Actors Everybody Hates Working With

Some actors shine on screen but are tough to work with behind the scenes. Their behavior, whether it’s arrogance, diva demands, or unprofessionalism, can make sets tense and miserable for crews and co-stars alike.

This list dives into actors known for being difficult on set, based on reports from co-workers, directors, and industry insiders. From temper tantrums to outright rudeness, these stars have built reputations that make Hollywood hesitate to call them back.

Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase is a comedy legend from ‘Saturday Night Live’ and films like ‘Caddyshack’ (1980) and ‘Vacation’ (1983). But many who’ve worked with him say he’s a nightmare, often clashing with co-stars and directors. His sharp tongue and arrogance rubbed people the wrong way on the set of ‘Community’ (2009-2015), where he reportedly insulted castmates and walked off during shoots.

Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, along with ‘Community’ creator Dan Harmon, have spoken about Chase’s difficult attitude. He left the show mid-season due to conflicts, and stories of his behavior, like a fistfight with Bill Murray on ‘SNL,’ cement his reputation as someone nobody enjoys working with.

James Corden

James Corden, known for his talk show and roles in films like ‘Into the Woods’ (2014), often comes off as charming on screen. But behind the scenes, many describe him as rude and dismissive, especially to staff. At the Glamour Awards, Patrick Stewart publicly called out Corden’s bad attitude, highlighting his lack of respect for others’ work.

Reports from sets and public incidents, like being banned from Balthazar restaurant for abusing staff, paint Corden as difficult. His nice-guy persona doesn’t always hold up, and crew members often find his behavior grating and unprofessional.

Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl rose to fame with ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005-2020) and ‘Knocked Up’ (2007), but her outspoken criticism of projects made her unpopular. She called ‘Knocked Up’ sexist and trashed ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ scripts, which alienated writers and producers. Her reputation for being demanding grew from there.

On set, Heigl’s diva behavior, like refusing to shoot scenes or showing up late, frustrated crews. Her career took a hit after these incidents, as studios and directors became wary of her attitude and reluctance to collaborate.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow, star of ‘Iron Man 2’ (2010), is known for her wellness brand Goop and an aloof demeanor. On set, she reportedly avoided co-star Scarlett Johansson entirely, creating tension during filming. Crew members have also complained about her odd demands, like refusing to use a gym shower unless it’s cleaned first.

Her entitled attitude extends beyond sets. Stories of Paltrow’s coldness and refusal to engage with others unless necessary make her a tough colleague, as her focus on her image often overshadows teamwork.

Steven Seagal

Steven Seagal, action star of ‘Under Siege’ (1992), has a reputation for being hard to handle. Co-stars like Jenny McCarthy have accused him of unprofessional conduct, including inappropriate behavior during auditions. His arrogance and tendency to act above the law on set don’t help.

Seagal’s low-budget action films kept him working, but his attitude alienated many. Crews describe him as uncooperative, often ignoring direction and making shoots tense with his demanding presence.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan, once a child star in ‘The Parent Trap’ (1998), became notorious for her unprofessionalism as an adult. She often showed up late or not at all, disrupting productions like ‘Georgia Rule’ (2007). Her party lifestyle and erratic behavior made her a liability on set.

Directors and producers now see Lohan as too risky to hire. Her inability to stay focused or reliable has left a trail of frustrated co-workers, and her career has struggled to recover.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen’s wild antics on ‘Two and a Half Men’ (2003-2015) cost him his role. His public meltdowns, drug issues, and refusal to follow direction made him a headache for producers. Co-stars often felt uncomfortable with his unpredictable behavior.

Sheen’s infamous rants and narcissistic outbursts didn’t just affect sets; they became public spectacles. His reputation for being erratic and uncooperative has made Hollywood cautious about working with him again.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson, known for ‘Braveheart’ (1995), has a history of hot-headed behavior. His offensive outbursts and temper tantrums on set have frustrated directors and co-stars alike. Many describe him as intense and difficult to reason with during disagreements.

Gibson’s personal controversies, including racist and sexist remarks, have also tainted his professional reputation. While he’s tried to rebuild his career, many in the industry remain hesitant to collaborate with him.

William Shatner

William Shatner, the iconic Captain Kirk in ‘Star Trek’ (1966-1969), was reportedly tough to work with. Co-stars said he often walked off set or refused to cooperate if he didn’t feel like it. His ego clashed with others, creating friction during filming.

Even outside ‘Star Trek,’ Shatner’s reputation for being self-absorbed followed him. Crew members and actors found his lack of teamwork and dismissive attitude hard to handle, making shoots challenging.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf, star of ‘Transformers’ (2007), is known for his intense method acting, but it often crosses lines. His erratic behavior, like his public stunts and confrontational attitude, has annoyed co-stars and crews. On ‘Fury’ (2014), he reportedly made others uncomfortable with his extreme commitment.

LaBeouf’s vocal opinions and bizarre antics, like wearing a paper bag on a red carpet, have alienated colleagues. His unpredictable nature makes him a risky choice for many productions.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin, known for ‘30 Rock’ (2006-2013), has a temper that’s hard to ignore. His rants, like calling his daughter a “rude, thoughtless pig,” and clashes with paparazzi show his volatile side. On set, he’s been known to lash out at crew members.

Baldwin’s arrogance and confrontational attitude make him tough to work with. While he’s talented, his outbursts and lack of patience create tension, leaving co-workers on edge.

Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe, star of ‘Gladiator’ (2000), has a reputation for being intense and moody. Early in his career, he clashed with directors and media, often coming across as angry or aloof. On ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ (2001), his behavior reportedly worried co-stars.

While Crowe says some of this was exaggerated, his prickly demeanor left a mark. Crews and actors often find his unpredictable moods challenging, even if he’s mellowed in recent years.

Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis, known for ‘Die Hard’ (1988), is reportedly unapproachable on set. His diva-like demands and lack of engagement frustrate crews. Co-stars like Josh Brolin have noted his cold attitude, which makes shoots tense and uncomfortable.

Willis’s reputation for being difficult grew as his career went on. His insistence on doing things his way often clashes with directors, making collaboration a struggle for many.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale, star of ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008), is a perfectionist whose intensity can overwhelm sets. His infamous outburst on ‘Terminator: Salvation’ (2009), yelling at a crew member, became a public scandal. Co-stars say he demands perfection from everyone.

While Bale’s dedication produces great performances, his high expectations create stress. Crews often feel pressured to meet his standards, making him a tough collaborator despite his talent.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts, known for ‘Erin Brockovich’ (2000), earned the nickname “Tinkerhell” on ‘Hook’ (1991) due to her erratic behavior. At 23, she was reportedly moody and unpredictable, clashing with director Steven Spielberg and frustrating the cast.

Though Roberts has matured, her early reputation stuck. Co-stars and crews from her younger years describe her as difficult, with mood swings that disrupted filming.

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman, a legend from ‘The French Connection’ (1971), was tough on ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ (2001). His harsh demeanor reportedly made director Wes Anderson’s life miserable, with co-stars worried for Anderson’s well-being during production.

Hackman’s intense personality and blunt communication style clashed with others. While respected for his talent, his domineering presence made him a challenging figure on set.

Tommy Lee Jones

Tommy Lee Jones, known for ‘Men in Black’ (1997), is often described as abrasive. Jim Carrey and Josh Brolin have shared stories of Jones’s rudeness, with Carrey recalling Jones saying, “I hate you,” on ‘Batman Forever’ (1995). His gruff attitude creates tension.

Jones’s no-nonsense approach doesn’t always mesh with collaborative sets. Crews and co-stars find his bluntness and lack of warmth hard to handle, making shoots uncomfortable.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox, star of ‘Transformers’ (2007), was fired from the franchise after calling director Michael Bay “Hitler.” Her diva behavior and outspoken criticism of the films upset producers and crew. She’s described as difficult to work with due to her attitude.

Fox’s reputation for being uncooperative and dismissive on set has followed her. While she’s talented, her clashes with directors and lack of professionalism make her a risky hire.

Jared Leto

Jared Leto, known for ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ (2013), takes method acting to extremes, annoying co-stars. On ‘Suicide Squad’ (2016), he sent bizarre gifts like dead rats to castmates, creating discomfort. His over-the-top approach often disrupts sets.

Leto’s performances in ‘House of Gucci’ (2021) and ‘Morbius’ (2022) were mocked, and his intense preparation alienates colleagues. Directors and actors find his eccentricities more distracting than inspiring.

Lea Michele

Lea Michele, star of ‘Glee’ (2009-2015), faced accusations of racism and bullying from co-stars like Samantha Marie Ware. Background actors were reportedly called “cockroaches” by Michele, and Naya Rivera detailed her unprofessionalism in a memoir. Her behavior soured the set.

Michele’s diva attitude and lack of respect for others made ‘Glee’ a tense environment. Her reputation for being demanding and unkind has lingered in the industry.

Jason Biggs

Jason Biggs, known for ‘American Pie’ (1999), has a mixed reputation. His crude Twitter jokes, including ones about a plane crash and a contestant’s death, turned off colleagues and fans. On ‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013-2019), his character wasn’t well-received, and his attitude didn’t help.

Biggs’s inappropriate humor and lack of tact have frustrated co-workers. While he’s had some success, his unprofessional moments make him less likable on set.

Jamie Kennedy

Jamie Kennedy shined as Randy in ‘Scream’ (1996), but his other projects, like ‘Son of the Mask’ (2005), flopped hard. Crews describe him as difficult, with a lack of focus and poor work ethic that dragged down productions.

Kennedy’s string of bad films and unprofessional behavior on set earned him a bad rap. His inability to match his ‘Scream’ success frustrates directors who expect more.

Pauly Shore

Pauly Shore, a ‘90s comedian from ‘Encino Man’ (1992), is often called unfunny and uncooperative. His whiny persona and crude humor didn’t translate well on set, where he clashed with directors and alienated co-stars with his antics.

Shore’s career faded as his reputation for being difficult grew. Crews found his lack of comedic talent and disruptive behavior hard to handle, making him a Hollywood outcast.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard, known for ‘Aquaman’ (2018), has faced backlash for her behavior on and off set. Her high-profile legal battles with Johnny Depp revealed a combative side, and co-stars describe her as cold and uncooperative during filming.

Heard’s reputation for being difficult stems from her demanding nature and tense interactions. Crews and actors often find her hard to connect with, creating a strained work environment.

Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith, star of ‘The Karate Kid’ (2010), is often seen as entitled on set. His eccentric behavior and lack of professionalism frustrate crews, who find his focus lacking. Directors note his tendency to prioritize personal projects over work.

Smith’s reputation for being aloof and unpredictable makes him tough to work with. While he has talent, his attitude and lack of discipline create challenges for productions.

Tell us in the comments which actor’s behavior surprised you the most!