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.
This story 12 TV and Movie Stars Everyone Loved, Until They Worked With Them was first published on Daily FETCH
