20 Celebrities Who Made a Comeback Nobody Expected
Hollywood can be a tough place, where fame often fades fast due to personal struggles, scandals, or just bad luck. Yet, some stars manage to claw their way back into the spotlight against all odds, proving resilience and talent can triumph.
These 20 celebrities faced career lows that seemed insurmountable, from legal troubles to public backlash, but they defied expectations with remarkable comebacks. Here’s how they turned their fortunes around and reclaimed their place in the entertainment world.
Robert Downey Jr.
In the ‘90s, Robert Downey Jr. was a rising star with roles in ‘Chaplin’ (1992) and ‘Ally McBeal’ (1997-2002), but drug addiction led to arrests and being fired from projects. Many thought his career was over.
His 2008 role as Tony Stark in ‘Iron Man’ changed everything, launching the Marvel Cinematic Universe and making him one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. His charisma and grit made his comeback a Hollywood legend.
Britney Spears
Britney Spears ruled pop in the late ‘90s with hits like ‘Baby One More Time’ (1998). A public breakdown in 2007, including shaving her head and a custody battle, made her a tabloid target, threatening her career.
Her 2008 album ‘Circus’ and a world tour marked her return, followed by a Las Vegas residency. Her resilience and loyal fans restored her as a pop icon.
Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder shone in the ‘90s with ‘Beetlejuice’ (1988) and ‘Girl, Interrupted’ (1999), but a 2001 shoplifting arrest and tabloid scrutiny derailed her career. She took a hiatus, fading from major roles.
Her role as Joyce Byers in ‘Stranger Things’ (2016-Present) brought her back, earning nominations and fan love. Her talent reminded everyone why she was a star.
Brendan Fraser
Brendan Fraser was a ‘90s heartthrob in ‘The Mummy’ (1999) and ‘George of the Jungle’ (1997). Personal struggles, including a divorce and health issues, plus an assault allegation against a Hollywood figure, sidelined him in the 2010s.
His 2022 role in ‘The Whale’ earned a Best Actor Oscar and widespread praise, sparking the ‘Brenaissance.’ His emotional performance proved he was back.
Mickey Rourke
Mickey Rourke was a ‘80s icon in ‘Diner’ (1982), but his career tanked after he left acting for boxing, suffering injuries and fading into obscurity. By the 2000s, he was in low-budget films.
His 2008 role in ‘The Wrestler’ earned an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe, reviving his career. He landed roles in ‘Iron Man 2’ (2010) and ‘The Expendables’ (2010).
Jennifer Coolidge
Jennifer Coolidge was known for supporting roles in ‘American Pie’ (1999) and ‘Legally Blonde’ (2001), but her career stalled with minor parts. Many thought her days as a standout were over.
Her role as Tanya McQuoid in ‘The White Lotus’ (2021-Present) won her an Emmy and Golden Globe, making her a hot commodity. Her comedic timing stole the show.
Michael Keaton
Michael Keaton was huge in the ‘80s with ‘Beetlejuice’ (1988) and ‘Batman’ (1989), but his career dipped in the 2000s with less impactful roles. He seemed stuck in supporting parts.
His 2014 role in ‘Birdman’ won him critical acclaim and led to ‘Spotlight’ (2015). His 2024 return in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ solidified his comeback.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore, a child star in ‘E.T.’ (1982), faced addiction issues by her teens, publishing a drug memoir at 14. Her career seemed doomed after early struggles.
Her roles in ‘The Wedding Singer’ (1998) and producing hits like ‘Never Been Kissed’ (1999) rebuilt her career. Her talk show, ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ (2020-Present), keeps her relevant.
Natasha Lyonne
Natasha Lyonne rose in ‘American Pie’ (1999), but heroin addiction and legal issues in the 2000s, including a heart infection, nearly ended her career. She was evicted and hospitalized.
Her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013-2019) and creating ‘Russian Doll’ (2019-Present) brought her back. Her raw talent and humor won audiences over.
Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey was a ‘90s star in ‘A Time to Kill’ (1996), but by the 2000s, he was typecast in rom-coms like ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ (2003). Critics doubted his range.
The ‘McConaissance’ began with ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ (2013), earning him an Oscar. Roles in ‘True Detective’ (2014) and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013) cemented his comeback.
Jason Bateman
Jason Bateman was a teen star in ‘Little House on the Prairie’ (1981-1982), but struggled to transition to adult roles, fading in the ‘90s with flops like ‘Teen Wolf Too’ (1987).
His role in ‘Arrested Development’ (2003-2019) earned a Golden Globe, and ‘Ozark’ (2017-2022) sealed his comeback. His directing and acting keep him in demand.
Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris was a child star in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ (1989-1993), but his career stalled post-show with minor roles. He seemed like a ‘90s relic.
His 2004 cameo in ‘Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle’ and role as Barney in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ (2005-2014) revived him. He’s now an Emmy-winning host and actor.
Tina Turner
Tina Turner had hits with Ike Turner in the ‘60s, but their abusive marriage and her solo struggles in the ‘70s left her career in limbo. Many doubted she’d recover.
Her 1984 album ‘Private Dancer,’ with ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It,’ won Grammys and made her a solo superstar. Her resilience redefined her legacy.
Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams was the first Black Miss America in 1983, but resigned after a nude photo scandal. Her career seemed over before it began.
Her music career took off with hits like ‘Save the Best for Last’ (1992), and roles in ‘Soul Food’ (1997) and ‘Ugly Betty’ (2006-2010) made her a star again.
Ke Huy Quan
Ke Huy Quan was a child star in ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ (1984) and ‘The Goonies’ (1985), but struggled to find roles as an adult, turning to stunt work.
His 2022 role in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ won him an Oscar, launching a major comeback. His infectious energy won over audiences.
Hayden Christensen
Hayden Christensen was huge as Anakin Skywalker in ‘Star Wars: Episode II’ (2002) and ‘Episode III’ (2005), but criticism of the prequels and sparse roles after faded his star.
His 2022 return as Darth Vader in ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ and ‘Ahsoka’ (2023) thrilled fans. His nuanced performance showed he was more than a punching bag for critics.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis was the scream queen of ‘Halloween’ (1978), but her career slowed in the 2000s with less memorable roles. She seemed typecast in horror.
Her return in ‘Halloween’ (2018) and Oscar win for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022) revitalized her. She’s now celebrated for versatility and charm.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton dominated the 2000s with ‘The Simple Life’ (2003-2007), but her reality TV fame waned as she pursued DJing. Many saw her as a faded tabloid star.
Her shows ‘This Is Paris’ (2020) and ‘Paris in Love’ (2021-Present) brought her back to reality TV royalty. Her business savvy keeps her relevant.
Betty White
Betty White was beloved in ‘The Golden Girls’ (1985-1992), but by her 80s, her career seemed to slow. Few expected a resurgence at her age.
A 2010 Snickers commercial, hosting ‘Saturday Night Live,’ and starring in ‘Hot in Cleveland’ (2010-2015) made her a late-career icon. Her humor defied ageism.
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage was a ‘90s star in ‘Face/Off’ (1997), but wild spending and roles in poorly received films in the 2010s led to near bankruptcy. His career seemed sunk.
His 2021 role in ‘Pig’ and 2022’s ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’ earned critical praise, reviving his cult status. His eccentricity became his strength.
Which celebrity comeback shocked you the most, or is there another star who deserves a spot? Share your thoughts in the comments!