Foreign Actors Who Are Hard To Work With

Hollywood often imports talent from around the globe to bring a unique flair and prestige to major productions. Many of these international stars have reputations for intense method acting or demanding standards that can create friction on set. While their performances are often critically acclaimed, the stories of their behavior behind the scenes have become legendary in the industry. This list explores the foreign actors who are known for being challenging collaborators during production.

Christian Bale

This British actor is known for his extreme physical transformations and intense dedication to his roles. His commitment reached a boiling point during the filming of ‘Terminator Salvation’ when he was recorded screaming at the director of photography. Bale later apologized for the incident and admitted he took his method acting intensity too far in that moment. Colleagues have noted that his perfectionism can make the set atmosphere tense and intimidating.

Russell Crowe

The New Zealand-born star has a history of altercations and outbursts that have overshadowed his acting achievements at times. Reports from the set of ‘Gladiator’ suggested he was difficult to direct and frequently questioned the script. He famously engaged in a phone-throwing incident in New York that led to legal trouble and damaged his public image. Despite his immense talent, industry insiders often describe him as having a volatile temper.

Klaus Kinski

German actor Klaus Kinski had one of the most notorious reputations in film history for his manic and violent behavior. His collaboration with director Werner Herzog was defined by death threats and physical altercations on set. Kinski frequently threw tantrums that delayed production and terrified cast and crew members. His explosive personality is documented in the documentary ‘My Best Fiend’ which details their turbulent working relationship.

Mike Myers

This Canadian comedian is celebrated for his iconic characters but is reportedly very controlling regarding the creative process. Director Penelope Spheeris spoke openly about her difficulties working with him on ‘Wayne’s World’ due to his emotional needs and demands. Rumors suggest he exerts heavy influence over editing and script changes which can frustrate collaborators. His perfectionist nature often clashes with the collaborative spirit of filmmaking.

William Shatner

Canadian actor William Shatner became an icon as Captain Kirk but alienated many of his co-stars in the process. George Takei and the late James Doohan frequently criticized Shatner for his ego and tendency to steal lines or camera focus. Cast members from the original ‘Star Trek’ series claimed he treated them as supporting props rather than colleagues. This decades-long feud has become a well-known piece of television history.

Peter Sellers

British comedy legend Peter Sellers was known for his ability to disappear into characters but was reportedly unstable in real life. His behavior on the set of the ‘Pink Panther’ films was often erratic and drove director Blake Edwards to the brink of madness. Sellers would frequently change his mind about scenes or refuse to work if he felt the energy was wrong. His personal insecurities often manifested as difficult behavior toward those around him.

Oliver Reed

English actor Oliver Reed was a powerhouse performer whose career was often hampered by his excessive drinking. His unpredictable behavior on set caused delays and frustration for directors who struggled to manage him. While he delivered a memorable performance in ‘Gladiator’ shortly before his death, his reputation for alcohol-fueled antics followed him throughout his life. Colleagues often found him charming but impossible to rely on professionally.

Robert Shaw

British actor Robert Shaw delivered an intense performance in ‘Jaws’ but his method acting created real tension on the boat. He reportedly drank heavily during production and targeted co-star Richard Dreyfuss with relentless verbal bullying. This friction added realism to their on-screen rivalry but made the shooting experience miserable for Dreyfuss. Shaw was known for being a brilliant but combative presence on set.

Rex Harrison

The British star of ‘My Fair Lady’ was known among his peers as one of the most arrogant figures in Hollywood. He reportedly treated his co-stars with disdain and was particularly cruel to Julie Andrews during her stage run. His behavior on the set of ‘Doctor Dolittle’ was so disruptive that it contributed to the massive budget overruns of the film. Harrison was frequently described as a misogynist who lacked basic respect for crew members.

Jean-Claude Van Damme

The Belgian martial arts star nicknamed “The Muscles from Brussels” faced severe career setbacks due to his behavior in the nineties. During the filming of ‘Street Fighter’ he was reportedly struggling with substance abuse which led to frequent lateness and disappearances. The director of the film later revealed that managing Van Damme was the most difficult part of the entire production. His demands and unreliability burned many bridges in the studio system.

Mel Gibson

Born in the United States but raised in Australia, Gibson is often associated with the Australian film industry. His public meltdowns and controversial comments have made him a polarizing figure in entertainment. Colleagues have reported that his intensity can be overwhelming and his off-screen scandals have complicated film marketing. While he has made a directorial comeback, his past behavior remains a point of contention for many in the industry.

Tom Hardy

British actor Tom Hardy is known for his brooding intensity and commitment to physically demanding roles. Reports from the set of ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ indicated a severe feud between him and co-star Charlize Theron. The director noted that the tension was palpable and that Hardy could be difficult to communicate with during the grueling shoot. His method approach often requires him to isolate himself from others on set.

Daniel Day-Lewis

This British-Irish actor is the definition of a method actor and refuses to break character during the entire production schedule. On the set of ‘Lincoln’ he required everyone to address him as Mr. President and maintained the voice even when cameras were not rolling. This extreme dedication can create barriers between him and the crew who must walk on eggshells to avoid breaking his concentration. His immersive technique yields results but isolates him from the collaborative team.

Jim Carrey

Canadian comedian Jim Carrey took method acting to a new level during the filming of ‘Man on the Moon’. He insisted on staying in character as Andy Kaufman and terrorized the cast and crew with pranks and abusive behavior. The documentary ‘Jim & Andy’ reveals footage of him refusing to answer to his real name and disrupting the production daily. His co-stars found the experience exhausting and emotionally draining.

Kiefer Sutherland

Canadian actor Kiefer Sutherland starred in the hit series ’24’ but reportedly clashed with co-star Freddie Prinze Jr. Prinze Jr later stated in interviews that working with Sutherland was terrible and almost made him quit acting entirely. He claimed Sutherland was unprofessional and frequently showed up to set in no condition to work. These allegations painted a different picture of the television action star.

Hugh Grant

British actor Hugh Grant has openly admitted to being grumpy and difficult to handle on film sets. Jon Stewart famously banned him from ‘The Daily Show’ after Grant complained endlessly about the venue and staff. He is known for being critical of the projects he works on and often expresses his dissatisfaction vocally. Grant has self-deprecatingly acknowledged that he is not the easiest person to please.

Rupert Everett

British actor Rupert Everett stalled his own Hollywood career by openly criticizing his former co-stars and directors. He called Julia Roberts a frantic actress and made disparaging remarks about the industry in his memoirs. His outspoken nature and refusal to play the Hollywood game made studios hesitant to hire him for major roles. He effectively burned bridges that took years to rebuild through smaller independent films.

Sacha Baron Cohen

British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen is a unique challenge because his method involves interacting with real people who are unaware they are in a movie. His production teams face constant legal threats and physical danger due to the provocative nature of his characters like Borat. Directors must navigate complex security protocols and potential lawsuits just to get a scene filmed. His commitment to the bit often puts the entire crew in precarious situations.

Alex Pettyfer

British actor Alex Pettyfer developed a reputation for being difficult early in his career in Hollywood. Rumors of a feud with Channing Tatum on the set of ‘Magic Mike’ plagued the production and led to Pettyfer not returning for the sequel. He was described as aloof and unwilling to bond with the rest of the ensemble cast. Pettyfer has since admitted that his own insecurities contributed to the negative perception.

Sean Connery

The Scottish legend who defined James Bond was known for having a very low tolerance for studio interference. His experience filming ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen’ was so negative due to clashes with the director that he decided to retire from acting completely. He was vocal about his distaste for the modern filmmaking process and the incompetence he perceived in executives. Connery often did not hide his disdain for colleagues he did not respect.

George Lazenby

Australian model George Lazenby famously played James Bond once in ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ before quitting the franchise. He reportedly clashed with the director and producers due to an inflated ego and refusal to sign a long-term contract. Lazenby took bad advice that Bond was a dying character and treated the production with arrogance. His difficult behavior on set ensured his tenure as 007 was the shortest in history.

Richard Harris

Irish actor Richard Harris was a member of a generation of actors known for their hell-raising lifestyles. His heavy drinking often led to unpredictable behavior and brawls that disrupted filming schedules. While he mellowed significantly in his later years as Dumbledore, his prime years were defined by volatility. Directors often had to work around his moods and social calendar.

Richard Burton

Welsh actor Richard Burton was another immense talent whose career was impacted by severe alcoholism. His turbulent relationship with Elizabeth Taylor often spilled over onto the sets of the movies they made together. Directors had to manage his drinking and the ensuing delays that came with his hungover mornings. Despite the difficulties, his voice and presence kept him in high demand for decades.

Stephen Chow

Hong Kong filmmaker and actor Stephen Chow is known for his unique comedy style seen in ‘Shaolin Soccer’ and ‘Kung Fu Hustle’. However, former collaborators describe him as a dictatorial director who is extremely harsh on his cast. Many actors have publicly stated they will never work with him again due to his demanding nature and lack of respect on set. His pursuit of perfection often comes at the expense of his relationships with the crew.

James Corden

British host and actor James Corden has faced numerous accusations regarding his treatment of staff and servers. While he presents a jovial image on television, stories of him being rude to production assistants and directors have circulated online. He was briefly banned from a famous New York restaurant for abusing the waitstaff. These incidents have led to a public perception that he is difficult to please personally and professionally.

John Cleese

British comedy icon John Cleese is known for his brilliant writing but also for his prickly demeanor. He has been described by former colleagues as a perfectionist who has little patience for incompetence or laziness. Cleese has often expressed his frustration with modern television production and the limitations placed on comedy. His high standards can make him an intimidating figure to work with on a creative level.

Christopher Plummer

Canadian actor Christopher Plummer famously hated the film ‘The Sound of Music’ and referred to it as ‘The Sound of Mucus’. He was reportedly distant from the rest of the cast and complained constantly about the saccharine nature of the story. His attitude made the filming process difficult for Julie Andrews and the director who were trying to create a joyful film. It took decades for Plummer to eventually make peace with the legacy of the movie.

Anthony Daniels

British actor Anthony Daniels is the man inside the golden droid C-3PO in the ‘Star Wars’ saga. He famously had a long-running feud with Kenny Baker who played R2-D2 and often disparaged the smaller actor in interviews. Other cast members have hinted that Daniels can be prickly and protective of his character’s legacy. His interactions with fans and colleagues are often described as having a sharp edge.

Henry Cavill

British actor Henry Cavill is a dedicated fan of the source material for projects like ‘The Witcher’. This passion led to creative differences with the showrunners as he pushed for a more faithful adaptation of the books. Reports suggest that he was difficult to work with because he would challenge the writers and directors on character decisions. His insistence on adhering to the lore created friction that eventually led to his departure from the series.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers has struggled publicly with alcohol issues that have affected his work. Producers on the show ‘The Tudors’ reportedly had to hire a sober companion to ensure he could complete his filming schedule. There were instances where production was halted or delayed due to his personal struggles. His talent is undeniable but his reliability has been a concern for studios.

Patrick McGoohan

American-born actor raised in Ireland and England, Patrick McGoohan was the creative force behind ‘The Prisoner’. He was known as an obsessive perfectionist who wrote, directed, and starred in the series while managing every detail. His intense control over the production alienated many crew members who found him impossible to satisfy. McGoohan frequently fired staff and rewrote scripts at the last minute to suit his singular vision.

Jeremy Clarkson

British presenter and occasional actor Jeremy Clarkson is infamous for the incident that ended his tenure on ‘Top Gear’. He physically assaulted a producer after a long day of filming because there was no hot food available. This violent outburst led to his immediate dismissal from the BBC despite the massive popularity of the show. His polarizing personality makes him a high-risk hire for any production company.

Dominic Monaghan

British actor Dominic Monaghan made headlines with his candid comments about ‘Lost’ co-star Matthew Fox. Monaghan publicly accused Fox of beating women and stated he had no interest in reconciling with him. This public feud created an awkward atmosphere around the legacy of the show and its cast reunions. His willingness to speak his mind without a filter has caused friction in the tight-knit industry.

Mathieu Kassovitz

French actor and director Mathieu Kassovitz is known for his rebellious attitude toward the film industry. He has publicly trash-talked his own movies and the directors he has worked with when he felt the final product was poor. His combative relationship with the press and producers makes him a volatile element in any promotional campaign. He prioritizes artistic integrity over professional courtesy which often leads to conflict.

Jackie Chan

Hong Kong legend Jackie Chan is beloved by fans but is known as a taskmaster on his film sets. He demands absolute perfection from his stunt team and will do dozens of takes to get a single punch right. His stuntmen often suffer injuries and exhaustion trying to meet his incredibly high physical standards. While the results are spectacular, working for the Jackie Chan Stunt Team is considered one of the hardest jobs in the industry.

Please leave a comment sharing which of these actors you would still want to watch despite their difficult reputations.