15 Celebs Who Proved That A Career Can Vanish In A Flash

It’s hard for celebrities to remain anonymous and keep their mistakes hidden.

Damjan

• Published in Film & TV
• February 19, 2023

The choices we make in life shape our paths and our destinies. Actors are no exception.

Every decision they make in their career and personal lives can have a great impact on their success. From the roles they choose to the people they surround themselves with, actors must make informed decisions that align with their goals and values.

They must also be prepared to take risks and challenge themselves in order to stand out in their field and make a lasting impression. The choices they make will define who they are and the legacy they leave behind. And these actors made all the bad moves possible.

It’s no surprise that celebrities sometimes end up in hot water. Reports of celebrities doing something they shouldn’t be doing can be found all over the internet.

From small disputes to major scandals, these celebrities have taken it to the next level and have managed to ruin their career in no time. With so much attention on them, it’s hard to make a comeback after such a misstep.

Many of them have just simply disappeared from the public eye. Here are some of the most notorious examples of celebrities who have destroyed their career with a single action.

1. Amber Heard

The divorce between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, which took place in 2022, was one of the most-watched drama cases of the year. People from all over the world watched their court proceedings and shared their opinions on the situation, with some even creating memes.

The couple had been married since 2015, but Heard accused Depp of being abusive toward her during their relationship. In response to her claims, Depp sued her for defamation in 2019, and Heard filed a countersuit in the following year.

2. Will Smith

At the 94th Academy Awards, an event that will go down in red carpet history occurred when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock. After Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Smith laughed for three seconds before suddenly losing his composure and shouting, "Keep my wife's name out of your $#@! mouth."

This unexpected outburst turned Smith into an Internet meme overnight, and he was officially banned from any Academy Award ceremonies for ten years. Smith has since apologized for his behavior, but only time will tell if he can recover from this scandal.

3. Ezra Miller

Ezra Miller, the face behind DC's superhero, appears to have a far less heroic persona in reality. He is facing criminal charges, including disorderly conduct, harassment, and felony burglary.

Additionally, Miller has been accused of having an abusive relationship with activist Tokata Iron Eyes, which began when she was a minor.

4. Armie Hammer

Armie Hammer, the lead actor from Call Me By Your Name, is facing a potential career disaster after a series of shocking headlines. In addition to allegations of cannibalism involving his family, Hammer is also accused of committing sexual violence.

Furthermore, there have been rumors of drug and alcohol abuse, which has led to an investigation by the LAPD. Despite denying all accusations, his reputation has taken a severe hit.

5. Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan rose to fame at a young age with the success of the remake of Parent Trap, propelling her to leading roles in some of the most iconic chick flicks, including Mean Girls and Freaky Friday. Unfortunately, her career declined in the late 2000s due to her battle with substance abuse and legal troubles, including multiple DUI charges and a hit-and-run incident.

The actress has since kept a low profile and is no longer seen on TV.

6. Mel Gibson

Had it not been for his scandals, Mel Gibson would have undoubtedly gone down in history as one of the most successful actors in Hollywood. He had already starred in an impressive 43 blockbusters and likely would have had many more.

However, the videos that were leaked, which showed him inebriated and making racist and offensive comments, shocked and betrayed many of his fans. Despite this, it's undeniable that Gibson is an incredibly talented actor, as he was so likable and charismatic on screen, it was easy to forget the controversies and be taken in by his performances.

7. Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby's reputation as America's beloved grandpa was shattered when it was revealed that the kind demeanor he portrayed on The Cosby Show hid something dark and sinister. Sexual assault and rape accusations have caused his name to be irrecoverably tarnished, making his once-loved persona impossible to forget.

8. Aaron Hernandez

Hernandez experienced great success when he signed his $41 million contract with the New England Patriots. Unfortunately, his career was brought to a halt when it was revealed that he had committed a murder and was sentenced to life in prison.

Despite trying to hide the evidence, he was unsuccessful, and his career was completely ruined. In 2017, Hernandez tragically ended his own life while in prison.

9. Mason Greenwood

Mason Greenwood's career has been ruined by violence following his arrest on suspicion of rape and assault due to allegations made against him on social media. The Red Devils have strongly condemned him and have barred him from any matches or training sessions until the “facts have been established,” as reported by BBC News.

Nike has also decided to suspend their sponsorship of the athlete indefinitely.

10. Kevin Spacey

For decades, Kevin Spacey was a well-known figure in the film industry, appearing in successful films such as American Beauty, Horrible Bosses, and House of Cards. However, he was exposed as a predator after being accused of sexually assaulting a minor.

His response to this accusation was to use his sexuality as an excuse, which is reprehensible. As a result, he is no longer a shining star in the entertainment world, and his reputation will never recover.

11. Charlie Sheen

The career of Charlie Sheen has been a wild roller-coaster ride full of scandals and drama. From accusations of prostitution, disturbing pornography, abuse, racism, and even child sexual assault, Sheen has been under fire for years.

To make matters worse, he was called out by his former co-star Corey Haim, thus further sullying his reputation.

12. Lea Michele

Lea Michele's career path may not be as bright as some, largely due to her reputation for being difficult to work with. Her character on the show Glee isn't particularly popular either, with many viewing her as grating or irritating.

For some time, it appeared that no one wanted to collaborate with her. Unfortunately, her behavior has cost her the opportunity to advance, as she is an undeniably talented individual.

13. Faye Dunaway

Faye Dunaway had the potential to become Hollywood royalty with her iconic roles in Bonnie and Clyde, Chinatown, and Network, but her reputation was destroyed when she was branded with the dreaded 'difficult' label in the late '70s. Her career as a lead actress came to an end when Bette Davis surpassed her, and she was reduced to making guest appearances on TV.

It is truly a sad story of how a once-mighty star fell from grace.

14. Paula Deen

Paula Deen was once a favorite of the Food Network, but her career quickly took a turn when her racism scandal surfaced. It was revealed that she had made racist statements and used the N-word, which she later confirmed and defended as "just jokes."

This was obviously a terrible move, and she has since been all but erased from television. Her shows have been canceled, and stores have stopped stocking her products.

It's unclear what she is doing with her life at present, but it is likely that she regrets her decisions.

15. Mark Salling

Mark Salling, a star from the hit show Glee, was met with shock and disbelief when it was revealed he had been charged with child pornography. The news spread quickly and caused an uproar on the Internet.

After pleading guilty to his charges, Salling was due to be sentenced but committed suicide just a few weeks before his sentencing. His career will never continue after this scandal.

Celebrities often enjoy the spotlight when it’s on their terms. They can grace magazine covers, attend glamorous events and make red carpet appearances.

They’re adored by their fans, held up as role models for aspiring stars, and celebrated for their success. However, the downside to celebrity status is that their every action is heavily scrutinized.

Any mistake they make is likely to be picked up and amplified by the media, which can lead to public humiliation and a damaged reputation. This is especially true in the age of social media, where gossip and rumor spread faster than ever before.

Damjan