Actors Who Are Rude to Waiters

The hospitality industry often provides a unique glimpse into the private conduct of high-profile celebrities away from the red carpet. While many stars maintain a reputation for kindness, several male actors have been singled out by restaurant owners and service workers for their difficult behavior. These reports, ranging from verbal altercations to public bans, highlight the often-strained relationship between famous patrons and those in the service sector. While some actors have admitted to their past mistakes, others continue to face scrutiny through recurring accounts from industry insiders.

James Corden

In late 2022, the host of ‘The Late Late Show’ became the center of a media storm after the owner of Balthazar restaurant in New York City publicly banned him. The restaurateur labeled the actor a highly abusive customer, citing multiple incidents where he reportedly yelled at staff over minor dining errors. One specific account involved Corden screaming at a server because an omelet was prepared with fries instead of a salad. Although the actor eventually offered a private apology and the ban was rescinded, the incident remains a prominent example of a celebrity being held accountable for their treatment of waitstaff.

Jeremy Piven

The ‘Entourage’ star faced significant backlash following a reported incident at a Nobu restaurant in Aspen. According to the establishment’s manager, Piven arrived with a large party and became verbally aggressive toward staff when a table was not immediately available. After eventually being seated and finishing his meal, the actor allegedly left a signed DVD of his television series for the waiter instead of a monetary tip. While his representatives later disputed the characterization of the event, the story has persisted as a well-known anecdote regarding poor service-industry etiquette.

Jason Priestley

The former ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ star took the unusual step of confirming his own history of being difficult in his 2014 autobiography. He recounted an instance from the height of his fame where he was ungracious and rude to a waiter, admitting that his ego influenced his behavior at the time. Priestley expressed genuine regret for his actions, noting that the pressures of sudden global stardom contributed to his poor attitude toward others. His willingness to discuss these failings provides a rare, firsthand perspective on how celebrity status can impact personal conduct in public settings.

Alec Baldwin

The ’30 Rock’ actor has been linked to several publicized reports regarding his interactions with service and hospitality staff. At a high-profile gala, he was reportedly involved in a heated exchange with a server after being asked to clear a walkway for food service. Witnesses have also reported instances at various New York City restaurants where the actor appeared impatient and spoke dismissively to waitstaff. These recurring accounts have contributed to a public persona often characterized by a lack of patience in service-oriented environments.

Cuba Gooding Jr.

The ‘Jerry Maguire’ actor has been frequently mentioned in reports concerning his behavior at bars and restaurants across various cities. Staff members at multiple establishments have alleged that the actor became belligerent or demanding, often leading to uncomfortable situations for those serving him. Some accounts detail instances where his conduct necessitated management intervention or even his removal from the premises. These persistent stories from the hospitality sector have created a lasting reputation for the actor as a challenging and unpredictable patron.

Nicolas Cage

In 2021, the ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ actor was involved in a widely reported incident at a high-end restaurant in Las Vegas. Staff and witnesses claimed the actor appeared intoxicated and was confrontational toward employees after being asked to leave the premises. He was eventually captured on video being escorted out of the establishment while barefoot and attempting to argue with the staff members. This incident is frequently cited alongside other reports of the actor’s erratic and difficult behavior in various dining and drinking establishments.

Share your thoughts on which other actors have a reputation for their behavior in the comments.