Child Actors Who Are Now Infamous for Being Entitled and Difficult on Set

The transition from child stardom to adult fame often presents unique challenges that can affect a performer’s professional reputation. While many young actors successfully navigate the industry some gain a reputation for demanding behavior and friction with their colleagues. These individuals frequently face scrutiny for their conduct during production and their interactions with crew members. Industry veterans and former costars have occasionally voiced concerns regarding the attitude of certain stars who rose to prominence at a young age. Understanding these dynamics provides insight into the complexities of growing up in the public eye and the pressures of maintaining a career in Hollywood.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf rose to fame on the Disney Channel series ‘Even Stevens’ before transitioning to major film roles. Over the years he became known for erratic behavior and public disagreements with directors and fellow actors. His time on the set of ‘Fury’ reportedly involved intense method acting choices that created tension with the rest of the cast. Reports of verbal altercations and unconventional preparation methods have followed him throughout his career. He has frequently made headlines for his volatile nature during various production cycles.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan became a household name after starring in ‘The Parent Trap’ and ‘Mean Girls’ during her youth. As she transitioned into adult roles her reputation for tardiness and unprofessionalism on set began to grow. Filmmakers often cited her frequent absences and lack of preparation as major hurdles for production schedules. This behavior allegedly led to significant delays on the set of ‘Georgia Rule’ and other projects. Her career trajectory shifted as these reports of difficult behavior became widely publicized.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton gained widespread recognition as a teen star on the popular drama series ‘The O.C.’ during the early 2000s. She eventually developed a reputation for being difficult to work with which allegedly contributed to her character being written off the show. Crew members and producers reportedly found her attitude challenging during long filming days. Following her departure from the series she struggled to maintain the same level of success in the industry. Her professional reputation continues to be linked to the stories of her conduct on the set of her breakout show.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale began his career as a child actor in films like ‘Empire of the Sun’ and ‘Newsies’ before becoming a major star. While he is highly respected for his talent he gained infamy for a leaked audio recording from the set of ‘Terminator Salvation’. The recording captured an intense verbal outburst directed at a crew member who accidentally walked into his line of sight. This incident solidified his reputation as an actor who can be incredibly demanding and temperamental during filming. He is known for his extreme dedication to roles which sometimes leads to high levels of tension on set.

Lea Michele

Lea Michele started her career on Broadway as a child before becoming a television star on the series ‘Glee’. Years after the show ended several former costars came forward with allegations of her being entitled and mean spirited during production. These reports described an environment where she allegedly made the workspace uncomfortable for other actors and background performers. Her reputation suffered as more individuals shared their negative experiences working alongside her. She later issued an apology regarding her past behavior and how it was perceived by others.

Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl was a child model and actor who eventually found massive success on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She became notorious for publicly criticizing the writing of the show and opting out of Emmy consideration because she felt the material was insufficient. This move was viewed by many in the industry as a sign of entitlement and disrespect toward the production team. Her reputation for being difficult reportedly followed her to several film sets and impacted her standing in Hollywood. She has spoken openly about the backlash she faced due to her outspoken nature.

Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith entered the entertainment industry at a very young age starring alongside his father in ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’. Reports have surfaced over the years regarding his perceived entitlement on film sets and his unusual demands during production. Some crew members have allegedly found his behavior to be pretentious and difficult to manage during long hours of filming. His public persona and social media presence have also contributed to the perception of him being out of touch with his peers. Despite these reports he continues to pursue projects in both film and music.

Willow Smith

Willow Smith began her career in the spotlight as a child with the hit single ‘Whip My Hair’ and film roles. Like her brother she has faced criticism for displaying what some perceive as an entitled attitude during professional engagements. There have been accounts of her being difficult on set and making demands that were seen as excessive for a young performer. This reputation has occasionally overshadowed her artistic achievements in the music industry. Her upbringing in a high profile family is often cited as a factor in her public image.

Taylor Momsen

Taylor Momsen was a child actor best known for her role in ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ before joining the cast of ‘Gossip Girl’. During her time on the teen drama she reportedly became increasingly difficult to work with due to her lack of interest in the show. Her costars and crew members allegedly complained about her unreliable behavior and unprofessional attitude. She eventually left the series to focus on her music career with the band The Pretty Reckless. Her reputation for being a rebel on set remains a significant part of her history in television.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty started acting as a child in ‘Little House on the Prairie’ before becoming a major star on ‘Beverly Hills 90210’. She earned a reputation for being extremely difficult and clashing with her costars on multiple sets throughout the 1990s. Her reported behavior led to her early departures from both ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ and the supernatural series ‘Charmed’. Costars have often spoken about the tension that existed behind the scenes whenever she was present. Over the years she has acknowledged some of the friction while also defending her professional work ethic.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande rose to fame as a teenager on the Nickelodeon series ‘Victorious’ and its spin off ‘Sam and Cat’. Reports of diva like behavior began to emerge during her transition from acting to a full time music career. She was allegedly difficult to work with during promotional events and photo shoots often making specific demands about how she was filmed. These stories of entitlement followed her as she became one of the biggest pop stars in the world. While her vocal talent is undeniable the rumors of her being demanding on set have persisted for years.

Alex Pettyfer

Alex Pettyfer was a teen model and actor who starred in films like ‘Stormbreaker’ and ‘I Am Number Four’. He gained a reputation for being difficult and entitled after several reports emerged from the set of ‘Magic Mike’. His costar Channing Tatum reportedly had a major falling out with him due to his behavior during production. Pettyfer has since admitted that he was young and did not handle himself well on set at the time. These incidents significantly impacted his career prospects for a period of time in Hollywood.

Jake T. Austin

Jake T. Austin was a staple on the Disney Channel starring in ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ as a young boy. He later faced criticism for his behavior on the set of ‘The Fosters’ where he played a lead role. Reports suggested that his departure from the show was linked to his unprofessional conduct and clashes with the production team. He also faced several public incidents that further tarnished his reputation as a reliable actor. Since leaving the show he has primarily worked on voice acting and smaller film projects.

Orlando Brown

Orlando Brown was a prominent child star on the Disney Channel series ‘That’s So Raven’. In the years following the show he became more famous for his legal troubles and erratic behavior than his acting. Reports from various sets and public appearances suggested that he was increasingly difficult to manage. His interactions with former costars have often been strained and publicized in the media. This history of unpredictable behavior has largely stalled his professional acting career.

Dustin Diamond

Dustin Diamond became a household name playing Screech on the classic sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell’. After the show ended he released a tell all book that painted an unflattering picture of his costars and the production. This move alienated him from the rest of the cast and created a lasting reputation for being difficult. He was often criticized for trying to capitalize on his childhood fame in ways that were seen as entitled or bitter. His professional life remained complicated by these strained relationships until his passing.

Corey Feldman

Corey Feldman was one of the most famous child actors of the 1980s starring in ‘The Goonies’ and ‘Stand by Me’. As an adult he has been open about the trauma he faced but also gained a reputation for being difficult on professional sets. Some producers and costars have found his demands and public behavior to be challenging to navigate. He has often felt entitled to more respect and recognition for his early contributions to the film industry. This complex relationship with Hollywood has defined much of his later career.

Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes was a comedic prodigy on Nickelodeon with her own self titled show during her teens. Her reputation shifted dramatically as she began to experience personal struggles and display erratic behavior in public. Reports from film sets during her final acting roles suggested that she was becoming difficult to work with and unreliable. This decline in professional standing coincided with several legal issues and a departure from the industry. Many fans remember her for her talent while also acknowledging the difficulties she faced later on.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber became a global superstar as a young teenager after being discovered on YouTube. His early years of fame were marked by numerous reports of entitled behavior and clashes with photographers and fans. On several occasions he was reportedly difficult to manage during professional shoots and concert tours. This reputation for being a brat followed him for much of his early twenties as he navigated his public life. He has since made efforts to change his image and speak about the pressures of childhood stardom.

Emma Roberts

Emma Roberts started her career as a child on the Nickelodeon series ‘Unfabulous’ before moving into film. She has faced several reports of being difficult on the sets of ‘American Horror Story’ and other projects. Some sources have described her as having an entitled attitude and clashing with costars during production. While she remains a successful actress these rumors of her being a diva have persisted within the industry. She continues to land major roles despite the occasional negative press regarding her conduct.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek Pinault began her career in telenovelas in Mexico as a teenager before moving to Hollywood. While she is widely admired she has occasionally been described as having a demanding presence on film sets. Some reports suggest that her perfectionism can come across as entitlement to crew members and fellow performers. She is known for being very vocal about her needs and the creative direction of her projects. Her long standing career proves her talent even if she is sometimes viewed as difficult to satisfy.

Edward Furlong

Edward Furlong became an instant star at a young age after appearing in ‘Terminator 2 Judgment Day’. His career was later marred by substance abuse issues and reports of being extremely difficult to work with on set. Producers often found him to be unreliable and unprofessional during the peak of his fame. These challenges led to him losing major roles including the chance to return for the sequels of his breakout film. His story is often used as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of early success in Hollywood.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts started her career in her late teens and quickly became one of the biggest stars in the world. During the filming of ‘Hook’ she reportedly earned the nickname Tinkerhell from the crew due to her difficult behavior. Director Steven Spielberg later hinted that it was not a great time to work with her during that period. While she remains an icon her early reputation for being entitled has been a topic of discussion for decades. She eventually moved past these early reports to become a beloved figure in the industry.

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland began acting as a teenager and found early success in ‘Stand by Me’ and ‘The Lost Boys’. During his time on the hit series ’24’ some costars reported that he could be difficult and demanding on set. Freddie Prinze Jr. famously spoke out about his negative experience working with Sutherland calling him unprofessional. These reports suggested that his status as a veteran actor sometimes led to an entitled attitude during production. Despite these claims he remains a prominent and respected figure in television.

Tori Spelling

Tori Spelling grew up in the industry as the daughter of a powerful producer and starred on ‘Beverly Hills 90210’. She has often faced accusations of entitlement due to her family background and her behavior on various sets. Reports have suggested that she occasionally made demands that were seen as out of touch with her colleagues. Her reality television career further cemented the perception of her being a difficult personality in a professional setting. She has often addressed these perceptions in her memoirs and public appearances.

Alyssa Milano

Alyssa Milano was a child star on the sitcom ‘Whos the Boss’ before finding adult success on ‘Charmed’. Her time on the supernatural drama was famously marked by a feud with costar Shannen Doherty and later Rose McGowan. These conflicts led to reports of a toxic work environment and an entitled attitude from the lead actresses. Milano has been described as a demanding presence who sought control over certain aspects of the production. The tension between the cast members became a well known piece of television history.

Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan started acting in her teens and eventually joined the cast of ‘Charmed’ during its later seasons. She has been very vocal about her negative experiences on the set and her clashes with Alyssa Milano. These public disagreements highlighted a difficult working relationship that many attributed to entitled behavior from both parties. McGowan has often criticized the industry as a whole for fostering a culture that she found difficult to navigate. Her reputation for being outspoken has sometimes translated to being viewed as difficult on set.

Thomas Dekker

Thomas Dekker began his career as a child actor in ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids The TV Show’ and later starred in ‘Terminator The Sarah Connor Chronicles’. During the filming of the latter he reportedly displayed behavior that was seen as entitled and difficult by some of the production staff. There were accounts of him being late and having a dismissive attitude toward the work environment. These reports surfaced as the show faced cancellation after its second season. He has continued to work in independent films and television roles over the years.

Tatum O’Neal

Tatum O’Neal remains the youngest person ever to win an Academy Award for her role in ‘Paper Moon’. Growing up in the spotlight she faced numerous personal struggles that reportedly affected her professional behavior. There were many accounts of her being difficult on set and displaying an entitled attitude during the peak of her early fame. Her relationship with her father and the pressures of her record breaking win contributed to a complicated reputation. She has since written about these experiences in her candid autobiography.

Mackenzie Phillips

Mackenzie Phillips was a teen star on the sitcom ‘One Day at a Time’ before her personal life began to interfere with her work. Her behavior on set became increasingly erratic due to substance abuse leading to her eventual firing from the show. Costars and producers found her difficult to work with as she struggled to maintain professionalism during filming. This period of her life was marked by a reputation for being unreliable and entitled to second chances. She later found a path to recovery and returned to the industry in various roles.

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera was a member of the ‘Mickey Mouse Club’ before becoming a pop icon in her late teens. Throughout her career she has been hit with reports of diva like behavior and being difficult on the sets of music videos and television shows. Some crew members have described her as being highly demanding and having an entitled attitude during professional engagements. These stories of her being a difficult personality have followed her as she transitioned into a judge on reality competition shows. Her talent remains undisputed despite these persistent rumors about her conduct.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne gained fame as a child on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’ alongside Zendaya. Since leaving the network she has developed a reputation for being difficult and unpredictable on film sets. Some directors have reportedly found her lack of focus and unprofessional behavior to be a challenge during production. She has also faced criticism for her social media presence which some view as an extension of an entitled persona. Despite the negative reports she maintains a very active career in film and social media.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox began acting as a teenager and rose to international fame in the ‘Transformers’ franchise. She became infamous for comparing director Michael Bay to Hitler in an interview which led to her being fired from the third film. This outspokenness was viewed by many in the industry as a sign of entitlement and being difficult to manage. Reports from other sets have occasionally suggested that she can be a challenging presence for crew members. She has since worked to rebuild her career and has addressed the backlash she received.

Jennifer Love Hewitt

Jennifer Love Hewitt was a child actor on ‘Kids Incorporated’ before becoming a teen idol in ‘Party of Five’. There have been occasional reports over the years regarding her being difficult on the set of her various television projects. Some sources claimed that she had specific demands that were seen as entitled and caused friction with the production teams. These reports were particularly prominent during her time on ‘The Ghost Whisperer’ and ‘The Client List’. She has generally maintained a positive public image despite these behind the scenes rumors.

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens became a massive star as a teenager in the ‘High School Musical’ franchise. While she is generally well liked there have been reports of her displaying entitled behavior during certain professional events. Some of these accounts surfaced during the early stages of the pandemic when her comments about the situation were seen as out of touch. In professional settings she has occasionally been described as demanding by those working on her projects. She continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry today.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato started her career on ‘Barney and Friends’ before becoming a Disney Channel star. During her time on ‘Camp Rock’ and ‘Sonny with a Chance’ she struggled with personal issues that occasionally manifested as difficult behavior on set. One well publicized incident involved her punching a backup dancer while on tour which highlighted her struggles at the time. She has been very open about her past entitlement and the work she has done to improve her professional conduct. Her honesty about these challenges has earned her respect from many of her peers.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez was a child star on ‘Barney and Friends’ and later the lead of ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’. While she is often praised for her kindness there have been sporadic reports of her being difficult to work with on film sets. Some sources have suggested that her fame and the pressures of her career occasionally lead to an entitled attitude. These reports are often balanced by many other costars who speak highly of their experiences with her. She remains one of the most influential figures in entertainment despite these occasional rumors.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore became a global star at age seven after appearing in the film ‘E.T. the Extra Terrestrial’. Her childhood was marked by intense public scrutiny and personal struggles that led to a reputation for being difficult and unreliable. By her early teens she was seen as a high risk hire by many producers in Hollywood. She eventually staged a major career comeback and transformed her reputation into one of the most professional stars in the industry. Her early years remain a significant example of the dangers of childhood fame.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio began acting in commercials and television shows as a young boy before becoming a major film star. During the filming of ‘Titanic’ there were reports that he was difficult and appeared bored with the massive production. Some crew members found his attitude to be entitled given the scale of the project and the opportunities he was afforded. As he matured his reputation shifted to that of a highly dedicated and professional actor who is deeply committed to his craft. He is now known as much for his environmental activism as his legendary film roles.

Macaulay Culkin

Macaulay Culkin was the biggest child star in the world during the early 1990s following the success of ‘Home Alone’. As his fame grew there were reports that his father made extreme demands on sets which reflected poorly on the young actor. The perception of entitlement followed him as he navigated his later years in the spotlight. He eventually stepped away from mainstream acting for a long period to lead a more private life. His experiences highlight the complex family dynamics that often accompany child stardom.

Corey Haim

Corey Haim was a teen heartthrob in the 1980s starring in films like ‘The Lost Boys’ and ‘Lucas’. His career was significantly impacted by substance abuse which led to a reputation for being incredibly difficult and unreliable on set. Producers often struggled to manage his behavior during production causing many to view him as a liability. This reputation for entitlement and lack of professionalism made it difficult for him to find consistent work in his later years. He remains a poignant figure in the history of child actors who struggled with fame.

Dana Plato

Dana Plato rose to fame as a child on the hit sitcom ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ during the late 1970s. Her time on the show was eventually cut short as her personal life became increasingly unstable and difficult to manage. Producers and cast members reportedly found her behavior to be challenging as she dealt with various issues behind the scenes. This led to a reputation that made it hard for her to secure work once she left the series. Her story is frequently cited when discussing the difficulties faced by former child stars.

Todd Bridges

Todd Bridges played Willis on ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ and faced many of the same challenges as his young costars. He developed a reputation for being difficult on set as he struggled with the pressures of fame and personal demons. Reports of his conduct during the height of his career often focused on his unreliable nature and clashes with authority. He later overcame these obstacles and has since worked to mentor other young performers in the industry. His later professional life has been defined by his sobriety and growth.

Gary Coleman

Gary Coleman was the breakout star of ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ and became famous for his signature catchphrase. As he grew older he faced significant financial and personal hurdles that contributed to a reputation for being bitter and difficult. There were numerous reports of him being entitled and having a short temper during professional engagements and public appearances. His struggles with the transition from child star to adult were very public and often fraught with tension. Despite these challenges he remained a recognizable figure in pop culture until his death.

Jaimee Foxworth

Jaimee Foxworth was a child actress on the sitcom ‘Family Matters’ where she played the youngest daughter. She was famously written off the show without explanation which she later attributed to her behavior and the preferences of the producers. Reports from that period suggested that there was tension between her family and the production team. After leaving the show she struggled to find mainstream success and briefly entered the adult film industry. Her experience is often used as an example of how quickly the industry can turn on young actors.

Lark Voorhies

Lark Voorhies played Lisa Turtle on ‘Saved by the Bell’ and was a fan favorite throughout the run of the show. In later years her public appearances and reports from sets suggested that she had become difficult to work with during production. There was significant concern regarding her mental health as her behavior became increasingly unpredictable in professional settings. This led to a decline in her acting opportunities and a distancing from her former cast members. She has occasionally returned to the spotlight to address these reports and share her story.

Danny Bonaduce

Danny Bonaduce was a child star on ‘The Partridge Family’ before becoming a well known radio and television personality. His early fame was followed by a reputation for being difficult and engaging in erratic behavior on various sets. He has often been open about his struggles with entitlement and the ways he clashed with colleagues over the years. His persona as a tough and sometimes volatile individual became a hallmark of his reality television career. He has remained a fixture in the entertainment world by embracing his complicated reputation.

LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes became a country music sensation as a young teenager with the hit song ‘Blue’. Her early career was marked by a very public legal battle with her father over her finances which contributed to a reputation for being difficult. During her transition into acting and more mainstream pop music some reports suggested she had a demanding and entitled attitude on set. This perception was fueled by her high profile personal life and the drama that often surrounded her. She has continued to release music while navigating the complexities of her public image.

Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon began his career as a teenager on Nickelodeon and quickly became a versatile entertainer and producer. Over the years he has developed a reputation for being a demanding professional who expects a high level of control over his projects. Some reports have suggested that his success has led to an entitled attitude on the sets of his various shows. While he is known for his incredible work ethic he has also been described as difficult by some who have worked alongside him. He continues to be one of the busiest figures in television and music today.

Tell us who you think is the most difficult child star in the comments.