LGBTQ+ Actors Who Are Hard To Work With

Hollywood productions rely on cooperation and professionalism to succeed but some stars become known for disrupting the process. This list explores male actors within the LGBTQ+ community who have garnered reputations for difficult behavior on set or in their public lives. These instances range from creative disputes and diva-like demands to serious legal issues that halted entire projects. The following individuals left lasting negative impressions on their colleagues for reasons beyond their dramatic performances.

Kevin Spacey

Spacey was once a revered figure in Hollywood before multiple allegations of sexual misconduct derailed his career. The production of the hit series ‘House of Cards’ came to a sudden halt when these reports surfaced. Writers were forced to completely restructure the final season to write his character out of the show. His presence on set became a liability that studios could no longer insure or support. The fallout from his behavior serves as a significant example of how personal conduct can destroy professional standing.

Ezra Miller

Miller faced a series of legal issues and arrests that jeopardized the release of the major blockbuster ‘The Flash’. Reports of erratic behavior and harassment created a public relations nightmare for the film studio. Executives had to consider canceling the project entirely due to the severity of the allegations. Miller eventually issued a public apology and cited complex mental health issues as the cause of the disturbances. The situation forced the studio to strictly manage the press tour to avoid further controversy.

Marlon Brando

Brando openly discussed his bisexuality and was notorious for his refusal to memorize lines. He insisted on using cue cards or wearing an earpiece to have his dialogue fed to him during filming. His behavior on the set of ‘Apocalypse Now’ is legendary for the chaos it caused due to him arriving overweight and unprepared. Directors often had to work around his moods and demands to get a usable performance. Despite his genius, his lack of discipline frustrated many of his collaborators.

James Dean

Dean became an icon of rebellion but his bisexual identity and moody temperament caused friction on set. He frequently clashed with directors and refused to follow instructions during the filming of ‘Giant’. His method acting approach often led to him isolating himself or antagonizing his co-stars to generate genuine tension. Co-star Rock Hudson reportedly despised Dean for his unprofessionalism and rude behavior. His intense commitment to realism often came at the expense of the shooting schedule.

Andy Dick

Dick has a long history of substance abuse and erratic behavior that has led to his firing from multiple projects. His conduct on the set of the sitcom ‘NewsRadio’ was often disruptive and caused tension with cast members. He has faced numerous legal charges that have overshadowed his work as a comedian and actor. Producers have become wary of hiring him due to the high risk of production delays. His unpredictable nature makes him a liability for live performances and scripted television alike.

Robert Reed

Reed is best remembered as the father in ‘The Brady Bunch’ but he famously hated the role. He constantly argued with the show creator regarding the quality of the scripts and the logic of the storylines. His background as a classically trained Shakespearean actor made him resent the lighthearted nature of the sitcom. The tension became so severe that he was written out of the finale of the series. He frequently held up production by refusing to say lines he felt were beneath him.

John Barrowman

Barrowman faced severe backlash after allegations of inappropriate behavior on the sets of ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Torchwood’. Several crew members reported that he would frequently expose himself as a prank during filming. These actions were initially dismissed as high-spirited fun but were later re-evaluated as workplace harassment. The controversy led to his removal from various associated projects and audio dramas. He subsequently issued an apology for what he termed tomfoolery that went too far.

Jussie Smollett

Smollett orchestrated a hate crime hoax that caused a massive disruption to the production of the show ‘Empire’. The cast and crew were subjected to intense media scrutiny and police investigations due to his false claims. His actions led to deep mistrust among his colleagues and resulted in his character being written out of the series. The legal battle that followed consumed significant resources and damaged the reputation of the show. His career has struggled to recover since the truth of the incident was revealed.

Rupert Everett

Everett has openly admitted to being difficult and has famously insulted many of his former co-stars in his memoirs. He criticized major industry players which alienated him from potential roles for several years. His candor regarding his dislike for certain colleagues earned him a reputation as a loose cannon. He has stated that his aggressive attitude in his youth burned many bridges in Hollywood. Directors often hesitated to cast him fearing he would be unmanageable or disparaging in the press.

Paul Lynde

Lynde was a comedic staple on ‘Hollywood Squares’ but was known for being mean-spirited and difficult behind the scenes. He struggled with alcoholism which frequently led to verbally abusive outbursts directed at crew members. His insecurities often manifested as hostility toward anyone he felt was upstaging him. Biographers have noted that his behavior worsened as his health declined later in life. His caustic wit was celebrated on screen but feared by those who had to work with him personally.

Montgomery Clift

Clift was a method actor whose struggles with addiction and health issues made him unreliable on set. His bisexual identity was an open secret in Hollywood but his internal turmoil often delayed filming. During the production of ‘The Misfits’, his inability to remember lines caused significant frustration for the director. His physical deterioration following a car accident further complicated his ability to perform consistently. Despite his talent, his personal demons made insurance companies reluctant to cover him.

Helmut Berger

Berger was a muse for director Luchino Visconti but was known for his volatile temper and narcissistic behavior. His acting career was marked by on-set tantrums and clashes with other filmmakers who tried to direct him. He lived a life of excess that often spilled over into his professional obligations. His unpredictable nature made him a risk for productions that required discipline and punctuality. He remains a cult figure but his difficult reputation limited his mainstream success.

Charles Laughton

Laughton was a brilliant actor who suffered from intense self-loathing regarding his appearance and his sexuality. This insecurity often manifested as bullying behavior toward his co-stars and crew members. He was known to be incredibly demanding and required excessive takes to feel satisfied with his performance. On the set of ‘Jamaica Inn’, he famously clashed with Alfred Hitchcock over the interpretation of his character. His perfectionism often slowed down production and frustrated those around him.

Errol Flynn

Flynn was a swashbuckling star whose bisexual dalliances and heavy drinking were notorious in the industry. His reliability plummeted in the later years of his career as his alcoholism took over. He was often late to set or too intoxicated to perform his stunts safely. Studios found it increasingly difficult to insure him due to his reckless lifestyle and health problems. His charm could not always compensate for the delays and chaos he caused during filming.

Alec Guinness

Guinness is an acting legend who famously despised his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in ‘Star Wars’. He was known to be grumpy on set and frequently complained about the dialogue to George Lucas. He had little patience for the fan culture that surrounded the film and was dismissive of the project’s artistic merit. His attitude created a tense atmosphere for the younger cast members who looked up to him. He reportedly encouraged Lucas to kill off his character so he would not have to return.

Danny Kaye

Kaye projected a sunny and lovable persona on screen but was reported to be moody and controlling off camera. Several directors and co-stars described him as a perfectionist who could be cruel when things went wrong. He had a reputation for cutting people out of his life if he felt they had slighted him. Rumors of his relationship with Laurence Olivier often overshadowed his work but his temperament was the real issue for studios. His demand for absolute control often alienated his creative partners.

Clifton Webb

Webb was an openly gay character actor who was known for his snobbish and demanding personality. He was incredibly close to his mother and insisted she be treated with the same reverence as him on set. His contract stipulations often included specific comforts that annoyed producers and budget managers. He refused to break character in his demeanor and treated crew members with a distinct air of superiority. His talent was undeniable but his diva-like behavior was a constant source of friction.

George Maharis

Maharis starred in the hit show ‘Route 66’ but left the series under contentious circumstances. He claimed he left due to health issues while producers cited his difficult behavior and delays. His arrest for lewd conduct in a restroom scandalized the network and created tension with the studio. The legal issues surrounding his sexuality effectively stalled his momentum as a leading man. His departure forced the show to find a replacement which ultimately hurt its ratings.

Tommy Kirk

Kirk was a Disney child star who was fired personally by Walt Disney after his homosexuality was discovered. While the firing was discriminatory, Kirk admitted that his behavior had become erratic due to drug use. He struggled with professionalism as he navigated his personal issues and the rejection from the studio. His subsequent work in low-budget films was often marred by his substance abuse problems. He eventually left acting behind after finding the industry too difficult to navigate.

Rudolph Valentino

Valentino was the original screen idol but rumors of his bisexuality and vanity followed him throughout his career. He was known to delay production to ensure his appearance was absolutely perfect in every shot. His demands for specific costumes and lighting setups often frustrated his directors. He engaged in public feuds with journalists who questioned his masculinity or acting ability. His intense focus on his image made him a challenging figure to manage within the studio system.

Dirk Bogarde

Bogarde was a matinee idol who carefully guarded his private life as a gay man. He could be incredibly prickly and aloof with co-stars he deemed untalented or unprofessional. His desire to shed his heartthrob image led him to choose difficult roles and clash with studio executives. He eventually moved to Europe to escape the restrictive atmosphere of the British film industry. His exacting standards often made him an intimidating presence on the set.

Ivor Novello

Novello was one of the most famous stars of the early 20th century and was known for his extreme vanity. He required constant validation and could be difficult if he felt he was not being photographed to his advantage. His status as a gay icon was known in theatre circles but he maintained a strict facade for the public. He expected the entire production to revolve around his comfort and schedule. His charm usually smoothed things over but his demands were a burden on the crew.

Nathan Lane

Lane is a theatre and film legend known for his incredible work ethic but also his high standards. Industry insiders have noted that he can be very stern and exacting when a production is not going well. He does not suffer fools gladly and expects everyone on set to be as prepared as he is. This intensity has occasionally been interpreted as difficult by younger or less experienced actors. His commitment to perfection drives the quality of his work but can create a high-pressure environment.

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