Hollywood Actresses Who Are Hard To Work With

Hollywood productions rely on the cooperation of hundreds of cast and crew members to succeed. While many actresses are known for their professionalism and kindness on set, others have developed reputations for being difficult or demanding. Reports of on-set feuds, excessive demands, and punctuality issues often leak to the press and color the public perception of these stars. The following list explores various actresses who have faced allegations of being challenging collaborators during their careers.

Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl developed a reputation for being outspoken regarding the material she performed. She famously withdrew her name from Emmy consideration because she felt the writing on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ did not warrant a nomination. She also criticized the movie ‘Knocked Up’ for portraying women as shrews while making the men look lovable. These comments led to a significant backlash within the industry that affected her career trajectory for years. Industry insiders often cited her as an example of someone who bit the hand that fed her.

Lea Michele

Lea Michele faced intense scrutiny after former cast members from ‘Glee’ came forward with allegations of bullying. Samantha Ware accused the actress of making her time on the show a living hell through microaggressions. Other co-stars supported these claims and suggested that Michele created a toxic environment on set. The controversy resulted in the actress losing sponsorship deals and issuing a public apology. This situation sparked a wider conversation about workplace behavior in Hollywood.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan struggled with reliability issues during the height of her fame in the late 2000s. Producers on the set of ‘Georgia Rule’ publicly criticized her for chronic lateness and exhaustion that delayed production. Her personal struggles often spilled over into her professional life and made her uninsurable for major studio projects. Co-stars and directors expressed frustration with her inability to memorize lines or show up on time. It took several years for her to rebuild her reputation and return to consistent acting work.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty earned a reputation as a bad girl of the 90s due to friction on multiple sets. Her time on ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ ended after reported conflicts with cast members and producers. She later left the hit series ‘Charmed’ amid rumors of a bitter feud with co-star Alyssa Milano. Reports from that era described on-set physical altercations and refusal to speak to one another. Despite her talent, these widely publicized conflicts defined her early career image.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is often cited in tabloids for her specific and extensive demands while working. Rumors persist that she requires her dressing rooms to be entirely white with specific flowers and candles. Some background actors and crew members have claimed they were instructed not to make eye contact with the star. Her alleged diva behavior extends to her entourage which is reportedly massive and accompanies her everywhere. These stories have followed the multi-hyphenate entertainer for decades.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts reportedly clashed with director Steven Spielberg during the filming of ‘Hook’. Her behavior on set was allegedly so difficult that the crew nicknamed her Tinkerhell. Reports suggest she was going through a difficult personal breakup at the time which contributed to the tension. Spielberg later admitted in interviews that it was not a great time for them to work together. This period stands out as a rare blemish on her generally beloved public persona.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone has been described by some directors as having very strong opinions that lead to on-set friction. During the filming of ‘Basic Instinct 2’, she allegedly had numerous disagreements with the studio regarding the creative direction. She also faced criticism for complaining about the gift bags at a Golden Globe ceremony she attended. Her outspoken nature has sometimes been interpreted as difficult by studio executives. Stone maintains that she simply advocates strongly for her artistic vision.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey is legendary for her diva persona which extends to her acting roles. Her cameo in the film ‘The House’ was cut because she reportedly refused to follow the script and arrived hours late. Will Ferrell confirmed in interviews that the experience was difficult and the scene never made the final edit. She also clashed with fellow judge Nicki Minaj during her stint on ‘American Idol’. Her reputation for lateness and specific lighting requirements is well known in the industry.

Sean Young

Sean Young saw her career suffer due to a reputation for aggressive behavior in the 80s and 90s. She famously dressed up as Catwoman in an attempt to confront Tim Burton and win a role in ‘Batman Returns’. James Woods sued her for harassment following their work together on the film ‘The Boost’. She was also fired from the film ‘Wall Street’ after clashing with director Oliver Stone. These incidents made casting directors hesitant to hire her for major roles.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow often faces criticism for appearing out of touch with her co-stars and the general public. She has admitted to not knowing which movies she is in within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Some peers have described her generally aloof demeanor as cold or difficult to connect with. Her lifestyle brand Goop has also created a separation between her and the average working actor. While not necessarily malicious, her behavior is frequently described as high-maintenance.

Teri Hatcher

Teri Hatcher was reportedly the center of tension on the set of ‘Desperate Housewives’. Her name was notably left off a farewell gift card sent by the other main cast members to the crew. Nicollette Sheridan famously called Hatcher the meanest woman in the world. The friction was so palpable that showrunner Marc Cherry mentioned it in legal proceedings. This cast division became one of the most talked-about TV feuds of the 2000s.

Kim Cattrall

Kim Cattrall had a highly publicized falling out with Sarah Jessica Parker during ‘Sex and the City’. The tension reportedly stemmed from salary disputes and feelings of isolation on set. Cattrall refused to participate in a third movie installment because the script did not meet her standards. She publicly rejected Parker’s condolences after a family tragedy and called out the toxic dynamic. This feud effectively ended the original iteration of the franchise.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker faced the other side of the ‘Sex and the City’ controversy with Kim Cattrall. While she maintained a public image of innocence, reports suggested she enforced a clique environment on set. Cattrall claimed Parker could have been nicer and accused her of cruel behavior. The narrative of the mean girl clique excluding one lead actress plagued the show’s legacy. Parker continues to deny any animosity while the rift remains unhealed.

January Jones

January Jones has received negative reviews from both child actors and comedians regarding her attitude. Jared Gilmore who played her son on ‘Mad Men’ warned his replacement that she was not approachable. Zach Galifianakis claimed she was rude to him at a party and told him to leave. These anecdotes paint a picture of an actress who can be icy and dismissive. She has rarely addressed these comments publicly.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox was fired from the ‘Transformers’ franchise after comparing director Michael Bay to Hitler in an interview. The comments caused executive producer Steven Spielberg to demand her immediate dismissal. Crew members later released an open letter criticizing her on-set behavior as ungrateful and classless. Fox later admitted that her ego and youth played a role in the controversy. She has since reconciled with Bay but the incident significantly impacted her career.

Faye Dunaway

Faye Dunaway is notorious in Hollywood for her demanding and often hostile treatment of crew members. Stories of her throwing objects and screaming at subordinates have circulated for decades. During the filming of ‘Chinatown’, she reportedly clashed fiercely with director Roman Polanski. She was sued by a hairstylist who claimed the actress was verbally abusive. Her reputation is one of the most formidable in the entertainment industry.

Cybill Shepherd

Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis had legendary chemistry on ‘Moonlighting’ that masked a deep mutual disdain. The production was plagued by delays due to their constant arguing and power struggles. Shepherd was reportedly difficult to please and often held up filming with her demands. The tension eventually contributed to the show’s decline and cancellation. Both actors have acknowledged the volatility of their working relationship.

Debra Winger

Debra Winger famously quit the industry for years after becoming disillusioned with Hollywood politics. She clashed with Richard Gere on ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ and called the experience horrible. Her intense method acting and blunt personality also caused friction with Shirley MacLaine on ‘Terms of Endearment’. Winger was known for testing her directors and co-stars to their limits. This intensity made her brilliant on screen but challenging behind the scenes.

Shirley MacLaine

Shirley MacLaine is an industry veteran who is known for being extremely particular and exacting. Director Anthony Hopkins once called her the most obnoxious actress he had ever worked with. She has a reputation for believing she knows better than the directors she works with. Her spiritual beliefs and outspoken nature have famously alienated some colleagues. Despite the friction, she remains a highly respected figure in cinema.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe was notoriously difficult to work with due to her crippling anxiety and substance abuse issues. During ‘Some Like It Hot’, she required dozens of takes to deliver a single line of dialogue correctly. Co-star Tony Curtis famously said kissing her was like kissing Hitler out of frustration. Her chronic lateness cost studios thousands of dollars daily. Despite the chaos, her performances remained magical and iconic.

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford was known for her intense rivalry with Bette Davis and her controlling nature on set. She demanded specific temperatures on sound stages and had rigorous requirements for lighting. Her feud during ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ included weighing down her pockets to make it harder for Davis to drag her. She was a consummate professional who expected absolute perfection from everyone else. This drive often manifested as terror for those working under her.

Bette Davis

Bette Davis was equally combative and refused to back down from any creative disagreement. She openly insulted co-stars she did not respect and fought with studio heads constantly. Her conflict with Joan Crawford is the stuff of Hollywood legend and was fueled by genuine personal animosity. Davis took pride in her difficult reputation and viewed it as a sign of her integrity. She never compromised her performance for the sake of politeness.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland struggled immensely with reliability in the later stages of her career due to addiction. She was fired from ‘Valley of the Dolls’ because she could not function on set. Filming ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was also fraught with studio pressure that contributed to her lifelong struggles. Her immense talent was often overshadowed by the delays and insurance risks she posed to productions. Directors loved her ability but feared her unpredictability.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton left ‘The O.C.’ amid reports of behavioral issues and dissatisfaction with the show. She was reportedly late to set frequently and expressed boredom with the scripts. Her character was killed off in a dramatic fashion that many viewed as a punishment. Since leaving the show, she has struggled to find a stable footing in the industry. Her early fame proved difficult to manage professionally.

Taylor Momsen

Taylor Momsen was written out of ‘Gossip Girl’ after reports surfaced regarding her reliability. Tim Gunn guest-starred on the show and called her a brat who was constantly on her phone. She eventually left acting entirely to focus on her music career with her band. Producers cited her lack of passion for acting as a primary reason for the split. The transition allowed her to pursue a path better suited to her personality.

Ashley Greene

Ashley Greene was involved in a contentious salary negotiation for the ‘Twilight’ sequels. She and co-star Kellan Lutz reportedly held up production by demanding significant pay raises. The studio threatened to recast their roles if they did not agree to the offered terms. This move was seen by some as overestimating their value to the franchise. They eventually settled, but the standoff created tension with the studio.

Stana Katic

Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion reportedly despised each other by the end of their run on ‘Castle’. Sources claimed the two would not speak to each other unless the cameras were rolling. Katic was eventually let go from the series in a move that shocked fans and caused the show’s cancellation. The on-screen romance was maintained through careful editing and acting despite the off-screen hostility. It remains one of the most confusing exits in procedural TV history.

Julianna Margulies

Julianna Margulies and Archie Panjabi had a falling out on ‘The Good Wife’ that affected the show’s production. The two characters stopped sharing scenes together for dozens of episodes. Their final scene together was reportedly filmed using split-screen technology so they did not have to be in the same room. The exact cause of the feud has never been publicly confirmed by either actress. This tension created a strange disconnect in the show’s narrative.

Constance Wu

Constance Wu faced immediate backlash after tweeting her disappointment over the renewal of ‘Fresh Off the Boat’. She claimed the renewal forced her to turn down a passion project she had been pursuing. Her comments were viewed as ungrateful to the show that launched her career. Cast and crew members were reportedly hurt by her desire to leave the successful series. She later apologized and explained her frustration was about creative stagnation.

Barbie Ferreira

Barbie Ferreira reportedly clashed with creator Sam Levinson over her character’s arc on ‘Euphoria’. Fans noticed her screen time diminished significantly in the second season. Rumors circulated that she walked off set during an argument and that lines were cut as a result. She eventually announced she would not be returning for the third season. The situation highlighted potential creative differences in the hit show’s production.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh reportedly had issues with Olivia Wilde during the production of ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. The actress did minimal press for the film and avoided interacting with the director at the Venice Film Festival. Rumors suggested she was unhappy with the on-set dynamic and Wilde’s focus. The lack of promotion from the lead star became a bigger story than the movie itself. It was a rare instance of a star quietly protesting their own project.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively faced a wave of criticism during the press tour for ‘It Ends With Us’. Journalists and fans felt she was promoting a movie about domestic violence as a lighthearted romantic comedy. Resurfaced interviews showed her being dismissive and rude to reporters in the past. Rumors also emerged about creative control battles with director Justin Baldoni. The controversy shifted public sentiment against the usually popular star.

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera has faced allegations of being difficult during her time as a judge on ‘The Voice’. Reports suggested she was frequently late and demanded reshoots that delayed production. She also had tense relationships with other musicians in the industry. Her powerhouse voice often comes with a personality that demands total control. This has led to friction in collaborative environments over the years.

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr famously ran her sitcom set with an iron fist and fired writers regularly. She often assigned numbers to writers rather than learning their names to assert dominance. Her recent revival of ‘Roseanne’ was cancelled after she posted racist tweets. The network fired her and spun the show off into ‘The Conners’ without her involvement. Her behavior has always been volatile and central to her public identity.

Nicollette Sheridan

Nicollette Sheridan sued the creator of ‘Desperate Housewives’ for assault and wrongful termination. She claimed her character was killed off because she complained about Marc Cherry striking her on set. The legal battle dragged on for years and exposed deep dysfunction behind the scenes. Cast members took sides and the trial revealed a toxic workplace culture. She has worked sporadically since the high-profile legal war.

Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch was fired from the film ‘Cannery Row’ and replaced by Debra Winger just weeks into shooting. The studio claimed she was difficult and took too long to get ready in the mornings. Welch sued the studio for breach of contract and won a significant settlement. She argued that the studio was using her as a scapegoat for other production problems. The lawsuit vindicated her but damaged her employability for a time.

Paz de la Huerta

Paz de la Huerta was written out of ‘Boardwalk Empire’ following erratic behavior and public incidents. She was reportedly difficult for the crew to manage during filming days. Her personal legal troubles and substance issues began to interfere with the production schedule. The showrunners quietly ended her storyline to avoid further complications. It was a rapid fall for an actress who had a prominent role in the series.

Björk

Björk vowed never to act again after her experience filming ‘Dancer in the Dark’ with Lars von Trier. The two clashed violently over the creative direction and emotional demands of the role. She reportedly fled the set for days at a time and refused to return. The director described working with her as dealing with a terrorist. Despite the trauma, her performance won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon faced a major public relations crisis when she was arrested for disorderly conduct. Footage showed her asking the police officer if he knew who she was. While usually professional on set, rumors surfaced during ‘Big Little Lies’ about creative control struggles. She has since rehabilitated her image and become a major producer. However, the arrest video remains a stark counterpoint to her America’s Sweetheart image.

Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson has been involved in several awkward press tours that hint at behind-the-scenes tension. Her interviews with Ellen DeGeneres and her ‘Fifty Shades’ co-star Jamie Dornan were notably uncomfortable. Reports suggested she and Dornan had zero chemistry and found the intimate scenes difficult to film. She is known for being brutally honest which can sometimes rub industry peers the wrong way. Her no-nonsense attitude often goes viral.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry reportedly had a major confrontation with director Bryan Singer on the set of ‘X2’. She and other cast members threatened to quit due to his erratic behavior and safety violations. There were also rumors of friction regarding her screen time compared to other mutants. Berry has always fought hard for her space in the industry. This resilience has sometimes been characterized as difficulty by those she opposes.

Taryn Manning

Taryn Manning faced personal struggles that impacted her work on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Reports surfaced of erratic behavior and legal issues during the show’s run. She has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with the industry and her portrayal in the media. Her intensity brought depth to her character but allegedly caused concern among the production team. She remains a talented but controversial figure.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera had a well-documented feud with Lea Michele on the set of ‘Glee’. She wrote in her memoir that the two ceased speaking as their characters’ rivalry intensified. Rivera claimed Michele could not handle sharing the spotlight and ignored her. The tension was palpable to everyone working on the production. Rivera was known for being fiercely protective of her own space and career.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood has faced rumors of being intense and method in her approach to acting. She was sued by producers for allegedly walking off a film set and breaching contract. Wood countered that production conditions were unsafe and unprofessional. She is known for being an outspoken advocate which can sometimes lead to clashes with studio management. Her commitment to her principles often takes precedence over playing the Hollywood game.

Lena Headey

Lena Headey had a personal history with co-star Jerome Flynn that complicated ‘Game of Thrones’. The two had a bad breakup and reportedly refused to be in the same room. The writers and crew had to carefully structure scenes so their characters never interacted. This logistical hurdle lasted for several seasons of the massive production. It stands as a testament to how personal lives can dictate professional scheduling.

Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel faced accusations of being moody and difficult on the set of ‘New Girl’. Some extras and crew members claimed she was not friendly and demanded strict on-set protocols. Her agent was reportedly aggressive in ensuring she received top billing and treatment. These stories contrast sharply with her bubbly on-screen persona. Industry whispers suggest the quirky charm is strictly a performance.

Please share your own experiences or thoughts on these actresses in the comments.