Blacklisted Celebs: Where Are They Now?

Some stars spend years in the spotlight, then suddenly find themselves on the sidelines. Sometimes it is a public scandal or a contract fight. Other times it is a clash with gatekeepers or a shift in public taste. Whatever the reason, a perceived blacklist can stall careers and push people to rebuild their paths in new places and new ways.

Here is a look at well known names who faced long stretches of limited opportunities and what they are doing today. You will find current projects, business moves, and creative pivots. You will also see how many of them kept working outside the usual channels, often through touring, podcasts, indie films, or their own companies.

Brendan Fraser

After years away from studio leads, Brendan Fraser returned to major releases with a run of acclaimed roles and steady work. He won a best actor Oscar for his role in ‘The Whale’ and followed that with parts in films and television that reaffirmed his place on casting lists.

He is attached to new features while also appearing at festivals and conventions that connect him with audiences. Voice roles and guest appearances keep his schedule full between film shoots, and he continues to choose character driven projects with manageable production timelines.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder reentered mainstream visibility through ‘Stranger Things’, which brought her back to series work with a steady multi season commitment. That role helped her secure brand partnerships and periodic film offers that match her availability.

Away from set work she has continued low profile philanthropic support and selective fashion collaborations. She balances streaming commitments with occasional features and keeps a consistent presence at fan events tied to the series.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. rebuilt his film career through a long run of franchise roles and then diversified with prestige parts. He earned a best supporting actor Oscar for ‘Oppenheimer’ and continues to produce through his company while considering event series and film projects.

He invests in technology and environmental ventures and regularly appears at industry conferences. His production banner develops scripted and unscripted ideas, which gives him flexibility to act or stay behind the camera as projects evolve.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson moved from prolonged studio reluctance to a return behind the camera and in front of it. He directed ‘Hacksaw Ridge’, which reestablished his directing credentials, and he continues to line up acting roles in independent films and international co productions.

On the directing side he develops historical and action projects with financing that mixes foreign sales and private equity. He also makes periodic festival appearances to promote smaller titles that rely on word of mouth to reach audiences.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique spoke openly about being sidelined after award season success and later rebuilt with new stage and screen work. She returned to stand up with the Netflix special ‘My Name Is Mo’Nique’ and booked roles in television including a recurring part in ‘BMF’.

Her team now pursues a mix of touring dates and character roles that fit her range. She also records podcasts and long form interviews, which support ticket sales and keep fans updated between projects.

James Gunn

Old tweets led to a studio split for James Gunn, followed by a quick course correction and a larger job. He returned to finish ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3’ and later became co chief executive of DC Studios with responsibility for the new film and television slate.

He wrote and directed ‘Superman’ while mapping connected series that feed the same continuity. His work now spans casting decisions, writers rooms, and release schedules, and he stays active on social media to share production updates.

Gina Carano

Gina Carano parted ways with a major streaming series and shifted to independent films. She starred in ‘Terror on the Prairie’ and partnered with right leaning media companies for production and distribution that target specific audiences.

She continues to work on action projects with lean budgets and short shoots. Convention appearances and fitness content round out her calendar, and she markets directly to fans through email lists and paid platforms.

Katherine Heigl

Reports about on set friction hurt Katherine Heigl’s momentum for a time, but she steadied her career with streaming work. She starred in ‘Firefly Lane’ and served as an executive producer, which helped her shape scripts and schedules.

She lives in Utah and keeps a base there between shoots. Brand partnerships and animal welfare initiatives remain part of her public work, and she fields offers for limited series that can be filmed within a tight window.

Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick has remained unsigned by NFL teams while staying active as an author, producer, and advocate. He launched publishing projects, including a memoir and children’s titles, and produced ‘Colin in Black and White’, a limited series on his early life.

His Know Your Rights Camp runs youth programs and legal support initiatives in several cities. He trains regularly and has contacted teams through representatives to express interest in workouts if opportunities arise.

Louis C.K.

Louis C.K. saw his mainstream bookings disappear, then rebuilt a direct to fan model. He self releases stand up specials through his website and tours venues without studio promotion. He also produced the indie film ‘Fourth of July’ on a modest budget.

His shows sell through email lists and word of mouth. He records audio versions of sets for subscribers and occasionally streams pay per view events, which lets him control rights and scheduling without network involvement.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp experienced a pause in studio work, then returned with European productions and music. He played Louis XV in ‘Jeanne du Barry’ and toured with the band Hollywood Vampires, which kept him on the road for extended stretches.

He also stepped behind the camera to direct a biopic about artist Amedeo Modigliani with international financing. Festival premieres and European press helped the film side while his music commitments maintained a steady live schedule.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf pivoted to independent and faith centered projects after years of controversy. He took the title role in ‘Padre Pio’ and has appeared in stage readings and workshops that keep him active between films.

He speaks publicly about personal changes and creative process through long form interviews and retreats. New roles are typically small or medium sized parts that can be filmed quickly, which suits limited budgets and focused releases.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan returned to screen work with streaming films after a long break from high profile projects. She starred in ‘Falling for Christmas’ and followed with ‘Irish Wish’, which put her back in light comedy leads.

She maintains a base in Dubai and travels for shoots and promotion. Additional streaming projects are in development, and she engages fans on social platforms to support releases with behind the scenes updates.

Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan stepped back from mainstream acting and focused on advocacy and writing. She released the memoir ‘Brave’ and speaks at events about industry reform and personal autonomy.

She has lived outside the United States for parts of recent years and keeps a low production schedule. Occasional art projects and collaborations appear on independent platforms, and she accepts select interviews to discuss ongoing initiatives.

Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes withdrew from acting to work on health and education goals. She studied fashion at FIDM and explored podcasting for a short period before pausing the project and returning to a private routine.

She is not pursuing studio roles at this time. Updates typically come through legal filings and brief social posts, and she continues to prioritize personal stability and creative study away from public schedules.

Kesha

Kesha resolved long running legal disputes and then shifted to independent music plans. She released ‘Gag Order’ and toured with a set list that mixed new material and early hits while testing new sounds on stage.

Since leaving her prior label structure she has explored direct distribution and collaborations with producers outside the old system. She also appears at festivals and intimate venues, which gives her flexibility while developing her next body of work.

Isaiah Washington

Isaiah Washington faced hiring freezes after incidents during his time on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. He moved into independent features such as the Western ‘Corsicana’ and worked with smaller distributors to bring films to regional theaters.

He has made political commentary part of his public profile and engages with fans through live streams. Recent projects rely on modest budgets and targeted marketing, which allow quick production cycles without studio backing.

Megyn Kelly

Megyn Kelly exited network news and built a direct media business. She hosts ‘The Megyn Kelly Show’, a weekday podcast that also airs on satellite radio, with long form interviews and commentary.

Her company controls ad sales and distribution across podcast apps and video platforms. Live events and conferences supplement her schedule, and she releases clips daily to grow audience without relying on a single network.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson dealt with years of reduced radio and television exposure after the Super Bowl incident, then returned to arena touring. The Together Again tour brought multiple legs across North America and other territories with strong ticket sales.

She balances touring with archival and documentary work related to her catalog. New music ideas surface during tour breaks, and she continues to maintain a residency style calendar that fits her family life and business interests.

Wesley Snipes

Wesley Snipes saw major studio offers dry up after legal issues, then rebuilt through action thrillers and streaming titles. He appeared in projects like ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ and ‘Coming 2 America’, which reintroduced him to wide audiences.

He develops film and television ideas through his production ventures and attends fan conventions tied to the ‘Blade’ legacy. Fitness, martial arts, and writing remain part of his routine while new roles move between comedy and action.

Share who you think had the most surprising career turn in the comments.