29 TV Stars Whose Once Promising Careers Took a Sudden Nosedive
1. Mischa Barton
Mischa Barton was the “it” girl of the early 2000s, starring in “The O.C.” as Marissa Cooper. But after leaving the show, her career struggled to take off again. Legal troubles and personal issues didn’t help either.
2. Katherine Heigl
Katherine Heigl was a fan favorite on “Grey’s Anatomy,” but rumors of her being difficult to work with started swirling. She criticized the show’s writing and withdrew her name from Emmy consideration, which didn’t sit well with many.
3. Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen was a huge star on “Two and a Half Men,” but his erratic behavior and public meltdowns led to his firing. Despite trying to bounce back with “Anger Management,” his career never truly recovered.
4. T.R. Knight
T.R. Knight played George O’Malley on “Grey’s Anatomy.” After a public feud with co-star Isaiah Washington and later leaving the show, he struggled to find roles that matched his earlier success.
5. Jussie Smollett
Jussie Smollett was riding high on “Empire” until he reported being the victim of a hate crime that police later alleged was staged. The scandal severely damaged his reputation and career.
6. Amanda Bynes
Amanda Bynes was a beloved child star with her own show on Nickelodeon. However, her career took a hit due to a series of legal issues and mental health struggles.
7. Roseanne Barr
Roseanne Barr made a comeback with the revival of “Roseanne,” but it was short-lived. A racist tweet led to her firing and the show’s cancellation, although it was later rebranded as “The Conners.”
8. Isaiah Washington
Isaiah Washington was fired from “Grey’s Anatomy” after using a homophobic slur against a co-star. Although he apologized, his career never fully bounced back.
9. Dustin Diamond
Dustin Diamond, known for playing Screech on “Saved by the Bell,” faced several legal issues and released a controversial tell-all book. His attempts at a comeback were unsuccessful.
10. Mark Salling
Mark Salling, who played Puck on “Glee,” was arrested on charges of possessing child pornography. He pleaded guilty but tragically took his own life before sentencing.
11. Lori Loughlin
Lori Loughlin, beloved as Aunt Becky on “Full House,” became embroiled in the college admissions scandal. She served prison time, and her career has been in limbo ever since.
12. Kevin Spacey
Kevin Spacey was a major star on “House of Cards” until multiple allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. He was removed from the show and has remained largely out of the spotlight.
13. Michael Richards
Michael Richards, best known as Kramer on “Seinfeld,” faced backlash after a racist rant during a stand-up performance. Though he apologized, his career never recovered.
14. Taylor Momsen
Taylor Momsen left “Gossip Girl” to focus on her music career. While she found some success with her band, her acting career came to an abrupt halt.
15. Angus T. Jones
Angus T. Jones, the “half” in “Two and a Half Men,” publicly criticized the show, calling it “filth.” He left the show and has since stepped away from acting.
16. Nicollette Sheridan
Nicollette Sheridan exited “Desperate Housewives” amid a lawsuit against the show’s creator, Marc Cherry. The legal battle overshadowed her career, making it hard for her to find new roles.
17. Mackenzie Phillips
Mackenzie Phillips was famous for “One Day at a Time,” but her career hit a rough patch due to drug addiction and a highly publicized family scandal.
18. Scott Baio
Scott Baio, known for “Happy Days” and “Charles in Charge,” saw his career decline after making controversial political statements and facing allegations of misconduct.
19. Danny Masterson
Danny Masterson, from “That ’70s Show,” faced multiple allegations of sexual assault. He was written out of “The Ranch” and his career has been on hold.
20. Stephen Collins
Stephen Collins, the dad on “7th Heaven,” admitted to inappropriate conduct with minors. His career ended abruptly after the revelation.
21. Jaimee Foxworth
Jaimee Foxworth was Judy Winslow on “Family Matters.” After being written out of the show, she struggled with substance abuse and later turned to adult films.
22. Kirk Cameron
Kirk Cameron was a teen heartthrob on “Growing Pains,” but his outspoken religious views and activism made it difficult for him to maintain a mainstream acting career.
23. Allison Mack
Allison Mack, known for “Smallville,” was involved in the NXIVM cult scandal. She pleaded guilty to charges related to her involvement, effectively ending her acting career.
24. Gary Dourdan
Gary Dourdan was a star on “CSI,” but legal issues and personal problems led to his departure from the show and a decline in his career.
25. Randy Quaid
Randy Quaid, known for “National Lampoon’s Vacation” series, faced legal issues and bizarre behavior that overshadowed his acting career.
26. Amanda Peterson
Amanda Peterson, the star of “Can’t Buy Me Love,” struggled with substance abuse and legal issues. Sadly, she passed away in 2015.
27. Rebecca Gayheart
Rebecca Gayheart’s career took a hit after a tragic car accident in which she struck and killed a young boy. She has since stepped back from the spotlight.
28. Paul Reubens
Paul Reubens, famous as Pee-wee Herman, was arrested for indecent exposure in 1991. Though he made a comeback, his career was never quite the same.
29. Jeremy Piven
Jeremy Piven, known for “Entourage,” faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. These accusations have severely impacted his career.
