The 45 Most Arrogant A-Listers According to Longtime Crew

The glitz and glamour of Hollywood often mask the challenging realities of film and television production. While audiences see polished performances, the individuals working behind the scenes frequently encounter the complex personalities of the industry’s biggest stars. Crew members, including camera operators, personal assistants, and makeup artists, have shared numerous accounts of difficult behavior on high-profile sets. These reports highlight instances of extreme demands, professional friction, and perceived arrogance that have shaped the reputations of certain A-list celebrities within the trade.

Ellen DeGeneres

Former staff members of ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ came forward with allegations of a toxic work environment that contradicted the host’s public persona. Reports detailed a culture of fear where employees were reportedly told not to make eye contact with her. Several crew members claimed that high-level producers engaged in harassment and administrative misconduct. The fallout from these revelations led to an internal investigation and the eventual conclusion of the long-running talk show.

Christian Bale

A leaked audio recording from the set of ‘Terminator Salvation’ famously captured the actor engaged in a prolonged, profanity-laced tirade against a director of photography. Bale’s outburst occurred after the crew member accidentally walked into his line of sight during a high-intensity scene. While he later issued a public apology for his behavior, the incident remains a prominent example of on-set volatility. Crew members often describe his dedication to ‘The Fighter’ and ‘The Dark Knight’ as intense, sometimes to the point of being unapproachable.

Katherine Heigl

The actress gained a reputation for being difficult after publicly criticizing the writing of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and the production of ‘Knocked Up’. She withdrew her name from Emmy consideration, stating she was not given the material to warrant a nomination, which alienated the show’s writers and crew. Production staff on various sets have reported that her mother, who acted as her manager, frequently made demanding requests. These actions led to a significant period where major studios were hesitant to cast her in leading roles.

Mike Myers

During the filming of ‘Wayne’s World’ and ‘The Cat in the Hat’, reports surfaced regarding the actor’s controlling behavior on set. Crew members alleged that he demanded specific conditions and would often stop production to address minor details that he felt were incorrect. Director Penelope Spheeris noted the difficulty of managing his perfectionism during their collaboration. His reputation for being “moody” and “temperamental” has been echoed by several former colleagues over the years.

Chevy Chase

The comedian’s history of on-set conflict dates back to his early days on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where he famously fought with Bill Murray. More recently, his time on the sitcom ‘Community’ was marked by public feuds with creator Dan Harmon and reports of offensive language. Cast and crew members claimed his presence created a tense atmosphere that hindered the production process. His eventual departure from the show was the result of mutual frustration between the actor and the production team.

Lea Michele

Multiple former co-stars and crew members from ‘Glee’ have characterized the actress as someone who made the workplace unpleasant. Allegations included making “traumatic” threats and treating background actors with disdain. Her behavior was described as that of a “primadonna” who prioritized her needs over the collective well-being of the production. Following these public claims, she issued a statement acknowledging that her privilege and perspective may have been perceived as insensitive.

James Corden

The late-night host has faced public scrutiny following accounts of his behavior toward service staff and production crews. A restaurant owner famously banned him for being “abusive” to servers, an incident that Corden later addressed on ‘The Late Late Show’. Similar reports have emerged from sets where he reportedly displayed impatience and a dismissive attitude toward lower-level staff. While he is known for the jovial nature of ‘Carpool Karaoke’, behind-the-scenes accounts suggest a more demanding personality.

Steven Seagal

The action star is frequently cited by stunt performers and crew members as one of the most difficult individuals to work with in the industry. Reports from the sets of ‘Under Siege’ and ‘Executive Decision’ suggest he was often physically aggressive with stuntmen without provocation. Many former colleagues have described him as someone who exaggerated his abilities while being dismissive of the professional contributions of others. His behavior eventually led to a decline in opportunities for major studio collaborations.

Edward Norton

Known for his immense talent in ‘American History X’ and ‘Primal Fear’, the actor is also recognized for his desire to control the creative process. During the production of ‘The Incredible Hulk’, he reportedly clashed with Marvel executives over the final cut of the film. Crew members have noted that he often rewrites scripts on the fly, which can cause logistical challenges for the production department. His reputation for being “difficult” eventually led to his replacement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Julia Roberts

During the filming of ‘Hook’, the actress reportedly earned the nickname “Tinkerhell” from the production crew. Reports indicated that she was going through a difficult time personally, which manifested as being emotionally distant and demanding on set. Director Steven Spielberg later admitted in an interview that it was a challenging time to work with her. Although she remains one of the most successful actresses in Hollywood, those early accounts of her behavior have persisted in industry lore.

Lindsay Lohan

The actress became notorious among crew members for chronic lateness and unreliability during the production of ‘Georgia Rule’ and ‘The Canyons’. Producers on several projects had to send out memos addressing her behavior and the financial impact of production delays. Crew members reported waiting hours for her to emerge from her trailer, which created a stressful environment for everyone involved. Her reputation for being unprofessional significantly impacted her career trajectory during the mid-2000s.

Tom Cruise

While widely praised for his work ethic, the actor’s intensity can sometimes lead to friction with the crew. A leaked recording from the set of ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’ showed him shouting at crew members for breaking COVID-19 protocols. He has been described as a “perfectionist” who expects everyone on the set of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ to match his extreme level of commitment. While many respect his dedication, others find his high-pressure approach to be intimidating and overwhelming.

Russell Crowe

The actor’s temperament has been the subject of many reports, particularly during his rise to fame in ‘Gladiator’ and ‘A Beautiful Mind’. He reportedly threatened a producer over the phone regarding his assistants’ pay and was known for challenging directors on their creative choices. Crew members have described him as a “brooding” presence who could be quite volatile if things did not go his way. Over time, he has acknowledged his past behavior, though his reputation for being a “handful” remains.

Gwyneth Paltrow

On the sets of films like ‘Iron Man’, reports have circulated about the actress’s specific and sometimes unusual demands. Crew members have alleged that she requested the shower at her gym be dried before she used it to avoid contact with “old water.” Her lifestyle brand, Goop, has also contributed to a public image that some perceive as out of touch with average working people. Those who have worked on her productions often describe a sense of detachment from the rest of the crew.

Jennifer Lopez

The singer and actress is frequently the subject of rumors regarding her “no eye contact” rule for service staff and junior crew members. On the sets of movies like ‘Monster-in-Law’ and ‘Hustlers’, reports have surfaced about her extensive rider requirements and aloofness. Some crew members have claimed that she refuses to speak directly to them, choosing to communicate through an assistant instead. This perceived arrogance has made her a polarizing figure among behind-the-scenes professionals.

Mariah Carey

The legendary singer is the quintessential “diva” in the eyes of many production crews who have worked on her music videos and film appearances. During her guest spot on ‘The LEGO Batman Movie’, she reportedly made extensive demands that delayed the recording process. Crew members on the set of ‘The House’ alleged that she arrived hours late and made unreasonable creative requests for her cameo. Her reputation for requiring high-maintenance treatment is well-documented throughout the entertainment industry.

Shia LaBeouf

Known for his commitment to method acting, the actor has often made crew members uncomfortable with his extreme behavior. On the set of ‘Fury’, he reportedly pulled out his own tooth and refused to shower for weeks to get into character. This dedication caused significant friction with his co-stars and the production crew who had to deal with the logistical fallout. His unpredictable nature and occasional on-set outbursts have led to his reputation as a difficult collaborator.

Megan Fox

The actress famously clashed with director Michael Bay during the filming of the ‘Transformers’ franchise. She compared his directing style to that of Napoleon and Hitler, which led to her being fired from the third installment. Crew members later wrote an open letter defending Bay and describing Fox as “ungrateful” and “unprofessional.” While she later reconciled with Bay for ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’, the initial conflict remains a major point in her career history.

Charlie Sheen

His tenure on ‘Two and a Half Men’ ended in a highly publicized meltdown that involved insulting the show’s creator and crew. Behind the scenes, staff reported that his personal struggles made for an erratic and often hostile work environment. The production had to be halted several times due to his health issues and lack of professionalism. His behavior eventually became a liability that the studio could no longer justify, leading to his high-profile termination.

Terrence Howard

The actor reportedly had a difficult relationship with the production team of ‘Iron Man’, which led to his role being recast for the sequel. Reports suggested that he demanded a significantly higher salary than his co-stars, which caused tension with the studio. Crew members have noted that his behavior on various sets can be “eccentric” and difficult to manage. His departure from the Marvel franchise remains one of the most cited examples of a contract dispute fueled by perceived ego.

Val Kilmer

Director Joel Schumacher famously called the actor “childish and impossible” following their work on ‘Batman Forever’. On the set of ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’, Kilmer’s behavior was reportedly so disruptive that it contributed to the director being fired. Crew members claimed he would purposely delay filming and treat staff with blatant disrespect. His reputation for being “difficult” followed him for much of the 1990s, affecting his standing in Hollywood.

Bruce Willis

The actor’s reputation took a hit after director Kevin Smith described working with him on ‘Cop Out’ as “soul-crushing.” Smith alleged that Willis refused to cooperate with his direction and was generally unpleasant to the crew. Similar reports surfaced during the production of ‘Expendables 3’, where Sylvester Stallone called him “greedy and lazy” on social media. Despite his status as an action icon, these anecdotes have colored the industry’s view of his professionalism.

Alec Baldwin

While highly respected for his work on ’30 Rock’, the actor has a history of verbal outbursts that have been directed at crew members and the public alike. He has been involved in several physical altercations with paparazzi and was removed from a flight for refusing to put away his phone. On set, he is known for his sharp tongue and low tolerance for what he perceives as incompetence. These traits have contributed to a reputation for being a volatile and demanding presence.

Sharon Stone

The actress is known for her commanding presence, but some crew members have described it as overbearing. During the production of ‘Basic Instinct 2’, she reportedly made demands that were difficult for the production to accommodate. Reports from various sets suggest that she expects a high level of deference that can sometimes cross into arrogance. Her interactions with international film crews have also been the subject of critical reports in various trade publications.

Dustin Hoffman

The legendary actor is a proponent of method acting, which has led to documented tension on the set of ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’. Meryl Streep famously revealed that he slapped her during a scene without prior agreement to provoke a real reaction. Crew members have noted that his intense focus on his process can make him oblivious or dismissive toward the needs of others. While his results are often Academy Award-quality, the methods he uses have been described as difficult for his colleagues.

Gene Hackman

The retired actor was known for his formidable talent and his equally formidable temper on set. Director Wes Anderson and the cast of ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ have shared stories about how intimidating he could be during production. It was reported that he would often insult the director and create an atmosphere of tension for the crew. Despite his difficult reputation, many of his co-stars still maintain a deep respect for his artistic contributions to cinema.

Faye Dunaway

The actress has long been associated with the “diva” label due to her behavior on sets like ‘Chinatown’ and ‘Mommie Dearest’. Roman Polanski famously clashed with her over a stray hair, leading to a legendary on-set feud. In more recent years, she was reportedly fired from a Broadway-bound play for her behavior toward the crew. Her reputation for being perfectionistic to the point of hostility has made her a legendary figure in Hollywood for all the wrong reasons.

Jared Leto

For his role as the Joker in ‘Suicide Squad’, the actor sent bizarre and “disgusting” gifts to his castmates as part of his method acting process. While some saw this as dedication, many crew members found the behavior unprofessional and disruptive to the workplace. On the set of ‘Morbius’, he reportedly used crutches even when the cameras weren’t rolling, slowing down production significantly. His insistence on staying in character at all times often creates extra work and discomfort for the crew.

Wesley Snipes

During the filming of ‘Blade: Trinity’, the actor reportedly stayed in his trailer for the majority of the production. Co-star Patton Oswalt claimed that Snipes would only communicate with the director via Post-it notes signed “From Blade.” Crew members were forced to use stand-ins for most of his scenes, with the actor only appearing for close-ups. This level of detachment and perceived arrogance caused significant strain on the entire production team.

Tobey Maguire

The ‘Spider-Man’ star reportedly displayed difficult behavior during the negotiations for the film’s sequel. He allegedly claimed to have a back injury that prevented him from performing stunts, which the studio perceived as a tactic to secure a higher salary. Crew members on other projects have described him as being distant and having a “superior” attitude toward staff. His public image as a “nice guy” has been frequently challenged by those who have worked with him behind the scenes.

Kiefer Sutherland

Freddie Prinze Jr. publicly criticized his experience working with the actor on ’24’, calling him “the most unprofessional dude in the world.” He claimed that Sutherland’s behavior made him want to quit acting altogether. Other reports from the set suggested that the star’s personal habits often led to production delays. While ’24’ was a massive success, the stories of on-set friction have persisted long after the show’s conclusion.

Mischa Barton

During her time on ‘The O.C.’, the actress was reportedly difficult to work with as she struggled with the pressures of fame. Crew members noted her frequent lateness and lack of enthusiasm for the material, which caused tension with the rest of the cast. Her character was eventually written out of the show, a move that some attributed to her behind-the-scenes behavior. She has since spoken about the challenges she faced, but the reputation for being “difficult” remained a hurdle in her career.

Shannen Doherty

The actress gained a reputation for being difficult after high-profile departures from both ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ and ‘Charmed’. Reports from the sets indicated that she frequently clashed with her co-stars and made unreasonable demands of the production team. Her reputation followed her for decades, though she has since made efforts to reconcile with former colleagues. In recent years, she has been more open about her past behavior and how she has grown as a professional.

Isaiah Washington

The actor was fired from ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ after a highly publicized on-set altercation involving a homophobic slur directed at a co-star. Crew members reported that his behavior had been a source of tension long before the specific incident that led to his termination. The controversy created a significant divide within the production and led to a media firestorm. Despite several attempts to return to mainstream television, the incident remains a defining moment in his career.

Bill Murray

While beloved by fans, the actor has a history of on-set friction, most notably with Lucy Liu on the set of ‘Charlie’s Angels’. Liu claimed that he directed “unacceptable” insults at her during a rehearsal, leading to a physical confrontation. Crew members have described him as “mercurial,” noting that his mood can dictate the entire energy of the set. While many enjoy his eccentricities, others have found his unpredictability to be a major professional challenge.

Jim Carrey

During the filming of ‘Man on the Moon’, the actor stayed in character as Andy Kaufman and Tony Clifton at all times. This involved harassing the crew and creating chaotic situations that made the production difficult to manage. A documentary titled ‘Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond’ later detailed just how much strain his behavior put on the staff. While his performance was critically acclaimed, the crew’s experience was described as exhausting and frustrating.

Tommy Lee Jones

The actor is known for his stoic and sometimes “grumpy” demeanor during interviews and on film sets. Jim Carrey famously recalled a moment during ‘Batman Forever’ where Jones told him, “I cannot sanction your buffoonery.” Crew members have noted that he does not suffer fools and can be quite intimidating to those who are new to the industry. His reputation for being “crusty” has become a well-known part of his Hollywood persona.

Sean Penn

The actor’s intense dedication to his craft has sometimes resulted in a combative relationship with the crew and the media. On early sets like ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’, he was known for being unapproachable and maintaining a strict professional distance. Reports of his short temper have surfaced periodically throughout his long career. While he is widely considered one of the best actors of his generation, his temperament is often described as challenging.

Mel Gibson

Beyond his public controversies, the actor and director has been described as a high-intensity and sometimes volatile presence on set. During the production of ‘Lethal Weapon’ and ‘Braveheart’, his “prankster” nature sometimes crossed the line into being disruptive for the crew. Others have reported that his directing style can be demanding to the point of causing significant stress for the production staff. His professional reputation remains a complex mix of immense talent and a history of personal and professional outbursts.

Reese Witherspoon

While she is often seen as “America’s Sweetheart,” a 2013 incident where she was arrested for disorderly conduct revealed a different side of her personality. During the arrest, she famously asked the officer, “Do you know who I am?” which many saw as a display of arrogance. Crew members on some of her productions have hinted that she can be very demanding and maintains a strict “A-list” hierarchy on set. She has since apologized for the incident, but it remains a notable part of her public record.

Christina Aguilera

The singer’s transition into acting with the film ‘Burlesque’ was met with reports of “diva” behavior on set. Crew members alleged that she was often late and had a list of demands that complicated the production schedule. Similar stories have emerged from her time as a judge on ‘The Voice’, where she reportedly clashed with fellow judges and staff. Her reputation for being high-maintenance has been a consistent theme throughout her career in both music and film.

Naomi Campbell

The supermodel has a well-documented history of legal issues related to her treatment of staff, including throwing a mobile phone at her housekeeper. On fashion shoots and film sets, she has been described as having a “terrifying” presence when things do not go her way. Her reputation for lateness and extreme demands is legendary in the fashion and entertainment industries. While she remains a dominant figure in her field, stories of her arrogance continue to circulate.

Tyra Banks

As the host and executive producer of ‘America’s Next Top Model’, the former model was often accused of creating a high-stress environment for contestants and crew. Former staff members have claimed that the “smize” creator could be cold and dismissive when the cameras were not rolling. The rivalry between her and Naomi Campbell also highlighted a perceived competitive arrogance that some found off-putting. Her leadership style has been described as more of a “dictatorship” than a collaboration.

Madonna

The “Queen of Pop” is known for her strict control over every aspect of her tours and film projects. Crew members have reported that she has a long list of rules, including that staff members should not speak to her or look her in the eye unless spoken to first. Her demanding nature ensures a high-quality production but often leaves behind-the-scenes workers feeling undervalued. This level of professional detachment is a hallmark of her decades-long career in the spotlight.

Justin Bieber

The singer’s transition from a teen idol to an adult star was marked by numerous reports of unprofessional behavior on tour and on sets. He has been criticized for showing up hours late to performances and being dismissive toward fans and local crews. Instances of him spitting at fans from a balcony and being physically aggressive with paparazzi contributed to a negative public image. While he has made efforts to rebrand in recent years, those who worked with him during his “rebellious” phase often recall a high degree of arrogance.

Please share your thoughts on these A-lister reputations in the comments.