Actors Who Were Fired For Harassment

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The entertainment industry has changed a lot in recent years when it comes to workplace safety and holding people accountable for their actions. Several male actors have been quickly fired from projects after accusations of harassment or sexual misconduct. Studios and networks usually make these decisions to protect their projects and ensure a safe working environment. This is a big change from the past, when this kind of behavior was often ignored or dealt with privately. The following list details actors who lost important roles after their actions became public or were investigated internally.

Kevin Spacey

After multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, Netflix ended its working relationship with the star of ‘House of Cards.’ Filming for the show’s last season was paused so writers could rework the story without him. Netflix also canceled the release of the finished film ‘Gore’ that he appeared in. These actions came after a public investigation into his behavior both during and outside of filming the series.

Danny Masterson

As a critic, I remember when the news broke about Danny Masterson and ‘The Ranch.’ It was a really difficult situation. After multiple serious allegations of sexual assault came to light, Netflix and the production company made the tough call to write his character off the show mid-way through season three. They said the decision came after conversations with those affected, and honestly, it was the right thing to do. It effectively ended his relationship with the streaming service, and while it impacted the show, it was clear a line had been crossed. It was a somber moment, and a clear signal that certain behaviors wouldn’t be tolerated.

Jeffrey Tambor

Following an investigation into harassment claims, Amazon Studios removed the main actor from the series ‘Transparent’. Two people on the production team reported inappropriate behavior on set. While the actor disputed the claims, he apologized if anything he did caused offense. The show concluded with a final, extended musical episode filmed without his participation.

Chris Noth

I was really shocked to hear about the allegations against this actor. It all happened so quickly – after the accusations became public, CBS decided to remove him from ‘The Equalizer’ and stopped filming with him. It wasn’t just the show, either. I read that agencies and brands quickly dropped him as well. He claimed everything was consensual, but the network clearly felt they needed to take action and ultimately let him go. It was a sad situation, but it seemed like the right thing to do given the circumstances.

Hartley Sawyer

The actor was let go from ‘The Flash’ after old, offensive posts he made on social media came to light. Producers said the comments were hateful and the main reason for his immediate firing from the show. They stressed that his behavior didn’t match the values of the network or those working on the series, and his character will no longer be part of the show’s story moving forward.

Jeff Garlin

After an internal review of his behavior on the set of ‘The Goldbergs,’ the actor and producers agreed he would leave the show. Several crew members had expressed discomfort with his actions and comments during filming. The show finished his character’s storyline using stand-ins and previously recorded footage. He later explained that his comedic approach wasn’t suitable for today’s work environment.

Fred Savage

Following reports of unacceptable behavior, the actor and director was let go from the new version of ‘The Wonder Years.’ Disney investigated after several crew members raised concerns about his conduct on set. This decision ended a long-standing relationship between him and both the show and the studio. The network confirmed his firing was effective immediately.

Jeremy Piven

After multiple women publicly accused the lead actor of sexual misconduct, CBS cancelled his show, ‘Wisdom of the Crowd.’ Though the network didn’t explicitly state he was fired, production stopped as soon as the accusations came to light. The actor denied all allegations and even took a lie detector test to try and prove his innocence. The show completed its first season, but CBS decided not to renew it.

Justin Roiland

Following domestic violence accusations, Adult Swim decided to replace the voice actor who played Rick in ‘Rick and Morty.’ Hulu and Squanch Games also stopped working with him. Even though the charges were eventually dismissed due to a lack of proof, these professional separations were permanent.

Cas Anvar

Following an investigation into accusations of sexual misconduct, the actor was removed from the science fiction series ‘The Expanse’. The investigation, prompted by reports of harassment from fans and colleagues at conventions and work events, led the production company to hire an outside firm to review the claims. Ultimately, they decided to remove his character from the show, and he did not appear in the final season of the critically acclaimed series.

T.J. Miller

I was really surprised to hear that the actor wouldn’t be back for ‘Silicon Valley.’ At first, it seemed like a simple mutual decision, but then I started seeing reports about issues with his behavior on set. It sounds like things got tough for everyone else working on the show, and he was also dealing with some legal trouble. Apparently, it just became too difficult for him to continue, and it was impacting the whole cast and crew.

Columbus Short

After facing legal troubles and accusations of domestic violence, the actor was let go from his main role on the show ‘Scandal’. The show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes, decided to continue the series without his character once details of his personal life became public. He released a statement acknowledging his departure and expressing gratitude to the cast and crew. Later, his character was written off the show, with his death occurring off-screen, to complete his exit from the storyline.

Isaiah Washington

The actor was fired from ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ after using a hateful slur during an argument with a colleague on set. ABC decided not to continue his contract due to the strong public and internal reaction to the incident. Years later, he returned for a short guest appearance to wrap up his character’s storyline. The situation received significant media attention and sparked a wider conversation about professional conduct in Hollywood.

Jonathan Majors

After a guilty verdict in a harassment and assault case, Marvel Studios and Disney removed the actor from their future plans. He was well-known for playing a key villain in ‘Loki’ and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp.’ The studio is now heading in a new direction with the franchise, a decision made after a very public trial that significantly affected his career.

Frank Langella

Netflix removed a well-known actor from its show ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ following an investigation into his behavior on set. According to reports, his actions during filming made a fellow actor feel uncomfortable. The show’s producers decided to replace him and re-film all of his scenes. While the actor publicly defended himself, Netflix stood by its decision to fire him.

Percy Hynes White

The actor who played a role in the first season of Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ will not be returning for the second season. This decision followed accusations made against him online about his past conduct. Although no official charges were brought, the show’s producers decided to move forward with the story without his character. Many viewers noticed his name was missing from the new season’s cast announcement. The actor has stated that the allegations are false and part of a deliberate effort to damage his reputation.

Louis C.K.

After admitting to multiple instances of sexual misconduct, FX ended its longstanding relationship with the comedian and actor. He was also replaced in his voice role for ‘The Secret Life of Pets 2’, and several of his future film and TV projects were cancelled. As a result, he was largely absent from mainstream entertainment for several years.

Armie Hammer

After problematic messages and accusations appeared online, the actor lost his roles in both ‘Shotgun Wedding’ and ‘The Offer’. His agency and publicist also stopped working with him as the controversy grew. He was ultimately removed from other projects he had already committed to, causing a major pause in his career.

Ed Westwick

Following accusations of sexual assault, the actor was replaced in the BBC’s ‘Ordeal by Innocence’ and removed from the comedy series ‘White Gold’ while the claims were investigated. Although he was later cleared of all charges due to a lack of evidence, his career suffered immediate consequences. The BBC reshot his scenes in ‘Ordeal by Innocence’ with a new actor to allow the show to be released.

Bill Cosby

After serious accusations of sexual assault against its star, ‘The Cosby Show’ largely disappeared from television. Networks and streaming services stopped airing reruns as the legal proceedings unfolded. He lost his standing in professional groups and universities took back honorary degrees. This marked a dramatic and impactful fall from grace in the entertainment world.

Thomas Gibson

As a longtime fan of ‘Criminal Minds,’ I was really shocked to hear about the actor’s departure. Apparently, things got physical between him and a producer on set, and it wasn’t an isolated incident. He’d been having anger management issues for a while, and had faced disciplinary action before. CBS and the show’s producers confirmed they’d terminated his contract, and they wrote his character out by sending him off on a long-term, off-screen assignment. It’s a shame, but they clearly felt they had no choice.

Kevin Clash

The actor who played Elmo for many years has left ‘Sesame Street’ after accusations of misconduct. He originally disputed the claims, but increasing legal issues led to his resignation. Producers said his actions didn’t align with the show’s values. He had been a key part of ‘Sesame Street’ for almost 30 years before this happened.

Drake Bell

After admitting guilt to charges involving endangering a child, the actor experienced a major setback in his career. Studios cancelled his voice acting work and public appearances. Although he wasn’t currently starring in any major TV shows, his future projects were dropped due to the details of his actions, leading to a widespread break from those he previously worked with.

Mark Salling

After being arrested on charges involving child pornography, the actor was removed from the film ‘Gods and Secrets’. Producers decided to cut his scenes and reshoot those portions of the movie. This came after news of his legal issues from his time on ‘Glee’ became public. The criminal investigation and his eventual guilty plea ultimately ended his acting career.

Charlie Sheen

Warner Bros. fired the actor from ‘Two and a Half Men’ due to his unpredictable behavior and offensive remarks about the show’s creator. This decision came after a pattern of public outbursts and worries about his substance use and personal life. The studio sent an eleven-page letter explaining the reasons for his firing, and Ashton Kutcher took over the role for the rest of the series.

Shia LaBeouf

The actor was let go from ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ to create a more comfortable and productive work environment for everyone else on set. Sources said his acting methods clashed with how his coworkers preferred to work. He publicly disagreed with the firing, stating he chose to leave the project, and a replacement was cast. This happened while he was also dealing with legal issues related to his personal life.

James Franco

Following accusations of sexual misconduct and exploitation from students at his acting school, the actor faced career setbacks. He lost roles in upcoming projects and largely disappeared from public view. Although he finished his work on the show ‘The Deuce,’ it wasn’t renewed for another season amidst the controversy. He later reached a legal agreement with his accusers and stepped away from acting.

Stephen Collins

After admitting to past sexual abuse of a child, the actor was immediately fired from his role on ‘Scandal’ and removed from the film ‘Ted 2’. Leaked video of his confession prompted swift action from television networks, and reruns of his well-known show ‘7th Heaven’ were temporarily removed from broadcast schedules. These events ultimately brought an end to his long career in television and film.

Jussie Smollett

Following accusations that he faked a hate crime, the actor was removed from the final season of ‘Empire’. While producers initially stood by him, they changed their minds as the police investigation uncovered problems with his account. To avoid taking focus away from the show’s story, his character was removed. He was later found guilty of multiple felony charges for making false reports.

Andrew Jackson

Following accusations of sexual harassment during filming, the actor was removed from the series ‘The Transporter’. The production company quickly responded to complaints made by a colleague, stating their dedication to a safe and professional workplace. The investigation is ongoing, and he has been replaced in the project.

Paul Johansson

An actor and director from ‘One Tree Hill’ was investigated following accusations of sexual harassment on set. Several female crew members and colleagues reported that he made inappropriate comments. Though the show was ending, these accusations harmed his career and reputation. He refuted the claims, but multiple sources provided detailed accounts supporting them.

Steven Seagal

Following multiple accusations of sexual harassment and assault, the actor has lost roles in several projects. These claims largely stem from incidents reported by actresses and assistants during film shoots, detailing inappropriate conduct. As a result, he’s faced legal issues and intense public criticism, significantly impacting his career in mainstream Hollywood. The actor continues to deny the allegations and is currently living mostly outside the country.

Richard Dreyfuss

Following accusations of misconduct towards a coworker, the actor was removed from the London play. The producers stated they made the change to ensure a comfortable and professional workspace for everyone involved. This wasn’t the first time concerns had been raised about his behavior on the job. While the actor expressed his regret, the play continued as planned with a replacement in the lead role.

Michael Greco

An actor was removed from a play after accusations of harassment against a colleague surfaced. The theater company confirmed they have a strict policy against any inappropriate behavior in the workplace. An understudy stepped in to cover his role, and the production is now looking for someone to take over for the rest of the show. The decision was made to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved and to maintain the quality of the performance.

Tom Sizemore

Throughout his career, the actor was often dropped from projects because of legal problems and accusations of domestic violence. Production companies worried his behavior created risks for their productions and filming. Several arrests led to him being replaced in movies and TV shows. Although he was talented, his career was repeatedly harmed by these ongoing issues.

Terrence Howard

Okay, so as a huge Marvel fan, I remember this being a big deal. Apparently, the actor who originally played James Rhodes in ‘Iron Man’ didn’t return for the sequels because things got messy. It started with a disagreement over money, but it turned out there were also issues with how he was behaving on set. Eventually, Marvel decided to go with Don Cheadle instead, and honestly, it felt like a pretty permanent switch. The original actor was really upset about it later, and understandably felt like it hurt his career.

Chris Brown

After being convicted of domestic assault, the actor was dropped from multiple movies and lost endorsement deals. His role in ‘Takers’ came under intense criticism, and he subsequently missed out on many future acting roles in mainstream films. Companies and studios cut ties with him to avoid negative public reaction related to his conviction. While he’s continued to pursue music, his career in major motion pictures largely came to a halt.

Emile Hirsch

After admitting to assaulting a film executive at a festival, the actor lost out on several potential roles. His agency and production companies reconsidered their work with him in light of the incident. Although he later found work in smaller, independent films, major studios initially stopped hiring him. This event significantly changed the course of his career.

Nick Cannon

The actor lost his job on the show ‘Wild ‘n Out’ because of hurtful comments he made during a podcast interview. The company behind the show strongly denounced hate speech and quickly ended their working relationship with him. He apologized and then worked with community leaders to learn and understand the impact of his words. After showing genuine effort to change, the company eventually brought him back on board.

Aziz Ansari

After an article reported a claim of sexual misconduct during a date, the actor’s career stalled. Though he wasn’t immediately fired from any show, several of his projects were cancelled. Netflix did eventually continue with his series, but with a different format. He spoke about the situation in a comedy special before gradually returning to work.

Share your thoughts on how these casting changes impacted your favorite series in the comments.

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2026-02-15 15:20