MomSkoop
Hollywood is full of stars who once seemed untouchable. Fans adored them, directors fought to cast them, and their movies made millions at the box office. But fame can be fragile, and sometimes actors lose their shine for reasons ranging from bad career choices to personal scandals. This article explores twelve actors who went from beloved favorites to controversial figures in the public eye.
1. Kevin Spacey
Kevin Spacey was riding high as the star of House of Cards and a two-time Academy Award winner. Then, in 2017, actor Anthony Rapp accused him of sexual misconduct when Rapp was just fourteen years old. More allegations followed, painting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior spanning decades.
The fallout was swift and brutal. Netflix fired him from House of Cards, and his completed film All the Money in the World was reshot with another actor. Spacey went from Hollywood royalty to persona non grata almost overnight. His career essentially ended, and his legacy became forever tainted by the accusations against him.
2. Shia LaBeouf
Remember when Shia LaBeouf was the charming kid from Holes and Transformers? Those days feel like ancient history now. LaBeouf’s bizarre public behavior began piling up: plagiarism scandals, arrests for disorderly conduct, wearing a paper bag over his head at a premiere, and live-streaming himself watching his own movies.
His erratic actions confused and alienated fans. Then came serious allegations of abuse from ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs in 2020, detailing physical and emotional violence. What once seemed like quirky artist behavior now looked deeply troubling. LaBeouf’s transition from beloved child star to controversial figure was complete.
3. Amber Heard
Amber Heard was building a solid Hollywood career with roles in Aquaman and Magic Mike XXL. When she accused ex-husband Johnny Depp of domestic abuse in 2016, many initially supported her. She became a face for domestic violence survivors, writing an op-ed about her experiences.
But the 2022 defamation trial changed public perception dramatically. Evidence presented in court, including audio recordings, led many to question her credibility. The jury found she had defamed Depp with malicious intent. Social media turned against her viciously, and her reputation suffered immensely. Her career prospects dimmed considerably as public opinion shifted against her.
4. Mel Gibson
Once a box office king and Oscar-winning director, Mel Gibson’s career took a nosedive after a series of shocking incidents. His anti-Semitic remarks during a 2006 arrest became headline news, and leaked audio recordings revealed troubling behavior toward his girlfriend. Fans who once cheered for him in Braveheart and Lethal Weapon suddenly felt betrayed.
Gibson’s reputation crumbled quickly. Studios distanced themselves, and many actors refused to work with him. Though he’s attempted a comeback with directing projects like Hacksaw Ridge, his public image never fully recovered. The damage was simply too deep for many to forgive.
5. Armie Hammer
Armie Hammer seemed destined for A-list stardom after his breakout role in The Social Network and critical acclaim for Call Me by Your Name. Tall, handsome, and charming, he had everything going for him. Then, in early 2021, disturbing messages allegedly from Hammer leaked online, containing graphic references to cannibalism and violent sexual fantasies.
The revelations shocked everyone. Multiple women came forward with allegations of emotional abuse and manipulation. Hammer’s career evaporated instantly—he was dropped from projects, lost his agency representation, and became a Hollywood pariah. His fall from grace was as dramatic as it was disturbing.
6. Jussie Smollett
Jussie Smollett was a rising star on the hit show Empire, beloved for his talent and advocacy work. In January 2019, he reported being the victim of a brutal hate crime in Chicago. The nation rallied around him, expressing outrage and support. But then the investigation took a stunning turn.
Police determined Smollett had staged the entire attack, hiring two men to carry it out. The revelation destroyed his credibility and career. He was written off Empire, convicted of filing false police reports, and became a symbol of dishonesty. What could have been a promising career ended in disgrace and legal consequences.
7. Bill Cosby
For decades, Bill Cosby was America’s dad. The Cosby Show made him a household name, and his wholesome image seemed unshakeable. He preached family values and education, becoming one of the most respected entertainers in the country. But behind the scenes lurked a horrifying truth.
Starting in the mid-2000s, dozens of women accused Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting them over several decades. The allegations were consistent and devastating. In 2018, he was convicted of sexual assault and imprisoned. His legacy was destroyed, his honorary degrees revoked, and his name became synonymous with hypocrisy and abuse.
8. Roseanne Barr
Roseanne Barr was back on top in 2018 when ABC revived her classic sitcom Roseanne to massive ratings. Her working-class comedy resonated with millions, and it seemed like she’d successfully reclaimed her throne. Then, one racist tweet changed everything in an instant.
Barr posted a deeply offensive comment about former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett, comparing her to an ape. The backlash was immediate and fierce. ABC canceled her show within hours, even though it was their biggest hit. The network rebranded the series as The Conners without her. Her comeback lasted mere months before self-destruction.
9. Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen was the highest-paid actor on television, starring in the hit sitcom Two and a Half Men. His bad-boy persona was part of his appeal—until it spiraled completely out of control. In 2011, Sheen went on a very public meltdown, coining bizarre phrases like “winning” and “tiger blood” during erratic media appearances.
His behavior became increasingly unstable. He publicly attacked the show’s creator, Chuck Lorre, and was eventually fired. Later revelations about his HIV-positive status and allegations of domestic violence further damaged his reputation. What was once charming rebellion became genuinely concerning, and his career never recovered.
10. Jared Leto
Jared Leto won an Oscar for Dallas Buyers Club and fronted the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. His intense method of acting was legendary—perhaps too legendary. Stories emerged about his disturbing behavior on the set of Suicide Squad, where he sent dead rats and used condoms to castmates in the name of staying in character.
Then came allegations of predatory behavior toward young fans and inappropriate relationships. Multiple women shared troubling stories about Leto using his fame and rock star status to exploit them. What once seemed like dedicated artistry now appeared creepy and manipulative. His reputation shifted from respected actor to problematic figure.
11. Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres built an empire on kindness. Her talk show’s motto was “be kind to one another,” and she seemed like the nicest person in entertainment. For years, audiences trusted her warm, generous public persona. Then, in 2020, that carefully constructed image came crashing down.
Former employees came forward with allegations of a toxic workplace environment, describing racism, intimidation, and fear behind the scenes. The contrast between Ellen’s public kindness and the reported reality was jarring. Ratings plummeted, and she announced the show’s end in 2021. Her legacy shifted from groundbreaking comedian to hypocritical boss almost overnight.
12. James Franco
James Franco was everywhere—acting, directing, teaching, pursuing multiple graduate degrees. His versatility seemed impressive, and he’d earned critical acclaim for films like 127 Hours. He even won a Golden Globe for The Disaster Artist in 2018. But then allegations surfaced that couldn’t be ignored.
Multiple women, including former students from his acting school, accused Franco of sexually exploitative behavior and abuse of power. The accusations detailed inappropriate conduct in educational settings where he held authority. Franco largely disappeared from Hollywood after settling a lawsuit. His once-promising career stalled, and his reputation as a Renaissance man became tarnished by serious allegations of misconduct.