and allegations of skipping out on hotel bills led to his exile from Hollywood and a decline in his career.

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

Vintage 1960 woman in convertible car looking over sunglasses.
Image Credit: ysbrand /Depositphotos.com.

Change is in the air as the baby boomer generation gracefully transitions into their golden years.

It’s widely acknowledged by many that various facets of life are poised to become relics of the past. From technological customs to societal conventions, this generational transition is destined to usher in alterations that could evoke feelings of both nostalgia and relief.

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

9 Hobbies and Pastimes Millennials and Gen Z Are Reviving

Portrait of stylish young woman taking photos with vintage camera in urban setting
Image Credit: Goodluz /Depositphotos.com.

In a world dominated by screens and technology, Millennials and Gen Z are proving that old-fashioned pastimes and hobbies still have their charm. Many users agree that there’s something comforting and nostalgic about revisiting these activities. Let’s take a look at 10 hobbies and pastimes making a comeback.

9 Hobbies and Pastimes Millennials and Gen Z Are Reviving

14 Basic Manners That People Lack Nowadays

Woman in funny curlers sitting at kitchen table and filing nails with thoughtful face expression. Angry wife waiting for husband from work. Young housewife cooking, thinking and making cunning plans
Image Credit: lacheev /Depositphotos.com.

We gathered responses from real people, each offering their unique perspective on the manners that have become all too rare in everyday interactions. These insights provide valuable lessons on how we can collectively improve our social conduct and revive some of these forgotten courtesies.

14 Basic Manners That People Lack Nowadays

10 Superheroes Answer – What Would You Do if You Were on a Bus, Got Up To Offer Someone Your Seat, and Someone Else Took It?

Man with coffee to go in public transport bus
Image Credit: IgorVetushko /Depositphotos.com.

We recently came across a discussion on social media that took us by surprise. It seems that many people have faced a common predicament while using public transportation: they graciously offer their seat to an elderly or deserving person, only to have someone else sneak in and take it.

10 Superheroes Answer – What Would You Do if You Were on a Bus, Got Up To Offer Someone Your Seat, and Someone Else Took It?

13 Boomers Point Out the Fashion Trends From Today That Would Be Seen as Questionable “Never Wear” in the Baby Boomer Generation

Beautiful girl posing with sunglasses isolated on pink
Image Credit: AndrewLozovyi /Depositphotos.com.

Fashion has evolved dramatically over the years, and what’s considered trendy today might have been unthinkable in the past. While some of these may sound judgmental, they reflect the real opinions of 13 baby boomers who raise their eyebrows at some of the fashion trends of today.

13 Boomers Point Out the Fashion Trends From Today That Would Be Seen as Questionable “Never Wear” in the Baby Boomer Generation

DISCLOSURE: The post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy. This site is not intending to provide financial advice. This is for entertainment only.

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.