Here’s What Actors Had To Say About Their Controversial Co-Stars

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When on-set drama spills into public view, the people who worked closest to it often provide the clearest details. Over the years, several actors have addressed difficult colleagues and explained what really happened once the cameras stopped rolling. Their accounts describe schedules that went off the rails, workplace behavior that crossed lines, and apologies that sometimes followed. Here are notable examples where actors spoke on the record about co-stars who drew headlines for the wrong reasons.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron
TMDb

Charlize Theron described a strained working relationship with Tom Hardy during the shoot for ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’. She said the tension grew from late arrivals and communication breakdowns that repeatedly disrupted a rigid desert schedule. Theron later noted that Hardy apologized after filming when both recognized how the conditions and stakes had fueled the conflict. She has also credited a production safety protocol that eventually improved their daily routine.

Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen
TMDb

Seth Rogen publicly addressed allegations involving his longtime collaborator James Franco and announced that he would not work with him going forward. Rogen explained that he reevaluated past jokes and decisions and acknowledged the impact those choices had on others. He emphasized support for people who came forward and outlined a personal policy change for future projects. Rogen also clarified that his production partnerships had already shifted before his statement.

Jon Cryer

Jon Cryer
TMDb

Jon Cryer has detailed what it was like working with Charlie Sheen during the tumultuous period on ‘Two and a Half Men’. Cryer recalled sets that became unpredictable when outside issues bled into call times and rewrites. He explained how production used stand-ins and script adjustments to keep episodes on track. Cryer has since said he was relieved when the show stabilized with a new lead and consistent workdays.

Samantha Marie Ware

Samantha Marie Ware
TMDb

Samantha Marie Ware spoke about her experience with Lea Michele on ‘Glee’ and described behavior that she said created a hostile work environment. Ware explained that comments and actions affected how safe she felt on set and how she viewed her early career. Her account prompted other cast and crew members to share their own stories and reflections. The discussion led to public apologies and renewed attention to workplace conduct on ensemble shows.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu
TMDb

Lucy Liu addressed a confrontation with Bill Murray during the making of ‘Charlie’s Angels’. She explained that remarks made during a script session were directed at her and that she responded in the moment to set a boundary. Liu later said she did not regret speaking up because it clarified expectations for professional respect. She also credited the crew and co-stars for helping the production proceed without further incidents.

Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese Gibson
TMDb

Tyrese Gibson criticized Dwayne Johnson during the ‘Fast’ franchise split that produced ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’. Gibson argued that the spinoff changed the main series schedule and affected ensemble cast paydays tied to release timing. He used social media to press his case and to call for unified decision making inside the franchise. The dispute cooled after the spinoff’s release and as the core series moved ahead with new installments.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis
TMDb

Viola Davis discussed Jared Leto’s intense approach while making ‘Suicide Squad’. She described receiving unsettling props and witnessing choices that kept his Joker persona active between takes. Davis said she focused on maintaining her own preparation while the team adjusted to those methods. She also noted that the production relied on clear boundaries to keep scenes efficient and safe.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover
TMDb

Donald Glover has addressed Chevy Chase’s behavior during their time on ‘Community’. Glover said comments were made that singled him out and that he chose not to engage during takes to protect the work. He credited the crew and cast with keeping the set functional while leadership addressed the issue. Glover later noted that the show continued to deliver despite periodic conflicts behind the scenes.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford
TMDb

Harrison Ford commented after Shia LaBeouf criticized ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’. Ford said it was unhelpful to speak against a film while colleagues were still carrying the results of that work. He explained that criticism lands on crews and craftspeople who do not control final decisions. LaBeouf later apologized for the way he handled his public remarks.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt
TMDb

Brad Pitt spoke about Shia LaBeouf’s extreme preparation on ‘Fury’. He said LaBeouf committed fully to the wartime conditions the production tried to recreate, which sometimes surprised the rest of the cast. Pitt explained that the director managed the set so actors could work with different methods without disrupting the schedule. He emphasized that the ensemble’s trust allowed them to complete complex battle sequences on time.

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence
TMDb

Martin Lawrence addressed the fallout from Will Smith’s Oscars incident when promoting the next ‘Bad Boys’ film. He said the pair stayed in contact and focused on delivering for a crew and audience that depended on them. Lawrence explained that the new production’s timeline and training moved forward without interruption. He framed their collaboration as a professional commitment to colleagues who rely on steady leadership.

Robin Wright

Robin Wright
TMDb

Robin Wright discussed the removal of Kevin Spacey from ‘House of Cards’ after misconduct allegations. She said she did not socialize with him off set and learned details at the same time as the public. Wright explained that the production reworked scripts and schedules to complete a final season while protecting jobs. She emphasized the importance of safe workplaces and clear reporting channels for cast and crew.

Share your take below on which of these accounts surprised you most and what other on-set stories readers should know about in the comments.

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