Actors Who Publicly Apologized for the Roles They Played

Sometimes a performance lands in a very different place than intended, and the actors involved come back later to own it. The apologies below came in interviews, statements, or public events where the men addressed why a part felt wrong in hindsight and what they learned. Many of these moments involve casting choices or portrayals that sparked bigger conversations about representation and stereotypes. Each entry explains the project, what was said, and how the actor tried to make amends after the fact.

Hank Azaria

Hank Azaria apologized for voicing Apu on ‘The Simpsons’ after years of discussion about the character’s depiction of Indian Americans. He spoke about listening to South Asian viewers and acknowledged harm caused by the accent and characterization. Azaria stepped away from the role and backed efforts to cast performers whose backgrounds align with the characters. He has since met with community members and described the experience as a chance to learn and change.

Ed Skrein

Ed Skrein apologized when he was cast as Major Ben Daimio in ‘Hellboy’ and learned the character is Japanese American in the comics. He wrote that he accepted the part without knowing the character’s ethnicity and that remaining in the role would contribute to a larger issue. Skrein withdrew so the studio could recast with appropriate representation. The production later brought in a Japanese actor to play the part, which he publicly supported.

Joseph Fiennes

Joseph Fiennes apologized for being cast as Michael Jackson in the anthology series ‘Urban Myths’. After backlash, the episode was pulled before airing and Fiennes said the decision made sense. He acknowledged the casting choice was misguided and understood why audiences were upset. He used interviews to say sorry and to explain that he would not take the role now.

Fisher Stevens

Fisher Stevens apologized for playing Ben Jabituya in ‘Short Circuit’ and its sequel, where he wore makeup and adopted an Indian accent. He has said he did not fully grasp the implications when he accepted the job. Stevens later spoke about how the portrayal contributed to harmful stereotypes. He has used that experience to advocate for better casting practices behind the camera.

Jim Sturgess

Jim Sturgess apologized for participating in multiple roles in ‘Cloud Atlas’ that involved heavy makeup and cross-ethnic portrayals. He reflected on the production’s artistic goals and how they clashed with the impact of those choices. Sturgess said he came to understand why viewers found some of the transformations offensive. He expressed regret and emphasized the importance of listening to communities affected.

Eddie Redmayne

Eddie Redmayne apologized for playing a trans woman in ‘The Danish Girl’. He later said that casting should prioritize trans actors for trans roles. Redmayne has spoken about the experience as a lesson and acknowledged that good intentions did not erase the broader issue. He has since advocated for more inclusive hiring in film.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo apologized for the casting of a cisgender actor as a trans woman in the film ‘Anything’, which he produced. He publicly addressed criticism from trans advocates and said he regretted the decision. Ruffalo emphasized that the concerns were valid and that he would approach similar projects differently. He also amplified voices from the trans community during the discussion.

Mickey Rooney

Mickey Rooney apologized late in life for his portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. The role featured heavy makeup and caricatured traits that many viewers found offensive. Rooney said he would not have taken the part had he known how people would feel about it. His comments recognized the hurt caused by the performance and its lasting impact.

Joel Grey

Joel Grey apologized for playing the Korean martial arts master Chun in ‘Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins’. He wore prosthetics and makeup for the character, which drew criticism over time. Grey later said the choice belonged to a different era and that he understood why audiences saw it as wrong. He expressed regret for participating in a portrayal that did not respect authentic representation.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal apologized for starring in ‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’ after conversations about whitewashing in Hollywood grew louder. He has said the casting did not reflect the culture of the story’s setting. Gyllenhaal described the project as a learning experience and acknowledged why many viewers were disappointed. He has indicated that he would make a different choice today.

Gerard Butler

Gerard Butler apologized after ‘Gods of Egypt’ faced criticism for its largely non-Egyptian principal cast. He addressed the controversy by acknowledging that audiences wanted to see the story’s culture represented on screen. Butler expressed regret that the film’s choices fell short of that expectation. The apology came alongside studio statements that pledged to do better.

Mike Myers

Mike Myers apologized to people offended by ‘The Love Guru’, where he played the title character with a mishmash of spiritual tropes. He later reflected on feedback from Hindu groups who felt the comedy traded in stereotypes. Myers said he was sorry that the film hurt viewers and discussed how intent and impact diverged. He has kept a lower profile with similar character work since then.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher apologized for a Popchips ad where he played an Indian character named Raj with an accent and makeup. After criticism from South Asian viewers, the ad was pulled. Kutcher said he understood why the portrayal was offensive and expressed regret. He used the moment to acknowledge the need for more thoughtful representation in advertising and entertainment.

James Corden

James Corden apologized after backlash to his performance in ‘The Prom’, where some viewers felt his portrayal of a gay character leaned on stereotypes. He acknowledged the criticism and said he was sorry to those who were hurt by it. The discussion prompted broader conversations about how queer characters are written and cast. Corden noted that he took the feedback seriously for future work.

John Travolta

John Travolta has apologized for choices connected to ‘Battlefield Earth’, a film widely criticized for its execution and characterization. He addressed the negative response by acknowledging mistakes made during production and promotion. Travolta has spoken about the project as a misstep and expressed regret to fans who expected more. He has since been more selective about comparable roles.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel apologized to fans for his role in ‘The Last Airbender’ after hearing sustained criticism about the film’s treatment of its source material and casting. He said he took the part early in his career and later understood why many viewers were upset. Patel acknowledged that the experience changed how he evaluates projects. He has spoken about learning from the backlash and striving for more thoughtful choices.

George Clooney

George Clooney has repeatedly apologized to fans for ‘Batman & Robin’, saying the movie did not meet expectations. He has described hearing from disappointed viewers and has owned his part in how the character was handled. Clooney has used the experience as a reminder to protect iconic roles with better scripts and direction. He often references the film as a lesson in choosing projects carefully.

David Harbour

David Harbour apologized to fans after ‘Hellboy’ failed to connect, acknowledging that the reboot did not come together as hoped. He said the production aimed high but the final result missed the mark. Harbour has explained that he listened to feedback and understood the disappointment. He has expressed appreciation to audiences who gave the film a chance.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali apologized to the family of pianist Don Shirley for aspects of ‘Green Book’ that they said were inaccurate. He reached out directly and acknowledged their concerns about how relationships and history were portrayed. Ali emphasized that he intended to honor the musician’s legacy. He said he would be more attentive to family perspectives on biographical roles in the future.

Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy Fallon apologized for an old sketch in which he impersonated Chris Rock on ‘Saturday Night Live’ using makeup. He said he was sorry for the choice and that he understood why it was hurtful. Fallon described listening to viewers who explained the harm of such portrayals. He committed to doing better and to supporting more inclusive comedy.

Jimmy Kimmel

Jimmy Kimmel apologized for past sketches that used makeup to portray Black celebrities on ‘The Man Show’ and other programs. He addressed the pain those performances caused and said he regretted them. Kimmel noted that his understanding had changed with time and conversations. He stated that he would not make the same choices now.

Matt Lucas

Matt Lucas apologized for characters and sketches in ‘Little Britain’ that relied on racial caricatures and stereotypes. He said he wished he had made different creative decisions. Lucas acknowledged that the show hurt people and that he took responsibility for it. He has supported efforts to keep such portrayals out of future work.

David Walliams

David Walliams apologized alongside his creative partner for elements of ‘Little Britain’ that included blackface and offensive stereotypes. He said the team listened to audiences who felt harmed by the material. Walliams expressed regret that the comedy contributed to exclusion rather than understanding. He has said he aims to create work that does not rely on the same devices.

John Cena

John Cena apologized in Mandarin while promoting ‘F9’ after referring to Taiwan in a way that angered audiences in China. He said he made a mistake and that he respected the people who were upset. Cena explained that he would be more careful with his words while representing a film globally. He continued promotion while acknowledging the controversy.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. has acknowledged the controversy around his ‘Tropic Thunder’ character and has apologized to people who felt hurt by the portrayal. He has said the performance was intended as satire but that impact matters more than intent to those offended. Downey Jr. has emphasized listening to critics who raised concerns about the depiction. He has also noted that the experience shaped how he thinks about boundaries in comedy.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg apologized to audiences for ‘The Happening’, saying the movie did not work and that viewers deserved better. He has called the project a misfire and accepted responsibility for his part in it. Wahlberg said he learned to be more selective about scripts and tone. He has used the film as a reference point for avoiding similar choices.

Joel Edgerton

Joel Edgerton addressed and apologized for the whitewashed casting in ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’, where he played Ramses. He said he understood why audiences found the choices unacceptable. Edgerton explained that he listened to critics who wanted authentic representation in stories set in specific cultures. He expressed regret and said he would weigh those considerations more heavily.

Jared Leto

Jared Leto has responded to criticism of a cisgender actor playing a trans woman in ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ by apologizing to those who felt hurt. He has said he intended to approach the role with respect and learned from the reaction afterward. Leto has acknowledged that casting practices have changed and that he understands calls for authenticity. He has indicated support for trans actors playing trans characters.

Jeffrey Tambor

Jeffrey Tambor apologized to the trans community for aspects of ‘Transparent’ that critics felt were undermined by casting a cisgender man in the lead role. He said he was grateful for the chance to learn and for the guidance he received from trans colleagues. Tambor recognized that representation concerns were valid and meaningful. He stated that he would advocate for more inclusive casting going forward.

Jon Hamm

Jon Hamm apologized for his participation in a ’30 Rock’ episode that used blackface and supported platforms that removed the episode from circulation. He said he understood why viewers found it offensive. Hamm acknowledged that the material caused harm and that he regretted the choice. He has expressed that such portrayals have no place in current or future work.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck has apologized to fans for ‘Daredevil’, saying the movie did not deliver what audiences hoped for from the character. He has talked about how the experience influenced his later choices with comic book adaptations. Affleck has said he learned to look for stronger scripts and a clearer creative vision before committing. He has referenced the film as a turning point in how he evaluates superhero projects.

Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds has repeatedly apologized to viewers for ‘Green Lantern’, often acknowledging that the film fell short of expectations. He has described how the reaction shaped his approach to later comic book roles. Reynolds has pointed to the project as a lesson in aligning tone and storytelling with the character. He has used the experience to advocate for more character-driven superhero films.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman apologized to fans for ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’, noting that the character deserved a better first solo outing. He has said the film’s reception pushed him to pursue a more grounded take in later entries. Jackman worked with new writers and directors to reset the tone in subsequent appearances. He credited fan feedback for steering the character toward stories that resonated more.

Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe apologized for aspects of his singing in ‘Les Misérables’ after hearing criticism about the musical performances. He publicly acknowledged fans who felt disappointed by certain choices. Crowe explained that the live-recording approach was challenging and that he respected the audience’s reaction. He later discussed how that feedback informed his preparation for musical work.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone apologized to fans for ‘Rocky V’, saying the film missed the mark for the iconic character. He later returned with a follow-up that aimed to restore the underdog spirit people loved. Stallone has said he took fan reaction seriously and adjusted the story accordingly. He framed the misstep as motivation to deliver a closing chapter that felt authentic.

Charlie Day

Charlie Day apologized alongside his collaborators for the use of blackface in ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’. He recognized that the material was offensive and agreed with removing the episodes. Day has discussed taking responsibility and updating the show’s standards. He pointed to ongoing work behind the scenes to keep the comedy sharp without relying on harmful portrayals.

Glenn Howerton

Glenn Howerton apologized for participating in blackface episodes of ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ and backed their removal. He said he understood why audiences were upset. Howerton noted that the team reflected on those choices and committed to doing better. He has spoken about keeping the series edgy while respecting viewers who were harmed.

Bob Odenkirk

Bob Odenkirk apologized for sketches from ‘Mr. Show’ that used blackface and acknowledged the pain such material can cause. He supported decisions to contextualize or remove specific segments when they resurfaced. Odenkirk described listening to affected communities and colleagues. He has talked about applying those lessons to future projects.

David Cross

David Cross apologized for blackface in ‘Mr. Show’ and expressed regret about relying on that kind of shock humor. He recognized that the intent of satire did not erase the impact. Cross has said he values feedback from audiences who explained why the portrayals were harmful. He supported steps to address the sketches when they reappeared online.

Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert apologized to Asian American viewers for a bit from ‘The Colbert Report’ that used a character name and joke many found offensive. He acknowledged that the segment hurt people despite satirical aims. Colbert spoke about hearing concerns directly and learning from them. He emphasized adjusting his approach to avoid repeating the issue.

Chris Lilley

Chris Lilley apologized for characters in shows like ‘Summer Heights High’ and related series that used blackface and racial stereotypes. He said he listened to viewers who were hurt by those portrayals. Lilley discussed how the feedback changed his perspective on certain creative choices. He accepted responsibility for the impact of the performances.

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo has apologized for aspects of early roles that leaned into Latino stereotypes, including material he later said he would not repeat. He has talked about the pressure to accept limited parts and how his thinking evolved. Leguizamo has used interviews and talks to acknowledge the harm such portrayals can do. He now advocates for writing and casting that reflect the full range of Latino experiences.

Will Smith

Will Smith apologized to fans who were disappointed by ‘After Earth’, saying the project did not live up to expectations. He described taking the criticism seriously and reassessing how he chooses material. Smith has called the film a significant career lesson about story and audience connection. He has referenced the experience when discussing later roles.

Topher Grace

Topher Grace has apologized to fans who disliked his take on Venom in ‘Spider-Man 3’, acknowledging that the portrayal did not land for many viewers. He has said he appreciates the character’s passionate fan base and their expectations. Grace has reflected on the challenges of balancing multiple villains and storylines in one movie. He has expressed understanding for those who wanted a different approach.

Share the actors or moments you think belong on this list in the comments so we can keep the conversation going.