20 Actors Who Refused to Film with Unvaccinated Cast Members

The COVID-19 pandemic completely halted entertainment production, and when things resumed, strict safety rules were put in place. While studios created basic guidelines for testing and keeping people apart, some major stars believed these weren’t strong enough to keep everyone safe. Several well-known actors used their influence to require vaccinations for all cast and crew, and they wouldn’t work if those requirements weren’t met. This firm position frequently caused projects to be delayed, led to public disagreements, and resulted in actors being replaced. The actors mentioned below gained attention for refusing to work with unvaccinated colleagues.

Sean Penn

During the filming of ‘Gaslit’, Sean Penn made a strong statement about vaccine requirements. He refused to continue working until everyone involved in the production – not just those working closely with actors – was vaccinated. He was so committed to this that he offered to help with vaccinations through his non-profit, CORE, to make it easier for everyone. Penn prioritized the health and safety of the entire team, even if it meant delaying the show’s schedule.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone was prepared to leave a film project in Atlanta unless everyone on set was required to be vaccinated. She publicly voiced her concerns, explaining she wouldn’t risk her health by working in what she considered an unsafe environment. Stone even ran for a position with the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, campaigning for stronger health and safety rules. Her outspokenness highlighted the anxieties many actors had about returning to work, and she repeatedly stated she wouldn’t begin filming without proper safety measures in place.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston shared that she had to end relationships with people who wouldn’t get vaccinated or wouldn’t share their vaccination status. She explained that she felt a strong responsibility, both personally and professionally, to keep those around her safe. As a producer on ‘The Morning Show’, she backed the show’s policy requiring vaccinations. Although she received some criticism for speaking out, Aniston maintained that protecting public health was the most important thing, as everyone working on a film or TV set depends on each other’s well-being.

George Clooney

George Clooney strongly supported requiring vaccinations on movie sets, calling it a common-sense step. He believed protecting each other is a fundamental duty and argued that individual liberty shouldn’t come at the expense of others’ well-being. While filming ‘The Tender Bar,’ he implemented firm safety rules to keep everyone healthy. Clooney frequently pointed to past vaccine requirements throughout history to emphasize the importance of the policy. As a director and producer, he was able to prioritize and enforce a high level of safety on set.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise sparked widespread discussion when a leaked recording revealed him scolding crew members on the set of ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’. He warned that anyone breaking the strict COVID-19 safety rules he established would be fired. Cruise was committed to keeping the film production going, both to preserve jobs and to support the film industry during a challenging period. His strong reaction showed he wouldn’t tolerate any carelessness when it came to health and safety, as he believed even a small mistake could jeopardize the entire production and the livelihoods of those involved.

Patton Oswalt

Comedian Patton Oswalt cancelled several shows in Florida and Utah because the venues wouldn’t follow his health and safety rules. He asked that everyone attending his shows show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. Oswalt explained he didn’t want anyone to risk their health just to see his comedy. He was prepared to lose money rather than perform where he felt it wasn’t safe for himself or his audience, and his decision led to discussions about what performers should do to protect public health.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry was a leader in getting film and television production going again after the pandemic began. He created a safe environment at his Atlanta studios, nicknamed “Camp Quarantine,” by requiring all cast and crew members to be vaccinated. He even provided vaccinations on site and publicly got his own shot to encourage others. This strict approach allowed Perry to keep his shows in production while many other sets were forced to close, as he prioritized the health and safety of his team.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston made sure everyone on the set of ‘The Morning Show’ followed strict rules about getting vaccinated. As a producer, Witherspoon was key in creating a safe workspace, requiring vaccinations for those working closely together. She openly supported vaccines and the reasoning behind the rules. Her company took the health of the cast and crew very seriously, and because of these measures, the show was able to finish filming without any significant COVID-19 outbreaks.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg strongly supported requiring vaccinations on the set of ‘The View,’ and often debated those who disagreed. She insisted on working only with people who were fully vaccinated and had tested negative for COVID-19, which led to the show having very strict rules for guests and co-hosts. Goldberg regularly used her show to correct false information about vaccines and emphasize the need to protect everyone’s health. She was firm that she wouldn’t put her own health at risk for the sake of the show.

Joy Behar

Joy Behar consistently took a firm position similar to Whoopi Goldberg on vaccinations. She openly welcomed strict vaccine rules at work and frequently spoke out against those hesitant to get vaccinated. Experiencing on-air isolations due to potential COVID exposure only strengthened her belief in mandates. Behar explained she didn’t want to be around unvaccinated people because of her age and health, and this unwavering stance became a common part of her on-air commentary.

Julia Roberts

During the filming of ‘Gaslit’, Julia Roberts publicly supported her co-star Sean Penn’s efforts to have everyone on set fully vaccinated. Roberts, who generally keeps her personal life private, has consistently expressed her belief in science and trusted medical advice. Together, their strong stance pressured the studio to review and strengthen safety protocols for all cast and crew members, making it hard for production to dismiss their concerns.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger shared a popular video with a strong message for people ignoring health guidelines: he told them to prioritize public health over personal freedom. The actor and former governor made it clear that your liberty shouldn’t put others at risk. He strongly supported strict safety rules on his film sets and at his gym, and stressed that following expert advice was vital for the entertainment industry to get through the pandemic. His direct approach struck a chord with many who were annoyed by people not following safety measures.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron strongly supported fair global access to vaccines and prioritized safety on all her movie sets. She raised money and used her platform to educate people about the importance of vaccination. Theron was determined to prevent false information from putting anyone’s health at risk during filming. She made sure her projects followed strict health and safety guidelines to protect everyone involved. Her commitment went beyond the film industry, as she also campaigned for wider vaccine availability around the world.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks was one of the first well-known people to share that he had COVID-19, and he quickly became a strong voice for safety measures. He was very critical of those who didn’t wear masks or get vaccinated, believing they were putting others at risk. He strongly supported strict vaccination rules on his movie sets, seeing vaccination as a responsibility we all share to protect each other and get back to normal. Having had the virus himself, he had little patience for people who weren’t taking precautions.

Rita Wilson

After both she and her husband, Tom Hanks, had COVID-19, Rita Wilson became a strong advocate for strict health and safety protocols. She publicly supported requiring vaccinations for anyone working on film and television sets, believing the industry should set a good example. Wilson was firm about not participating in any projects that didn’t prioritize health safety, a decision driven by her own experience with the illness and a desire to protect others.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker strongly supported requiring vaccinations for everyone working on ‘And Just Like That…’. The show had a strict policy of vaccinations for those working closest together, plus frequent testing. Parker also helped organize the Met Gala, which famously required all guests to be vaccinated. She made the health and safety of her colleagues a top priority and wouldn’t lower standards, which helped the show continue filming even when COVID-19 cases were rising.

Alyssa Milano

Alyssa Milano, a well-known activist, experienced lingering health problems after having COVID-19 and openly discussed the dangers. She spoke out against unsafe workplaces, pushing unions to require vaccinations. Milano made it clear she wouldn’t work anywhere safety wasn’t prioritized. She used social media to highlight issues and encourage the entertainment industry to require everyone to be vaccinated. Her own health battle strengthened her commitment to safer working conditions.

Seth Rogen

Seth Rogen publicly stated he doesn’t want people who aren’t vaccinated near him or his work. To keep filming on track, he implemented strict safety measures, creating protected environments on set. He made it clear he has no tolerance for those who ignore scientific advice and put his crew at risk. While known for comedy, Rogen is deeply committed to safety, and he won’t allow others’ recklessness to halt his projects.

Bette Midler

Bette Midler strongly encouraged people to get vaccinated and supported rules requiring vaccinations, especially within the entertainment industry. She often shared her belief that vaccines were essential for getting life and work back to normal, and she backed businesses and shows that didn’t allow unvaccinated people to attend. Midler felt that choosing not to get vaccinated was inconsiderate and put the health of everyone in the arts at risk. This firm position put her among other experienced professionals who made safety a top priority.

Ben Affleck

I really admire how seriously Ben Affleck took safety on the set of ‘The Tender Bar’. He completely trusted George Clooney’s lead and was all in on the strict COVID protocols – things like regular testing and making sure everyone was vaccinated. It’s important to him, and he’s spoken about it, that he protects his family and everyone he works with. He clearly wasn’t willing to compromise on safety, and I respect him for aligning himself with a team that felt the same way. It meant the production could keep moving without unnecessary risks, and that’s a huge win.

Share your thoughts on these actors’ decisions in the comments.

2025-11-29 14:47