Actors Who Secretly Demanded Their Co-Stars Be Fired

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High-pressure entertainment environments can breed clashes between big personalities. When famous actors disagree with their colleagues, they sometimes leverage their power to influence who appears in a film or show. These conflicts are usually hidden from the public for years. This list details times when leading actors allegedly requested the removal of fellow cast members to maintain creative control over their projects.

Sylvester Stallone

While filming ‘The Lords of Flatbush,’ Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere had a significant falling out. It started with minor issues – reportedly including a spilled sandwich – and a general personality conflict. Stallone ultimately demanded the director choose between him and Gere. Gere was then replaced, and the film continued without him. This situation became well-known as an example of the power struggles that sometimes happen behind the scenes in Hollywood.

Charlie Sheen

During his time on the show ‘Anger Management,’ the lead actor had a significant disagreement with Selma Blair. Sources say she complained to producers about his lack of professionalism and frequent tardiness. In response, he insisted she be fired and even threatened to leave the show if she remained. He reportedly fired her via a critical text message, and her character was quickly removed from the series to satisfy his request.

Alec Baldwin

During rehearsals for the Broadway play ‘Orphans,’ Alec Baldwin and Shia LaBeouf had a major disagreement. Baldwin found LaBeouf’s rehearsal approach disruptive and aggressive, and reportedly threatened to quit if LaBeouf stayed with the production. Ultimately, the producers fired LaBeouf to keep Baldwin on board. This very public conflict showed just how stressful putting on a high-profile stage production can be.

Patrick Dempsey

Sources from the set of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ suggest that a leading actor played a key role in Isaiah Washington’s departure. A disagreement between the two actors created a difficult and unpleasant atmosphere for everyone working on the show. It’s claimed that Dempsey urged the network to address Washington’s behavior and statements. Ultimately, Washington was fired after the situation became public, and this event had a lasting impact on the show’s storyline and future.

Robert Downey Jr.

Fans still frequently talk about the decision to replace Terrence Howard with Don Cheadle as Rhodey in ‘Iron Man 2’. It’s been reported that the main actor played a part in the change, which happened due to disagreements over pay and creative vision. Howard later said his co-star didn’t back him up during tough contract talks with the studio. Cheadle then continued in the role for all the following ‘Iron Man’ movies.

Wesley Snipes

Reports indicate that filming ‘Blade: Trinity’ was difficult due to major disagreements between Wesley Snipes and Ryan Reynolds. Snipes apparently disliked the film’s humorous tone and didn’t get along with the younger actors. He supposedly communicated with the director using only sticky notes and spent much of his time isolated in his trailer. There were claims he wanted more say in casting decisions and often argued with the crew and cast. Eventually, the filmmakers had to shoot scenes with the actors separately to avoid further conflict.

Bill Murray

Let me tell you, covering Hollywood, you hear stories, but the on-set clash between Bill Murray and Lucy Liu during ‘Charlie’s Angels’ is one that always comes up. Apparently, Murray told Liu she couldn’t act, and things escalated fast. It wasn’t just a disagreement; it was a full-blown argument that shut down production for the day. He clearly didn’t resolve things, because he wasn’t asked back for the sequel and they had to recast the role of Bosley. Honestly, it’s become a prime example of why Murray has a reputation for being difficult to work with, and it’s a story that still circulates today.

Kevin Spacey

Before facing serious legal issues, this actor was a powerful force on ‘House of Cards.’ He wasn’t just performing; he heavily influenced the show’s creative direction, including who was cast and even fired. Many sources say he used his position as a producer to control the cast and ensure things went his way, which led to a tense atmosphere on set where actors felt their jobs were at risk. After serious accusations came to light, the show continued without him, and his career suffered significantly.

Bruce Willis

This popular action star gained a reputation for being challenging to work with on movie sets. He often disagreed with directors and fellow actors if they didn’t share his ideas for how a scene should play out. During the making of ‘Cop Out,’ his behavior caused a very public argument with the director. Because of his success at the box office, Willis frequently asked for changes to the supporting cast or script, which sometimes resulted in actors being cut from the finished film.

Steven Seagal

Throughout the 1990s, the action star gained a reputation for being difficult to work with on film sets. He often argued with co-stars and stunt people, sometimes leading to fights. For example, during the filming of ‘Executive Decision,’ he reportedly got into a physical altercation with John Leguizamo. He was also known for demanding that people who disagreed with him be removed from his projects. Throughout his career, there were many stories about his challenging behavior and tendency to intimidate others at work.

Chevy Chase

The comedian often clashed with his colleagues on both ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘Community’. While working on ‘Community’, he repeatedly made rude remarks and insulted the show’s creator and younger cast members during production. His behavior caused so many problems that the other actors apparently tried to get him fired. Eventually, Chase left the show after several intense disagreements and professional setbacks. His exit was considered essential to improve the work environment for everyone else.

William Shatner

William Shatner, the first Captain Kirk, was known for having strained relationships with his ‘Star Trek’ co-stars. Both James Doohan and George Takei shared how Shatner would try to downplay their contributions to the show, allegedly taking their lines and using his position to keep the spotlight on himself. These issues caused lasting resentment and prevented many of the original cast members from ever making amends. Shatner’s dedication to his own career frequently came at the cost of his colleagues’ professional well-being.

Val Kilmer

This actor was famous for fully immersing himself in his roles, but he was also known for being challenging to work with, especially on the set of ‘Red Planet’. He had a serious conflict with Tom Sizemore that escalated into a physical altercation over gym equipment. After that, the two actors wouldn’t speak to each other, forcing the filmmakers to shoot their scenes separately using stand-ins. Kilmer allegedly insisted that Sizemore be kept away from him at all times. This created a very negative atmosphere and made filming the movie incredibly difficult for everyone involved.

Tommy Lee Jones

During the filming of ‘Batman Forever,’ a seasoned actor openly disliked Jim Carrey. He famously told Carrey during a dinner that he disapproved of his comedic style. This created a noticeable tension on set that impacted everyone working on the movie. The veteran actor allegedly used his position to make things difficult for the younger comedian, and Carrey later described the experience as one of the most difficult of his career.

Dustin Hoffman

The filming of ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ was difficult due to the lead actor’s intense and sometimes upsetting behavior. Dustin Hoffman was known for trying to get very real reactions from his fellow actors, often pushing them hard. He famously slapped Meryl Streep and even whispered hurtful things to her to make her performance more emotional. This demanding approach caused tension with the rest of the cast, who felt his methods were too extreme. Although the film was critically acclaimed, it took a personal toll on those involved.

Marlon Brando

The celebrated actor was well-known for his odd personality and his tendency to improvise instead of sticking to the written script. During the filming of ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau,’ he made many strange requests that caused significant problems for the production. He apparently didn’t get along with Val Kilmer, and the two actors constantly tried to one-up each other. Brando often insisted everyone follow his sudden impulses, even if it threw off the filming schedule. Because he was such a powerful figure in Hollywood, he could behave in ways that would have gotten any other actor fired.

Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas was a driven and demanding star during Hollywood’s Golden Age, known for wanting complete control over his films. He often disagreed with directors, sometimes even replacing them if they didn’t share his creative vision. He also expected a lot from his fellow actors and wouldn’t hesitate to ask for replacements if he wasn’t satisfied with their performance. Because of his production company, he had the authority to choose the cast he preferred. This resulted in a career full of iconic roles, but also a reputation for on-set disagreements.

Edward Norton

I’ve always been fascinated by Edward Norton as an actor, but it’s well known he really likes to get involved in every aspect of a film, not just his performance. Apparently, this caused some serious friction on ‘American History X’ when they were finishing up the movie. And on ‘The Incredible Hulk’, he kept wanting to change the script, which really bothered the studio and the other actors. From what I’ve heard, people sometimes felt like they were working for him, not with him, which is a shame. Ultimately, I think that’s why Marvel decided to recast the Hulk with Mark Ruffalo – it just became too difficult to work with him, creatively.

Tom Sizemore

Despite a promising career, he frequently faced challenges due to personal issues and difficult on-set behavior. His relationship with Val Kilmer was especially problematic, almost halting production of ‘Red Planet’. Sources say Sizemore believed Kilmer was making unreasonable demands and responded with demands of his own. The tension between them escalated several times, requiring crew members to physically intervene to prevent a fight. This incident is often cited as a prime example of how clashing egos can jeopardize a large-budget film.

James Franco

On the set of ‘Tristan & Isolde,’ there were reports of friction between James Franco and Henry Cavill. Franco later acknowledged he was struggling with his mental health at the time and was challenging to work with. He apparently avoided interacting with Cavill and the rest of the cast, creating a tense and uncomfortable environment. The strained relationship between the two lead actors was noticeable to everyone working on the film, and it reportedly made filming a difficult experience for many of the supporting cast.

Vin Diesel

The ‘Fast and Furious’ movies have seen a well-known disagreement between Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson. Diesel, who also produced the films, allegedly tried to control things on set and how much screen time other actors got. Johnson publicly criticized Diesel’s behavior as unprofessional. This tension ultimately led to the two actors refusing to appear in scenes together in the eighth movie. The fallout from this conflict significantly changed the future of the franchise, affecting both who starred in the films and where the story went.

Dwayne Johnson

Following years of disagreements with Vin Diesel, the actor ultimately chose to continue his character’s story in a separate series. Reports suggest Johnson found the atmosphere on the main film sets to be difficult and unprofessional. Leveraging his popularity, he arranged a way to stay involved in the franchise without having to work directly with Diesel. This was widely seen as a smart move to avoid ongoing conflict at work while still attracting audiences. The very public falling-out between the two stars revealed the complex power struggles often found in big-budget Hollywood films.

LL Cool J

I heard the craziest story about filming ‘Any Given Sunday’! Apparently, things got really real between LL Cool J and Jamie Foxx during one scene. The script called for a heated argument, but they actually started hitting each other! From what I understand, LL Cool J didn’t stop even when the director yelled ‘cut.’ It got so out of hand they actually had to call the police to the set to break things up. And get this – it caused a serious, years-long feud between them! It’s wild to think a movie scene could escalate like that.

Jamie Foxx

Let me tell you, the on-set drama between Jamie Foxx and LL Cool J during the filming of ‘Any Given Sunday’ was HUGE back in the late ’90s. Foxx actually claimed he was defending himself when things got physical between them. The fallout was significant – reports surfaced that both actors wanted their scenes completely rearranged to avoid even being near each other! Thankfully, they eventually patched things up years later, but honestly, that fight is still a big part of their legacies. It really highlighted how easily that on-screen intensity can spill over into real life and create genuine tension.

Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld, the co-creator and star of the hit show ‘Seinfeld’, played a key role in the decision to remove the character Susan Ross from the series. The other main actors reportedly had trouble finding their comedic flow while working with the actress, with Jason Alexander later explaining that her comedic timing didn’t quite mesh with theirs. Ultimately, they decided to write the character off the show permanently, a move that became one of the most talked-about and debated plot points in television comedy history.

Kelsey Grammer

Kelsey Grammer, the star of ‘Frasier,’ played a major role in how the show was made. He was known to be demanding and sometimes clashed with other actors, especially those who he felt weren’t up to his standards. Grammer worked quickly and expected everyone else to keep pace with the show’s fast-moving, complex dialogue. While his push for quality contributed to the show’s many awards, it also sometimes created tension on set and led to actors leaving.

Jason Lee

Let’s talk about ‘My Name Is Earl.’ While the show was a hit, I’ve heard stories about some real tension behind the scenes. Apparently, Jason Lee, who was the star and a powerful force with the network, had a lot of creative control. Word is he wasn’t afraid to weigh in on things like who got what roles and how much screen time everyone had. It sounds like the show really ran on his vision, which, while it worked for the audience, created a pretty strained atmosphere on set. It’s a classic case of a successful show with a complicated inner life.

Kiefer Sutherland

The demanding schedule of the TV show ’24’ put a lot of pressure on its lead actor, Kiefer Sutherland. He gained a reputation for being hard to work with, especially with cast members who struggled to keep up with the show’s quick pace. Freddie Prinze Jr. famously said working with Sutherland was so unpleasant it almost made him leave acting altogether. Because Sutherland was the star, his approval was crucial to the show’s producers, and this often determined which actors were kept on the show long-term.

David Duchovny

During the original run of ‘The X-Files,’ David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, the show’s two leads, reportedly had a strained relationship. They often didn’t speak off-camera, and rumors suggested Duchovny even asked for changes to the shooting schedule to limit their interactions. This created difficulties for the production crew, who needed the actors to portray believable chemistry on screen. Thankfully, they were able to mend their relationship before appearing together again in the show’s revival.

Mandy Patinkin

As much as I admire this actor’s immense talent, he’s also become known for unexpectedly leaving shows. The most famous example is when he left ‘Criminal Minds’ – he said it was because the show was too violent for him, which I can understand wanting to avoid. But there were also whispers that he just didn’t gel with the other actors, and that his perfectionism and strong beliefs caused friction with everyone involved, including the producers. Honestly, his departure really shook things up, and the show had to be completely reworked to recover from losing him.

Thomas Gibson

The actor, a familiar face on ‘Criminal Minds’ for more than ten years, was unexpectedly let go after a physical fight with a producer. While the incident triggered his firing, he’d previously clashed with other cast members, and his behavior had caused ongoing issues on set. Many of his colleagues were reportedly relieved when he left the show, demonstrating that even established stars can be replaced if their conduct is problematic.

Shemar Moore

Fans of ‘Criminal Minds’ were well aware of the tension between this actor and Thomas Gibson. It’s said that Moore believed Gibson acted unprofessionally on set, creating a difficult atmosphere for everyone. Their arguments frequently played out publicly, both on social media and in interviews. After Gibson was fired, Moore posted a puzzling video that many saw as a reaction to the news. With his rival gone, the rest of the cast began to interact in a new way.

Henry Cavill

News about Henry Cavill leaving ‘The Witcher’ pointed to disagreements with the show’s creators about the direction of the series. He was a strong advocate for staying faithful to the original books, which reportedly caused tension with the writers. Some sources said his specific ideas for the show made it hard to work with him. Ultimately, he left the show and the role was given to another actor. This situation showed how a lead actor’s vision can sometimes conflict with the overall plans for a TV show.

Frank Sinatra

During his peak, the iconic singer and actor wielded immense power in Hollywood. He was notorious for using his influence to ruin careers, effectively getting people blacklisted or removed from projects if they displeased him or those he cared about. Sinatra was also known for being demanding on set, often insisting that fellow actors follow his direction and complete scenes in a single take. Those who couldn’t keep up with his expectations were frequently replaced early in the filmmaking process. His reach extended well beyond acting, deeply impacting the structure of the entertainment industry itself.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford is known as a professional, but he can also be quite demanding when making movies. During the filming of ‘Hollywood Homicide,’ he reportedly clashed with co-star Josh Hartnett. They supposedly avoided eye contact and argued frequently. Because Ford was such a famous actor, his wishes often came first, sometimes at the expense of his fellow actors. This tension likely contributed to the film’s lukewarm reception from audiences.

Gene Hackman

Filming ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ was notoriously challenging because of the lead actor’s behavior. Gene Hackman was reportedly unkind and aggressive towards the director and other cast members, often making harsh comments and creating a tense, fearful environment on set. Bill Murray ended up intervening to shield the rest of the actors from Hackman’s outbursts. This film was one of Hackman’s final significant roles before he retired from acting.

Richard Dreyfuss

The making of ‘Jaws’ was marked by a well-known conflict between actor Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw. They frequently argued, and their clashes became a common occurrence on set. Dreyfuss apparently felt Shaw was often intimidating and behaved unprofessionally, particularly when drinking. While this tension surprisingly improved the chemistry between their characters on screen, it created a difficult atmosphere for the rest of the film crew. This disagreement is still remembered as one of the most famous feuds in movie history.

Isaiah Washington

As a fan, it was really upsetting to hear what happened after Isaiah Washington left ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ He claimed some of the other actors actively worked to get him fired, and his comments caused a huge headache for the network. He felt like he was being singled out and punished, while others got a pass. Honestly, his exit felt like a major turning point for the show, and it led to years of drama both legally and professionally. It was a really messy situation, and I think it changed the show forever.

Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds was a beloved actor, but he was also known for being difficult to work with. He famously had a heated argument with the director on the set of ‘Boogie Nights’ and often clashed with fellow actors if he felt they were overshadowing him. He wasn’t shy about using his star power to push for script or cast changes to better fit his vision. Even with this reputation, he remained a major celebrity for many years.

George Clooney

George Clooney is widely respected as a highly professional actor, but he’s also known for standing up for what’s right. He famously got into a physical altercation with the director on the set of ‘Three Kings’ to defend the crew from harsh verbal abuse. Though he doesn’t often call for people to be fired, he’s been clear about not wanting to work with certain individuals in the future. Because of his influence in Hollywood, studios and casting directors pay close attention to his opinions. This dedication to creating a positive work environment has made him a respected leader among fellow actors.

Share which of these famous Hollywood feuds surprised you the most in the comments.

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2026-02-28 21:20