10 Actors Who Regret the Roles That Made Them Famous

Some roles launch actors into stardom, but not every star looks back fondly on the part that put them on the map. Whether it’s due to typecasting, personal discomfort, or a clash with the project’s values, these actors have openly shared their regrets about the roles that defined their careers.

This article explores ten actors who’ve expressed mixed feelings about their iconic performances. From blockbuster franchises to beloved classics, these roles brought fame but left lingering doubts. Let’s dive into their stories and see why these parts became bittersweet memories.

Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson’s role as Edward Cullen in ‘Twilight’ (2008-2012) made him a global heartthrob, but he’s been vocal about his dislike for the vampire saga. He found the character, a brooding 108-year-old virgin, hard to connect with and often mocked the series’ intense fanbase.

Despite the fame, Pattinson felt trapped by the role’s melodrama. He’s since carved out a diverse career in films like ‘The Lighthouse’ (2019), proving he’s more than a sparkling vampire.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart, Bella Swan in ‘Twilight’ (2008-2012), also harbors regrets about her breakout role. The intense scrutiny of her personal life during the franchise’s peak, combined with her young age of 17 at the start, made the experience overwhelming.

Stewart has called the films challenging and hinted they weren’t her proudest work. Her shift to indie gems like ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ (2014) shows her desire to move beyond Bella’s shadow.

Zac Efron

Zac Efron became a teen idol as Troy Bolton in ‘High School Musical’ (2006-2008), but he’s admitted the Disney trilogy wasn’t his favorite chapter. The clean-cut image clashed with his desire for grittier roles, and he felt pigeonholed as a teen star.

Efron’s regret softened over time, and he’s since embraced projects like ‘The Iron Claw’ (2023). Still, he’s said the musical’s fame made it hard to break free early on.

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher’s iconic Princess Leia in ‘Star Wars’ (1977-1983) defined her career, but she later said she might not have taken the role had she known its massive impact. The overwhelming fame and typecasting frustrated her as she sought diverse roles.

Fisher grew to embrace Leia over time, but the constant spotlight was tough. Her wit and strength shone in later appearances, like ‘The Last Jedi’ (2017).

Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness brought gravitas to Obi-Wan Kenobi in ‘Star Wars’ (1977), but he wasn’t a fan of the sci-fi epic. He called the script ‘fairy-tale rubbish’ and only took the role after his pay was doubled, feeling it overshadowed his stage work.

Despite his Oscar-nominated performance, Guinness disliked the film’s hype. His regret highlights a clash between his classical roots and blockbuster fame.

Christopher Plummer

Christopher Plummer’s Captain von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music’ (1965) is beloved, but he called the film ‘awful and sentimental.’ He found the role dull and the movie overly sweet, preferring edgier characters in his later career.

Plummer’s disdain didn’t stop him from shining in the classic. His later roles in ‘Knives Out’ (2019) reflect the complex parts he craved.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford’s Han Solo in ‘Star Wars’ (1977-1983) made him a legend, but he grew tired of the character. He famously asked George Lucas to kill Solo off in ‘Return of the Jedi’ (1983), feeling the role limited his range.

Ford returned for ‘The Force Awakens’ (2015), where Solo’s death finally happened. His mixed feelings show the burden of being tied to one iconic part.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet’s role as Rose in ‘Titanic’ (1997) skyrocketed her to fame, but she’s critical of her performance. She’s called her American accent ‘awful’ and cringes at her acting choices, wishing she could redo the iconic role.

Despite her self-criticism, Winslet’s performance remains beloved. Her later work in ‘The Reader’ (2008) earned her an Oscar, proving her growth beyond Rose.

Sean Connery

Sean Connery’s James Bond in ‘Dr. No’ (1962) and five more films defined the spy genre, but he grew frustrated with the role. Feeling underpaid and tired of the character by his sixth film, he donated his salaries to charity.

Connery’s complex bond with 007 led him to quit twice, though he returned for ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ (1971). His regret stemmed from being forever linked to Bond’s suave image.

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando’s Stanley Kowalski in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ (1951) earned him an Oscar nod and stardom, but he despised the character. He saw Stanley as brutish and abusive, hating how the role’s success glorified such a figure.

Brando’s raw performance redefined acting, yet he felt trapped by its legacy. His later roles in ‘The Godfather’ (1972) showed his range beyond Stanley’s shadow.

Which actor’s regret over their iconic role surprised you most, or is there another star’s story I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!