Hollywood Actors Who Went From Loved To Hated

The public perception of Hollywood stars can shift dramatically due to personal scandals or professional controversies. Many actors who once enjoyed widespread acclaim and leading roles now face significant backlash from audiences and the industry alike. These transitions often stem from legal issues or behavior that contradicts their public personas. Understanding these shifts provides insight into the changing standards of celebrity culture and accountability.

Kevin Spacey

Kevin Spacey achieved immense success with roles in ‘The Usual Suspects’ and ‘American Beauty’. Public opinion shifted dramatically after numerous allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced in 2017. Netflix subsequently removed him from ‘House of Cards’ and his scenes in ‘All the Money in the World’ were reshot with another actor. Though he has faced various legal proceedings his standing in the entertainment industry remains severely damaged. He is now more associated with these legal battles than his two Academy Awards.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby was once a pillar of American television known for his role in ‘The Cosby Show’. His career and reputation were dismantled following a series of sexual assault allegations that spanned several decades. The actor spent time in prison before his conviction was overturned on a procedural technicality. This legal outcome did not restore his former status as a beloved public figure. Most of his peers and fans have permanently distanced themselves from his legacy.

Armie Hammer

Armie Hammer rose to fame with his performance in ‘Call Me by Your Name’ and was considered a rising leading man. In 2021 leaked messages allegedly detailing graphic fantasies and accusations of abuse surfaced online. These controversies led to him being dropped by his talent agency and losing several high profile film roles. He largely stepped away from the public eye as the industry reevaluated his professional future. His career trajectory changed from a promising star to a figure of significant public scrutiny.

Will Smith

Will Smith was long considered one of the most charismatic and bankable stars in Hollywood history. His reputation took a significant hit after he struck a presenter during the live broadcast of the Academy Awards. The incident led to a ten year ban from the ceremony and intense criticism from both peers and fans. While he has continued to work in projects like ‘Emancipation’ his once universal popularity has been visibly compromised. Many audiences now view his public actions with a level of skepticism that did not exist previously.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson was a massive star known for the ‘Lethal Weapon’ franchise and his directorial success with ‘Braveheart’. His public image began to decline following a series of controversial outbursts and a highly publicized arrest. Recorded conversations containing offensive language further alienated him from the general public and industry leaders. Although he has returned to directing and acting in recent years his status remains contentious for many viewers. He no longer commands the same level of universal acclaim he enjoyed at the height of his career.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf transitioned from a child star in ‘Even Stevens’ to a blockbuster lead in ‘Transformers’. His career became increasingly defined by erratic public behavior and legal troubles involving disorderly conduct. Accusations of abuse from a former partner further complicated his standing with audiences and studios. He has sought treatment for various issues but remains a deeply polarizing figure in the entertainment world. Many fans who grew up watching his work now struggle to reconcile his talent with his personal history.

Ezra Miller

Ezra Miller gained recognition for roles in ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ and as a key character in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series. Their public image suffered after a string of arrests and reports of volatile behavior in multiple locations. These incidents created significant concern regarding their involvement in major projects like ‘The Flash’. Despite public apologies and efforts to seek help the actor faces ongoing criticism from the public. The controversy surrounding their personal life often overshadows their professional achievements in film.

Danny Masterson

Danny Masterson became a household name playing the role of Steven Hyde on the long running series ‘That ’70s Show’. His reputation was destroyed when he was accused of several counts of sexual assault occurring in the early 2000s. He was eventually convicted and sentenced to a lengthy prison term for these crimes. Former co stars and fans have largely condemned his actions following the legal revelations. His once celebrated career in television has been entirely eclipsed by the severity of his criminal convictions.

Ansel Elgort

Ansel Elgort became a teen heartthrob after starring in ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ and ‘Baby Driver’. His career momentum slowed significantly after allegations of sexual misconduct were made public on social media. While he denied the claims the public perception of the young actor changed almost overnight. His presence in the promotion of ‘West Side Story’ was notably muted compared to his previous films. He continues to work but he has not regained the same level of widespread fan adoration.

James Franco

James Franco was known for his versatility in films ranging from ‘Pineapple Express’ to ‘127 Hours’. His professional life faced a reckoning after several former students and colleagues accused him of inappropriate behavior. He eventually settled a lawsuit related to these allegations and admitted to struggling with sex addiction. These events led to a significant pause in his career and a loss of prestige in Hollywood circles. Many former fans now view his body of work through the lens of these documented controversies.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors was quickly becoming a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a respected dramatic actor. His rapid rise halted abruptly following an arrest and subsequent conviction for domestic harassment and assault. Marvel Studios severed ties with him shortly after the verdict was announced by the court. The sudden shift from a celebrated talent to a person with a criminal record shocked many in the industry. His future in major studio films is currently uncertain as the public processes these events.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen was the highest paid actor on television during his tenure on ‘Two and a Half Men’. His public image shifted from a comedic lead to a figure of concern during a series of erratic media appearances. Public disputes with show creators and revelations about his personal lifestyle led to his firing from the series. While he initially attempted to capitalize on the attention his popularity eventually faded significantly. He is now frequently cited as a cautionary tale regarding the pressures and pitfalls of Hollywood fame.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin enjoyed a career resurgence through his work on ’30 Rock’ and high profile television impressions. His public standing became complicated by a history of verbal outbursts and physical altercations with photographers. The tragic accidental shooting on the set of ‘Rust’ further intensified public and legal scrutiny surrounding him. While he maintains his innocence in the shooting the event has fundamentally altered how he is perceived by the public. He remains a divisive figure whose every move is analyzed by the media and legal experts.

Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman is an industry veteran known for classics like ‘The Graduate’ and ‘Rain Man’. His esteemed reputation was challenged when multiple women accused him of sexual harassment dating back several decades. These accounts led to a public reevaluation of his character and professional conduct. While he continues to appear in films his status as a flawless cinematic icon has been tarnished. The allegations have prompted many to look back at his career with a more critical perspective.

T.J. Miller

T.J. Miller rose to fame with a breakout role on the comedy series ‘Silicon Valley’. His career faced a steep decline after accusations of workplace misconduct and a false bomb threat incident emerged. He was also accused of sexual assault which he has denied but the reports impacted his professional relationships. These controversies led to his departure from several projects and a decrease in major film opportunities. He has largely transitioned out of mainstream Hollywood visibility following these events.

Casey Affleck

Casey Affleck won an Academy Award for his performance in ‘Manchester by the Sea’ but his victory was met with backlash. The criticism centered on past sexual harassment lawsuits that were settled out of court. Many people felt that his accolades ignored the serious nature of the allegations brought against him. This controversy led him to step down from presenting at the following year’s Oscar ceremony. While he still acts his public persona remains linked to these unresolved feelings from the audience.

Louis C.K.

Louis C.K. was once hailed as one of the most influential comedians and actors of his generation through his show ‘Louie’. His career came to a standstill when he admitted to several accounts of sexual misconduct in 2017. He lost production deals and his film ‘I Love You, Daddy’ was pulled from distribution. Although he has attempted a comeback in the stand up circuit he remains a pariah in mainstream entertainment. Many former fans find it difficult to support his work given his past admissions.

Jeffrey Tambor

Jeffrey Tambor received critical acclaim and awards for his leading role in the series ‘Transparent’. His career suffered a major blow after allegations of sexual harassment were made by coworkers on the set. These claims led to his removal from the show and a significant loss of industry support. He also faced criticism regarding his behavior on the set of ‘Arrested Development’ following a cast interview. These incidents have largely overshadowed his decades of work in both television and film.

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Cuba Gooding Jr. is an Oscar winner known for his roles in ‘Jerry Maguire’ and ‘Boyz n the Hood’. His public image shifted as he faced multiple legal accusations regarding non consensual touching in public venues. He eventually pleaded guilty to one count of harassment to resolve some of these legal issues. These developments have made it difficult for him to secure high profile roles in major studio projects. His legacy is now heavily impacted by these frequent legal troubles and public allegations.

Steven Seagal

Steven Seagal was a major action star in the nineties with films like ‘Under Siege’. His reputation transitioned from a martial arts hero to a figure of ridicule due to his direct to video output and personal claims. Multiple allegations of sexual harassment and his involvement in international political controversies further alienated western audiences. His public behavior and eccentric persona have led many to view him as a caricature of his former self. He is now more known for his off screen activities than his contributions to cinema.

Jeremy Piven

Jeremy Piven became widely known for his energetic portrayal of Ari Gold on the series ‘Entourage’. His career faced significant challenges when multiple women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. Piven denied these claims but the resulting media coverage impacted his professional standing. Several of his projects were affected and he has not maintained the same level of mainstream success since the reports. He continues to perform stand up but his status as a television leading man has diminished.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher was long seen as a likable actor and tech investor known for ‘That ’70s Show’. His public image took a hit when it was revealed that he wrote a letter of support for Danny Masterson during a criminal trial. This decision led to a wave of criticism from fans and advocates for victims of sexual assault. He and his wife eventually issued a public apology to address the backlash regarding their character references. Despite his long history in the industry many people now view his judgment with significant disappointment.

Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe was once the go to lead for epic films like ‘Gladiator’ and ‘A Beautiful Mind’. His reputation for having a volatile temper was fueled by several public altercations and incidents with hotel staff. While he remained a talented actor these behavioral issues made him a difficult figure for many fans to embrace. His presence in major blockbusters has decreased as he has moved toward more character driven or independent roles. The intense public interest in his personal life has cooled alongside his once massive star power.

John Travolta

John Travolta experienced several career peaks with ‘Grease’ and ‘Pulp Fiction’ making him a cinematic icon. Public perception began to shift due to his high profile involvement in a controversial religious organization. Rumors about his personal life and several lawsuits further complicated his standing with the general public. While he continues to work regularly his films often struggle to capture the magic of his earlier hits. He remains a figure of curiosity but his status as a universally loved leading man has waned.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is one of the last remaining global movie stars thanks to the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series. His public image reached a low point during the mid 2000s following an intense interview on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’. His outspoken views on psychiatry and his prominent role in a controversial religion have made him a polarizing figure. While his films still perform exceptionally well at the box office many viewers remain wary of his personal life. He has successfully rehabilitated his career through stunts and action but a segment of the public remains critical.

Drake Bell

Drake Bell was a beloved teen star on the Nickelodeon series ‘Drake & Josh’. His image as a wholesome young actor was destroyed by legal issues including a conviction related to child endangerment. Public revelations about his personal conduct led to a massive loss of support from his former fan base. He has since been involved in various controversies and public disputes with former colleagues. His career in mainstream entertainment has largely ended as he deals with the consequences of his actions.

Scott Baio

Scott Baio was a popular television star during the seventies and eighties on ‘Happy Days’ and ‘Charles in Charge’. His transition to a hated figure occurred as he became increasingly vocal about his political views on social media. Many fans were alienated by his aggressive tone and controversial statements regarding public events. He also faced allegations of past misconduct from former co stars which he has denied. These factors have contributed to a significant decline in his popularity among general audiences.

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan was the face of professional wrestling and a crossover star in films like ‘Rocky III’. His status as a hero for children was permanently damaged after a recording containing racial slurs became public. This incident led to a temporary removal from the wrestling industry and a major loss of endorsement deals. While he has attempted to apologize many people find it difficult to move past his recorded comments. His legacy as a cultural icon is now deeply complicated by these revelations of his personal views.

Randy Quaid

Randy Quaid was a respected character actor known for his roles in ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ and ‘Independence Day’. His life took a strange turn as he and his wife began making public claims about a conspiracy to kill Hollywood stars. The couple faced various legal issues and eventually fled the United States for a period of time. These erratic actions and legal battles led to him being viewed as a troubled figure rather than a professional actor. He has been largely absent from mainstream cinema for many years.

Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase was a founding member of ‘Saturday Night Live’ and a major film star in the eighties. His reputation for being difficult to work with followed him throughout his career and culminated in his departure from ‘Community’. Numerous co stars have shared stories of his abrasive behavior and offensive comments on set. These accounts have turned many former fans against him as his persona behind the scenes became common knowledge. He continues to act occasionally but his professional circle has significantly narrowed.

James Corden

James Corden transitioned from a successful actor in the United Kingdom to a late night host in America. His public image soured as reports of his rude behavior toward service staff and colleagues began to circulate. A highly publicized ban from a famous New York restaurant further cemented his reputation as an entitled celebrity. While he achieved success with ‘The Late Late Show’ his personal popularity has seen a steady decline. Many audiences now view his cheerful on screen persona as disingenuous.

Chris Noth

Chris Noth was widely loved for his role as Mr. Big on ‘Sex and the City’ and for his work on ‘Law & Order’. His career faced an immediate crisis when several women accused him of sexual assault shortly after a high profile series premiere. These allegations led to his character being removed from future appearances and the loss of several advertising deals. He has denied the accusations but the impact on his public standing was swift and severe. He has largely disappeared from major television and film roles since the news broke.

Bill Murray

Bill Murray has long been considered a beloved comedy icon for his work in ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Groundhog Day’. However his reputation has been challenged by reports of aggressive behavior and workplace misconduct on various sets. A production for the film ‘Being Mortal’ was suspended following a complaint about his conduct toward a colleague. These revelations have led many fans to reconsider their view of the actor as a charming eccentric. The contrast between his public image and these reported incidents has created a significant divide in public opinion.

Gary Busey

Gary Busey was once an Oscar nominated actor for his role in ‘The Buddy Holly Story’. His public image changed following a serious motorcycle accident that many believe contributed to his increasingly erratic behavior. He became known for bizarre reality television appearances and various legal issues over the years. Recent allegations of sexual misconduct at a fan convention have further damaged his standing with the public. He is now often viewed with a mixture of concern and disapproval rather than professional respect.

Andy Dick

Andy Dick was a prominent comedic actor in the nineties with roles on ‘NewsRadio’. His career was derailed by a long history of public intoxication and inappropriate behavior in professional settings. He has been arrested numerous times and has faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment and assault. These persistent issues have made him a persona non grata in the mainstream entertainment industry. Most audiences now associate him with his legal troubles and controversial outbursts rather than his comedic talent.

Frank Langella

Frank Langella is a veteran of stage and screen known for his commanding presence in films like ‘Frost/Nixon’. His long career faced a late stage controversy when he was fired from a Netflix production following an investigation into workplace conduct. The investigation reportedly found that he had engaged in inappropriate behavior toward a female co star. Langella defended his actions in a public essay but the incident led to a significant loss of industry respect. This event serves as a disappointing final chapter for many who admired his previous body of work.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill established himself as a versatile actor with roles in ‘Superbad’ and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’. His reputation shifted after a former partner shared text messages that many interpreted as emotionally manipulative and controlling. These revelations sparked a widespread public debate about his personal character and views on relationships. While he had recently focused on directing and mental health advocacy the controversy changed how many fans perceive him. He has maintained a lower public profile since these private interactions were made public.

Fred Savage

Fred Savage was a beloved child star from ‘The Wonder Years’ who successfully transitioned into directing and producing. His career was hit by multiple allegations of misconduct and verbal harassment on the sets of his television projects. He was eventually fired from the reboot of ‘The Wonder Years’ following an internal investigation into his behavior. This was not the first time he faced such claims which led to a deeper sense of disappointment from the public. His reputation as a dependable industry professional has been significantly compromised by these recurring reports.

Horatio Sanz

Horatio Sanz was a popular cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ for many years known for his comedic timing. His public image was destroyed by a lawsuit alleging that he groomed and sexually assaulted a minor during his time on the show. The legal details and the nature of the allegations led to widespread condemnation from fans and former colleagues. While the lawsuit was eventually settled the damage to his reputation remains permanent in the eyes of the public. He has been effectively exiled from the entertainment industry since the details emerged.

Percy Hynes White

Percy Hynes White gained a large fan following after starring in the hit series ‘Wednesday’. His rapid rise to fame was met with a sudden backlash after anonymous allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced on social media. These claims led to a significant campaign by fans to have him removed from the show and other projects. Although he denied the allegations and no legal charges were filed his public standing has not recovered. His absence from the second season of the series confirmed the impact of the controversy on his career.

Woody Allen

Woody Allen was once a highly celebrated filmmaker and actor known for his intellectual comedies like ‘Annie Hall’. His public image was severely damaged by allegations of sexual abuse involving a family member. These claims led to significant controversy and a divide within the film industry regarding his continued work. Several prominent actors have since expressed regret for working with him on past projects. While he continues to produce films internationally his reputation in the American entertainment landscape remains deeply contentious.

Roman Polanski

Roman Polanski is an acclaimed director and actor known for his work on ‘Chinatown’ and ‘The Pianist’. His standing in Hollywood shifted permanently after he fled the United States to avoid sentencing for a criminal sexual act involving a minor. The incident created a decades long debate about the separation of an artist from their personal crimes. Many in the industry eventually called for his removal from prestigious film organizations in response to the public outcry. He remains a fugitive from the American legal system and a figure of intense public disapproval.

Kevin Sorbo

Kevin Sorbo became a global star in the nineties as the lead in the series ‘Hercules: The Legendary Journeys’. His popularity began to decline as he became increasingly vocal about his political and social views which many fans found alienating. He has frequently criticized the modern film industry and claimed that his beliefs have led to him being blacklisted by major studios. These public statements have created a significant gap between him and the general audience that once supported his work. He now primarily works in independent faith based productions outside of the mainstream studio system.

Isaiah Washington

Isaiah Washington was a key cast member on the hit medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ during its early years. His career was significantly impacted after he used a homophobic slur directed at a co star during an onset dispute. The incident led to his dismissal from the show and a period of professional isolation. Although he has appeared in other projects since then his reputation never fully recovered from the controversy. He remains a polarizing figure whose career is often discussed in the context of workplace behavior and professional consequences.

Thomas Gibson

Thomas Gibson was a staple of network television for years starring in ‘Dharma & Greg’ and ‘Criminal Minds’. His long run on television came to an abrupt end following an onset physical altercation with a producer. This incident was reportedly the latest in a series of behavioral issues that had caused tension behind the scenes. He was quickly written out of his series and has seen a notable decrease in high profile acting roles. Fans who once admired his stoic characters were disappointed to learn about the circumstances surrounding his departure.

Share your thoughts on these dramatic shifts in celebrity public perception in the comments.