The 25 Most Disliked Actresses of All Time, Ranked

Celebrities, particularly actresses, often attract intense scrutiny, not just for their on-screen performances but also due to various off-camera incidents. Some have been subjected to public criticism following high-profile scandals or allegations of challenging behavior off set. This compilation highlights notable actresses who have garnered considerable disapproval over time, delving into the specific events and actions that sparked such sentiments.

A range of issues, such as legal difficulties and personal disagreements, are behind the stories. Many women have shared their accounts in interviews or public declarations, shedding light on how particular events influenced public opinion and sparked extensive critique.

25. Selena Gomez

Over time, Selena Gomez has encountered criticism due to frequent media attention surrounding her personal life, including high-profile relationships like the one with Justin Bieber and various health challenges. Fans frequently weighed in on their breakups, often fueling debate. Additionally, some people criticized Gomez for her collaborations that were perceived as not genuine by others.

Beyond her romantic experiences, Gomez faced criticism for cultural appropriation in her musical and fashion selections. She’s openly discussed her lupus diagnosis and stint in rehab, but some perceived her disclosures as strategically designed to elicit sympathy. Despite the enormous following she amassed on social media, it also served to magnify harsh comments from those who doubted her abilities.

24. Cameron Diaz

As a devoted admirer, I must admit that there have been times when Cameron Diaz’s reputation took a hit due to rumors about her behavior on film sets. Stories emerged suggesting she had certain demands for specific accommodations which sometimes caused delays during the filming of movies like ‘Charlie’s Angels’. Furthermore, her close relationships with some high-profile, yet controversial personalities in Hollywood sparked considerable scrutiny.

As a devoted film lover, I can’t help but reflect on the journey of Cameron Diaz, who took a break from Hollywood in 2014 to prioritize family and personal endeavors. Some critics saw this as a retreat at the zenith of her career, but her comeback with films like ‘Back in Action’ has sparked renewed chatter about her reported diva-like demeanor.

Media outlets have also been discussing her affiliation with wellness brands, which often promote premium products that may seem unaffordable to many devoted fans. It’s interesting to see how this evolution in her life and career is being perceived by the public.

23. Julia Roberts

In the course of her acting career, Julia Roberts faced criticism due to reports about her interactions on movie sets with fellow actors and directors. For instance, while filming ‘Hook’, she reportedly had disagreements with the director regarding creative aspects, which earned her the nickname “Tinkerhell” from the crew. Moreover, her high salary demands during the 1990s ignited discussions about wage disparities between genders in Hollywood.

Roberts’ private life faced scrutiny due to her romantic involvement with a married man during the production of ‘Closer’. Newspapers frequently reported on her engagements and breakups, portraying her as untrustworthy in relationships. Later, she spoke out about these matters in interviews, revealing how sensationalized media reporting had influenced her public persona.

22. Catherine Zeta-Jones

After marrying Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones encountered scrutiny from people who questioned the age gap between them and suspected her motives. Newspapers discussed potential prenuptial agreements and financial aspects, fueling perceptions that she was taking advantage of the situation. Additionally, criticism arose about her reduced acting roles following the wedding.

In 2011, Catherine Zeta-Jones faced criticism following her bipolar disorder diagnosis, with certain media outlets exaggerating details about her hospital stays. Her endorsements for luxury brands and lifestyle choices sparked allegations that she was disconnected from reality. She has openly shared the effects of these portrayals on her mental wellbeing in various public discussions.

21. Anne Heche

In the late ’90s, Anne Heche faced criticism following her high-profile relationship with Ellen DeGeneres, which some perceived as a publicity scheme. This partnership, coupled with their fame, raised concerns that Heche leveraged the romance to boost her career. Her memoir disclosed personal hardships, but critics saw it as an attempt to seek attention.

In the year 2000, a mental health crisis occurred with Jennifer Heche, which included unusual actions and hospitalizations. These incidents provided tabloids with material for stories depicting her as volatile. More recently, in 2022, she faced legal troubles due to a car accident that caused injuries and property damage to others. News outlets brought up her past struggles with substance abuse, reinforcing negative views about her.

20. Paris Hilton

In 2003, Paris Hilton faced extensive criticism following the leak of her personal video. Many people perceived her as intentionally pursuing notoriety through controversy. Later in 2007, she served jail time for driving with a suspended license, further fueling opinions that she was privileged and arrogant. Her reality show ‘The Simple Life’ depicted her as naive about everyday chores.

Hilton was criticized for displaying cultural insensitivity due to the use of racial slurs in previously uncovered videos. Her commercial endeavors, such as perfume brands, were often ridiculed as being shallow. Afterward, she disclosed her experiences with childhood abuse in a documentary; however, some people viewed this as an attempt to improve her public image.

19. Tyra Banks

On ‘America’s Next Top Model,’ Tyra Banks faced criticism from contestants who felt she fostered a challenging atmosphere. Ex-contestants claimed that tasks were designed to cause physical discomfort and emotional distress for the sake of increased ratings. Banks was the host from 2003 to 2015, and videos of her critiques gained popularity years later.

2020 saw banks encounter criticism while hosting ‘Dancing with the Stars’, as viewers expressed disapproval towards her interview style, which they perceived as self-focused. Additionally, allegations of budget austerity measures were made, such as serving fast food at events for staffers from her talk show. In response to some of these criticisms, she issued apologies, acknowledging that she had learned and grown from past errors.

18. Madonna

In the 1980s, Madonna drew criticism for her sexually suggestive music videos and performances, such as staging provocative acts during tours. This was particularly evident when religious organizations objected to her incorporation of Catholic symbols in ‘Like a Prayer’, resulting in calls for boycotts. The publication of her book ‘Sex’ in 1992 contained graphic content that many deemed offensive.

Madonna’s adoptions from Malawi in 2006 and 2009 sparked criticism that she was using her wealth to circumvent regulations. Critics also noted her public conflicts with other artists, such as commenting negatively on their work during interviews. More recently, some people have suggested that Madonna’s recent changes in appearance are an attempt to remain relevant. She has continued to produce music throughout this time.

17. Anne Hathaway

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I found myself at the receiving end of criticism during my 2013 Oscar campaign for ‘Les Misérables’. People deemed my enthusiasm as overly rehearsed and contrived. To be fair, I had co-hosted the Oscars in 2011, and it seems that my vibrant energy clashed with my partner’s more relaxed approach, garnering negative reviews. Moreover, tabloids branded me as pretentious based on my acceptance speeches.

Hathaway’s characters in movies such as ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ often portrayed her as stiff and formal, which resonated off-screen as well. In interviews, she spoke about the negative criticism, revealing its impact on her self-confidence. On social media, there was an increase in memes making fun of her behavior from that time period.

16. Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron faced criticism when she made comments about her co-stars during the filming of ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ in 2015, calling Tom Hardy difficult to work with. These remarks stirred up reports of tension on set that even caused production delays. Furthermore, Theron has publicly addressed Hollywood’s treatment of women, but some people found it ironic considering her own success in the industry.

In the years 2012 and 2015, Theron’s adoption procedures sparked discussions about single parenthood and race. She encountered criticism for bringing up her child as a transgender individual, with notable personalities questioning her choices. Her candid views on industry norms during interviews reportedly created distance from some of her colleagues.

15. Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart faced criticism in 2012 when her relationship with director Rupert Sanders emerged while she was dating Robert Pattinson from their work on the ‘Twilight’ series. This revelation sparked intense media attention and strong negative reactions from fans, which were further fueled by paparazzi photos. Her public apology was met with skepticism by many, who felt it seemed insincere.

Stewart’s reserved behavior on the red carpet, at times appearing uneasy, sparked accusations that she was unappreciative of her celebrity status. After transitioning to independent films in 2012, there were whispers that she turned her back on mainstream success. Later, when she publicly identified as queer, she faced further homophobic criticism.

14. Katherine Heigl

In simpler terms, Katherine Heigl faced criticism in 2008 when she chose not to be considered for an Emmy award for her work on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, claiming the scripts were poor. This was perceived as disrespectful by the writers, leading to a decrease in her character’s screen time. Additionally, Heigl publicly criticized the movie ‘Knocked Up’ as sexist, which strained her relationships with director Judd Apatow and her co-stars.

In my humble opinion, while working on movies such as ‘Life as We Know It’, I, as a reviewer, have learned that some of my choices, like requesting script adjustments and commanding higher compensation, were perhaps perceived as challenging by the producers. These decisions may have influenced my future casting opportunities. However, in later interviews, I chose to speak openly about this experience, suggesting that it was related to advocating for myself as a woman, an action that unfortunately seemed to impact my career trajectory within the industry.

13. Lea Michele

During the period from 2009 to 2015, Lea Michele faced criticism from her ‘Glee’ co-stars who alleged that she displayed bullying behavior. Samantha Ware spoke out about instances of microaggressions and threats on set. Other cast members corroborated these claims, revealing stories of exclusion and impolite remarks made by Lea Michele.

In 2020, Michele’s apology was given but was met with doubt, as some saw it as a mere show of remorse rather than genuine contrition. Fast forward to 2022, Michele took on the role in ‘Funny Girl’ on Broadway, which unfortunately brought back previous accusations from her fellow theatre actors. These reports indicated that she had a challenging demeanor during rehearsals, potentially fueling her controversial reputation.

12. Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez encountered criticism from staff due to perceived diva behavior such as requesting particular room temperatures and avoiding eye contact. With numerous high-profile relationships, like her multiple engagements with Ben Affleck, she has often been the target of tabloid ridicule. However, her 2024 documentary shed light on her personal hardships, which some viewers felt were overly self-focused.

Lopez’s businesses, including her beauty brand, have faced criticism due to expensive pricing and diversity concerns. Her co-stars from movies such as ‘Gigli’ spoke about creative disagreements. In various interviews, she clarified misconceptions about her work relationships, stating that the media often exaggerated or misrepresented them.

11. Angelina Jolie

In the year 2005, Angelina Jolie’s relationship with Brad Pitt, who was then married to Jennifer Aniston, ignited controversy. Many supporters found themselves aligning with Aniston, branding Jolie as a breaker of homes. Their divorce in 2016, which included custody disputes where Jolie alleged abuse by Pitt, further fueled public disagreement.

Jolie’s humanitarian efforts with the UN since 2001 have sparked criticism from some who view it as a means of enhancing her public image. Her adoption of children from various countries has ignited discussions regarding the impact on their cultural roots. Furthermore, she has taken legal action against several media outlets due to intrusive reporting on her family’s private life.

10. Kim Kardashian

After a sex tape featuring Kim Kardashian and Ray J was leaked in 2007, many people began to view her negatively, with some claiming she deliberately arranged it for the sake of fame. Her brief 72-day marriage to Kris Humphries in 2011 further strengthened this perception that her relationships were mere publicity ploys. Additionally, Kim’s successful mobile app and product lines brought in a substantial amount of money, but they faced allegations of being copied by others.

Criticism arose when Kardashian used her social media to advertise high-end products amidst widespread economic struggles. She faced backlash last year for carelessly damaging Marilyn Monroe’s dress from 2022. Some question the sincerity of her legal studies, which she started in 2019.

9. Gwyneth Paltrow

Since 2008, Gwyneth Paltrow has been subject to criticism due to promoting questionable health advice through Goop, such as the use of jade eggs for vaginal wellness. These claims have often been disputed by experts, leading to legal issues and fines for misleading advertising. Furthermore, her 2023 ski trial brought attention to her substantial wealth, with disclosures about private jet usage being among them.

Criticisms arose among working parents due to Paltrow’s remarks on motherhood and work-life balance, which some found offensive. Additionally, she faced backlash for selling costly items, such as scented candles with potentially controversial names. Her health regimens and strict routines, presented in interviews, were perceived by many as unrealistic and condescending.

8. Meghan Markle

Upon becoming part of the royal family in 2018, Meghan Markle faced criticism from the media for alleged breaches of protocol. Staff members also accused her of displaying bullying behavior during her tenure as a working royal. In her 2021 interview with Oprah, she revealed experiences of racism within the family, which further divided public opinion.

Markle’s experience as an actress on the show ‘Suits’ sparked accusations that she viewed royal life as a character she was portraying. Her post-2020 deals with Netflix and publishing houses received criticism for being exploitative. She has taken legal action against tabloids over privacy violations, successfully winning cases against invasive reporting.

7. Jada Pinkett Smith

Since its debut in 2018, Jada Pinkett Smith’s ‘Red Table Talk’ show has faced criticism, particularly for an episode where she talked about her relationship with August Alsina during a time when she and Will Smith were separated. Many viewers felt it was disrespectful towards him, while others accused Jada’s comments on marital dynamics of being toxic.

In simpler terms, Jada Pinkett Smith’s 2023 memoir sparked increased criticism due to prolonged separations within her family and other controversies such as her alopecia public struggles and the 2022 Oscars incident with her husband. Her outspoken nature on movie sets, notably during ‘Girls Trip’ production, also earned comments from fellow cast members.

6. Ellen DeGeneres

In the year 2020, Ellen DeGeneres encountered allegations regarding the creation of a hostile work environment on her talk show which aired from 2003 to 2022. Staff members claimed instances of bullying, discrimination based on race, and aggressive behavior by superiors. A series of tweets branded her as harsh, resulting in an internal probe being initiated by Warner Bros.

Ellen DeGeneres publicly apologized, yet audience numbers decreased significantly, ultimately resulting in the cancellation of the show. Previous guests shared anecdotes about chilly interactions off-set. Her ties with contentious personalities fueled criticism. She spoke about the repercussions on her career in stand-up acts.

5. Winona Ryder

In the early 21st century, I found myself at the center of a media storm, following an unfortunate event in 2001 where I was accused of shoplifting valuable merchandise from a high-end store in Beverly Hills. Valuing honesty above all, I admitted my guilt and faced felony charges, ultimately completing community service to make amends. Regrettably, this incident seemed to pause the forward momentum of my film career, temporarily overshadowing my work in critically acclaimed movies like ‘Girl, Interrupted’.

During Ryder’s trial, it was uncovered that she had problems related to prescription drugs, as prosecutors alleged she utilized pseudonyms for obtaining medications. The media, particularly tabloids, delved into her personal life, focusing on her high-profile relationship breakdowns. After resuming her acting career, she openly talked about the impact on her mental health in subsequent interviews.

4. Lori Loughlin

In 2019, Lori Loughlin encountered significant criticism due to her involvement in the college admissions scandal, where she paid $500,000 to secure spots for her daughters at USC under false pretenses as crew team recruits. She admitted guilt for conspiracy charges and spent two months behind bars. Subsequently, Loughlin paid fines and fulfilled community service requirements.

Loughlin’s actions denied a fair chance to deserving students, leading to widespread public indignation. Her acting comeback in 2021 on shows such as ‘When Hope Calls’ faced boycotts. In court, she expressed regret, admitting that she felt pressured to secure her children’s futures using unjust methods.

3. Felicity Huffman

In 2019, Felicity Huffman faced backlash for reportedly spending $15,000 to artificially boost her daughter’s SAT test scores as part of a college admission scam. She admitted guilt for fraudulent activities, spent 11 days in prison, paid restitution, and completed a period of supervised release.

Huffman’s unexpected involvement stirred controversy among her ‘Desperate Housewives’ fans, costing her several endorsement deals. She expressed concern about being perceived as a neglectful mother if she didn’t assist her child. The scandal underscored the issue of privilege in education, further fueling public disapproval of her actions.

2. Lindsay Lohan

Starting from 2007, Lindsay Lohan encountered significant public disapproval due to repeated legal troubles, including DUI arrests and charges for drug possession. She frequently breached her probation terms, resulting in jail time and rehabilitation. A shoplifting incident in 2011 involving a necklace led to house arrest and community service for Lohan.

Lindsay Lohan’s conduct on movie sets, such as ‘The Canyons’, was marked by lateness and disagreements with directors. Gossip magazines frequently reported about her nightlife exploits and domestic squabbles. In an attempt to evade public attention, she moved to Dubai in 2017; however, she still encountered legal troubles overseas.

1. Amber Heard

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’ve found myself following the high-profile 2022 defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard closely. The trial was sparked by an op-ed Heard penned in 2018 about domestic abuse, which seemed to have turned public opinion against her significantly. In a surprising turn of events, the court sided with Depp, mandating Heard to compensate him a staggering $10 million for damages. Throughout the trial, witnesses shared disturbing accounts of volatile episodes in their marriage.

The testimony provided by Heard was subjected to examination, prompting social media initiatives advocating for her dismissal from ‘Aquaman’. In 2015, she admitted to fabricating papers to illegally import dogs into Australia. Ongoing appeals and lawsuits have prolonged the legal dispute, further fueling public discord.

2025-09-03 17:03