1. Ellen DeGeneres – Kind persona, unkind workplace
Ellen DeGeneres’s talk show was known for its emphasis on kindness, but behind the scenes, former employees alleged a toxic work environment marked by racism, intimidation, and harassment. An investigation led to the departure of several producers and a public apology from Ellen, but the scandal damaged her reputation and contributed to the show’s end in 2022. Despite attempts to revive her image through stand-up and a Netflix special, her off-camera actions have complicated her on-camera persona as the “Queen of Nice.”
2. James Corden – Friendly host, harsh in private
Few could predict that the warm, affable face of The Late Late Show would clash so heavily with real-life staff. In 2022, James Corden was banned from the famed New York restaurant Balthazar after reportedly being extremely unpleasant and rude toward a server when he found a hair in his food. He later publicly apologized, admitting he’d been ungracious and made a comment he regretted. Though the incident was big enough to make headlines, it also sparked discussions about why high-profile people often treat service workers poorly. While some praised him for later showing kindness, like during a tense British Airways flight in 2024 when he comforted fellow passengers, others remained wary. The contrast between his on-screen cheer and off-camera impatience left a tricky legacy.
3. Lea Michele – Glee’s queen of cruelty
Lea Michele’s portrayal of Rachel Berry on Glee earned her widespread acclaim, but former castmates later accused her of bullying and creating a difficult work environment on set. Samantha Ware and Heather Morris shared accounts of Michele’s intimidating behavior, including mocking and belittling others. Michele eventually apologized, citing immaturity and privilege, She eventually issued an apology, attributing her actions to immaturity and privilege, and expressed regret about her demeanor on set. But by then, the damage was done: HelloFresh severed their partnership with her, and many fans were taken aback that someone with such a polished public image could inflict stress and fear behind the scenes.
4. Chevy Chase – Off‑camera explosive
Chevy Chase’s comedic talent earned him a spot on Saturday Night Live and in iconic films like Caddyshack, but behind the scenes, he had a reputation for being challenging to work with. He clashed with castmates, including a physical altercation in SNL’s dressing room with Bill Murray in 1978. On the set of Community, series creator Donald Glover reportedly said he made insensitive comments and was dismissive, leading to tension. Chase’s behavior was often described as volatile and insensitive to others, making it difficult for those around him to work comfortably.
5. Katherine Heigl – Grey’s darling turned critic
Katherine Heigl’s portrayal of Izzie Stevens on Grey’s Anatomy earned her widespread affection, but her experience on the show was marked by controversy. In 2008, she declined Emmy consideration, criticizing the material she received and the show’s demanding work environment, which some perceived as a slight against the writers and production team. Heigl’s criticisms continued, reportedly causing tension with colleagues over creative decisions, and she ultimately left the show in 2010, citing dissatisfaction with the schedule and storylines.
6. Bill Murray – Hilarious, but volatile
Bill Murray is widely admired for his quirky, wise, and distinctive screen presence, from Ghostbusters to Lost in Translation, but numerous colleagues have described troubling behavior behind the scenes. During the filming of Being Mortal, production was halted after a female assistant reported an incident involving Murray that she found inappropriate, which he described as a joke and which led to a reported $100,000 settlement. This event highlighted broader concerns about boundaries and conduct in the workplace. Similar patterns of unpredictable or unsettling behavior have been noted throughout his career, including accounts of mood swings, disruptive pranks, and strained interactions with co-stars and younger colleagues.
7. Jared Leto – Method mayhem
Jared Leto is known for his intense approach to acting, and during Suicide Squad, his portrayal of the Joker attracted attention for reportedly extreme on-set behavior. Reports emerged that he sent unusual and unsettling items to castmates, including a live rat and a pig carcass, as part of his method acting. Director David Ayer even brought in a therapist to support the crew during filming. Leto later downplayed these accounts, calling many of them exaggerated. Cast member Viola Davis confirmed that some incidents did occur, though she described the overall atmosphere as mostly lighthearted. Still, Leto’s immersive tactics received mixed reactions—some saw them as deeply committed, while others viewed them as disruptive.
8. Shia LaBeouf – Talent with turmoil
Shia LaBeouf has long been seen as a talented yet unpredictable figure in Hollywood, gaining fame during the Transformers era and later earning critical praise for his autobiographical film Honey Boy. However, his career has been overshadowed by a series of personal and legal troubles, including public outbursts, arrests, and strained relationships. The most serious issues emerged in 2020 when musician FKA Twigs filed a lawsuit accusing him of abuse and reckless behavior, with a trial now scheduled for September 29, 2025. While LaBeouf has acknowledged some past actions as harmful and taken partial responsibility, the allegations have significantly impacted his public image, even leading Netflix to withdraw support from an awards campaign.
9. Valerie Harper – Rhoda’s hidden rage
Valerie Harper, beloved for her role as Rhoda, faced significant behind-the-scenes conflict during her 1987 sitcom Valerie. Tensions arose when she sought greater creative control, leading to reported on-set clashes and eventually her dismissal. Her production company described her behavior as difficult, while Harper filed a lawsuit claiming breach of contract after being fired and the show rebranded as The Hogan Family. The dispute highlighted the challenges that can arise when creative ambition meets network pressures. Though she remained a respected and admired performer, the controversy left a lasting mark on her professional image.
10. Christian Bale – Intensity gone too far
Christian Bale is known for his intense commitment to roles, famously transforming his body for films like Batman and The Machinist. In 2008, during the filming of Terminator Salvation, he drew widespread attention for a heated outburst at cinematographer Shane Hurlbut, which was recorded and quickly went viral. Bale later issued a public apology, acknowledging his behavior was unacceptable and attributing it to his deep immersion in the role. Despite the incident, he maintained a professional relationship with the crew, and the episode became a notable part of Hollywood history, even inspiring a remix song. The moment highlighted both his passion for the craft and the challenges of managing such intensity on set.
11. Lucille Ball – Perfectionist force
Lucille Ball is celebrated for her iconic comedy in I Love Lucy, but behind the scenes, she was known for her strong control and high expectations. On later shows like The Lucy Show, she often overruled writers and co-stars, with colleagues describing a tense atmosphere and emotional fluctuations during rehearsals. Under her leadership at Desilu Productions, she drove creative decisions with determination, though sometimes in ways that felt intimidating. While her ambition led to groundbreaking success, it also created a work environment that could be demanding and difficult, adding complexity to her lasting legacy.
12. Mark Harmon – Cold conflict over dog
Mark Harmon has been the steady face of NCIS, but behind the scenes in 2016. One of Mark Harmon’s dogs reportedly bit a crew member, causing 15 stitches. Pauley Perrette, playing Abby on NCIS, raised concerns about set safety and the dog’s presence. This reportedly triggered a rift, leading to filming schedules separating Harmon and Perrette.In 2019, Perrette posted a tweet saying she was “terrified” of Harmon and had nightmares about him, even referencing “multiple physical assaults” on set. She emphasized that CBS took her “workplace concern” seriously and later confirmed she’d never return to NCIS. Harmon hasn’t publicly responded, and he left the show in 2021 without addressing these allegations.
13. Andy Griffith – Tougher Off Camera
While Andy Griffith was beloved as the calm and wise Sheriff Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show, those who worked with him in real life described a very different person. Colleagues from his later series Matlock noted that Griffith could be moody and temperamental, far from the easygoing character fans adored. Some crew members called him difficult and domineering behind the scenes, revealing a side that contrasted sharply with his gentle on-screen persona. This complexity reminded coworkers that even the most beloved stars have facets hidden from the public eye.
14. Bruce Willis – Difficult and Distant
Bruce Willis, known for iconic roles from Die Hard to The Sixth Sense, reportedly earned a reputation among directors and co-stars as uncooperative and standoffish. Longtime collaborators described him as argumentative and disengaged on set well before his aphasia diagnosis became public. Director Kevin Smith called the experience of working with Willis “a nightmare,” citing Willis’s lack of cooperation and reluctance to participate fully, even in promotional activities. This challenging behavior created tension on sets despite Willis’s undeniable star power. However, most of the reported difficulties later corresponded to his aphasia and cognitive decline discovered in recent years.
15. Teri Hatcher – A Hard Presence on Set
Teri Hatcher, famous for her role on Desperate Housewives, was often described by co-stars as difficult and isolating. Reports surfaced of her being barred from farewell photos and fostering a tense atmosphere among the cast. Rumors spread about her uncooperative attitude and tendency to create divisions on set, making it challenging for colleagues to work with her. Despite her screen charisma, this behind-the-scenes behavior earned her a reputation as “the meanest woman alive” among some in the industry
16. Edward Norton – Perfectionist Power Struggle
Despite his widely admired acting, Norton has earned a reputation as a control-driven collaborator. He’s known to rewrite scripts extensively, sometimes without credit, strain relationships with directors (notably on Red Dragon) and even take ownership of final edits in American History X and The Incredible Hulk. While many respect his artistic passion, his insistence on creative authority has made him famously hard to work with.
17. Gene Hackman – Legendary Talent, Tough on Set
Hackman’s status as an acting heavyweight came with a demanding presence on-set. Known for his relentless pursuit of perfection, he reportedly berated cast and crew when expectations weren’t met, often creating tension, especially in later projects. Though his body of work earned him applause, his on-set demeanor was widely described as intimidating.
18. Gwyneth Paltrow – Grace in Public, Cool in Private
Though celebrated on screen and in business, Paltrow has a reputation among some co‑workers for being distant or reserved. A recent biography highlights that she once responded skeptically to Winona Ryder’s emotional distress and gave her an icy nickname. Multiple insiders describe her as emotionally detached, sometimes failing to even recognize co‑stars after they’d filmed together.
19. Val Kilmer – Brilliant… But Difficult
Kilmer’s immersive method acting won admiration, but also friction. During Batman Forever, director Joel Schumacher bluntly referred to him as “childish and impossible,” reporting extended silence and clashes on-set. Crew members and co‑stars recall arguments and a combative mood that ultimately contributed to his being replaced in the seque of the movie.
20. Isaiah Washington – Fired After On-Set Violence
Washington’s tenure on Grey’s Anatomy ended in 2007 after a heated clash with Patrick Dempsey that involved an offensive language. The altercation escalated to physical aggression and biased language directed within earshot of co‑star T.R. Knight, who later publicly came out. Despite eventual apologies and advocacy efforts, ABC chose not to renew his contract. The scandal profoundly affected creator Shonda Rhimes and cast morale.
21. Shelley Long – Tense Chemistry Behind Cheers
Despite Diane Chambers’ popularity, Shelley Long reportedly clashed with co‑stars early in Cheers. Ted Danson described their initial dynamic as “horrible,” noting how vastly different acting styles created friction in rehearsals. Long was known for being exacting and slow to adjust to script changes, which tested collaborators like James Burrows and cast members, including Kelsey Grammer, for patience. Despite these tensions, the contrasting energy between Long and Danson became a core strength of the show’s success.
22. Klaus Kinski – Intense Talent, Dangerous Volatility
Klaus Kinski delivered unforgettable performances in Herzog classics like Aguirre, Fitzcarraldo, and Cobra Verde. Yet his on‑set behavior was notorious: erratic tirades, threats to colleagues, and even a shooting incident that injured a crew member. Werner Herzog later said that native extras offered to kill Kinski during Fitzcarraldo, underscoring how tense things had become. Their volatile collaboration created powerful cinema, but at serious personal cost.
23. Dustin Hoffman – Demanding Method Drive
Hoffman’s method acting earned widespread praise, yet it also came with a reputation for relentless perfectionism. On films like Rain Man and Tootsie, he pushed for numerous takes to capture emotional authenticity, sometimes wearing on co‑workers. Meryl Streep reportedly found his intensity overwhelming. While many directors allowed his process for its results, his style could cause friction when others felt pressured or fatigued.
24. Cybill Shepherd – Brilliance with Conflict
Cybill Shepherd brought charisma and comedic edge to series like Moonlighting and Cybill, but reports suggest she often clashed with co‑stars and producers. Bruce Willis described the work environment as tense and unpredictable at times, Shepherd was praised for her talent but not her diplomacy. These clashes contributed to the famously rocky set dynamics that sometimes overshadowed the shows’ creative strengths.
25. Mandy Patinkin – Fierce Commitment, Creative Fallout
Mandy Patinkin’s intensity is legendary, known for passionate portrayals in Chicago Hope and Criminal Minds. Yet his refusal to compromise on creative direction led him to leave shows mid‑run, reportedly after heated disagreements with writers and producers. His departures often shocked colleagues and disrupted storylines. While admired for integrity, his uncompromising stance created significant behind‑the‑scenes upheaval.
26. Bette Davis – Feuding Hollywood Icon
Bette Davis was a titan of cinema, her talent matched only by her fiery personality. On What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, she and Joan Crawford engaged in physical confrontations, insults overheard across the soundstage, and power plays (like Davis installing a Coke machine in her dressing room just to spite Crawford’s Pepsi ties) . Davis also orchestrated social exclusion on the set of Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte, isolating Crawford through crew outings and press alliances, which spurred Crawford’s exit from the film . These legendary clashes made her brilliant performances go hand-in-hand with on-set tension.
27. Mike Myers – Comedy Master with a Moody Side
Despite delivering iconic laughs in Austin Powers and Wayne’s World, Mike Myers has been described by co‑stars and directors as meticulous to the point of moodiness. Production accounts reveal he could delay scenes to pursue the perfect delivery and occasionally clash over tone and timing. While his creative standards produced memorable characters, his controlling approach sometimes strained collaboration in otherwise light-hearted projects.
28. William Shatner – Control-Driven Captain
Shatner’s portrayal of Captain Kirk made him a pop culture icon, but behind the scenes, his strong personality could be overwhelming. On Star Trek, he reportedly clashed with nearly every co‑star over acting styles and dialogue control. His well-known ego and desire to shape story direction caused friction during filming. Although admired by fans, his need for control often made ensemble work difficult.
29. Megan Fox – Outspoken and Exiled
Fox became a household name through Transformers, but her public comments after making a highly controversial comparison involving the director Michael Bay leadership style, caused major fallout. That bluntness led to her being fired, but she later returned to screen with roles in Jennifer’s Body and Till Death. Though talented and charismatic, her early candor burned professional relationships at a critical stage of her career, shaping her reputation as outspoken and occasionally difficult.
30. Charlie Sheen – Unpredictable Star in Turmoil
Charlie Sheen’s off-set behavior overshadowed his rise on Two and a Half Men. His erratic conduct, including substance-fueled rants and volatile personal interviews, led to his abrupt firing from the show in 2011. Co‑workers characterized him as unpredictable, volatile, and emotionally unstable. His public breakdown turned into a media spectacle, eclipsing his earlier popularity and leaving colleagues wary and production disrupted.
This story 30 TV and Movie Stars Everyone Loved, Until They Worked With Them was first published on Daily FETCH
