As any Hollywood actor knows, a career can turn on a dime and suddenly the biggest stars are just minutes away from messing up and ruining their careers forever. You know, mistakes big and small—some of them in terms of career trajectory decisions, being embroiled in some controversy, even some missed opportunities that they could have taken that would have propelled their careers. Here are a few career faux pas that some actors have committed — and how they impacted their careers.
Lindsay Lohan was once thought to be one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars. Following a solid start with films like Mean Girls (2004) and Freaky Friday (2003), Lohan's career began to crash and burn. A reportedly tragic mix of personal troubles, substance abuse and many legal woes tarnished her reputation badly. However, perhaps her biggest career misstep was choosing poorly in terms of roles and collaborations. Her attempt to branch out into more mature roles in movies like *I Know Who Killed Me* (2007) was met with critical failure. The film's poor reception, combined with her off-screen behavior, led to Lohan being typecast as a troubled actress rather than a rising talent.
**2. Johnny Depp – The Fall from Grace After Personal Controversies**
Johnny Depp’s career was once marked by an eclectic mix of quirky, beloved roles, such as Captain Jack Sparrow in *Pirates of the Caribbean* (2003). However, his personal life has often overshadowed his professional achievements. Depp’s bitter divorce from actress Amber Heard and the subsequent public legal battle caused a significant backlash, impacting his reputation in Hollywood. His decision to take on a series of poorly received films, like *The Lone Ranger* (2013) and *Transcendence* (2014), coupled with the increasing media attention surrounding his personal life, led to a dramatic decline in his popularity and earning potential. The once-celebrated actor now faces a more challenging road to reclaim his former status.
**3. Katherine Heigl – Leaving TV Success Behind**
Katherine Heigl’s rise to fame came with her role in *Grey’s Anatomy* (2005-2010), where she won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Izzie Stevens. However, Heigl made the ill-advised decision to leave the show before it had run its course, turning down an opportunity to continue in a beloved role. She also made controversial comments in the press, criticizing the writing of the show, which caused friction between her and the show’s creators. This, combined with a series of poorly received films like *The Ugly Truth* (2009) and *Killers* (2010), led to Heigl becoming a divisive figure in Hollywood. Her career has struggled to regain momentum ever since, with fewer high-profile roles available to her.
**4. Will Smith – The Oscar Slap Incident**
Will Smith’s career took a dramatic turn after the 2022 Academy Awards when he slapped comedian Chris Rock live on stage in response to a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The incident, which was widely covered in the media, led to Smith being banned from attending the Oscars for 10 years. While Smith's talent remains undeniable, this shocking public moment of violence has overshadowed his legacy and hurt his professional opportunities. He took a brief hiatus after the incident, and while he has since returned to acting, the controversy continues to affect his image and career.
**5. Tom Cruise – The Scientology Controversy and Public Meltdowns**
Tom Cruise’s career trajectory has also been impacted by some ill-advised decisions, particularly his association with Scientology. His very public support for the controversial religion, combined with bizarre behavior, including a notorious outburst on *The Oprah Winfrey Show* in 2005, hurt his image for years. Critics and fans alike expressed concerns over his eccentric behavior, and some questioned whether his involvement with Scientology was influencing his professional choices. Films like *The Mummy* (2017) underperformed at the box office, and Cruise's career has been in a mixed state as a result of his public persona.
**6. Matthew McConaughey – The “McConaissance” and Overexposure in Rom-Coms**
Matthew McConaughey’s career was initially marred by an over-reliance on romantic comedies, with films like *The Wedding Planner* (2001) and *How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days* (2003). While McConaughey was undoubtedly charming, his consistent roles in these films led to him being typecast, leaving him stuck in a box of romantic leading men. However, McConaughey managed to reverse his fortunes in what is known as the “McConaissance.” By transitioning into more serious, critically acclaimed roles such as *Mud* (2012) and *Dallas Buyers Club* (2013), McConaughey reinvented himself as a respected actor. His decision to step away from the rom-com genre and take on more diverse roles was a turning point in his career, proving