40+ Celebs Who Were Secretly Blacklisted from Hollywood
Hollywood is a tough place to build a career. Even famous actors and top-paid celebrities can lose their spotlight. Some stars who once made millions in movies and TV shows are no longer seen in the entertainment industry.
In this article, we’ll talk about well-known Hollywood celebrities who were pushed out of the industry. We’ll explore why their careers ended—whether it was because of bad decisions, low box office performance, public controversy, or new competition.
If you’re interested in celebrity net worth, failed careers, and what happens behind the scenes in Hollywood, keep reading. Learn why fame doesn’t always last, even for the rich and famous.
Carrie-Anne Moss
Carrie-Anne Moss is best remembered for her iconic role as Trinity in The Matrix movies. She even returned in The Matrix Resurrections, which brought back some attention to her career.
But outside of that, her Hollywood journey has been quiet. Besides a key role in Memento, most of her work has been smaller parts. While she may not be on the A-list anymore, some stars prefer staying out of the Hollywood spotlight.
Drake Bell
Drake Bell was once a top teen actor thanks to the hit show Drake & Josh on Nickelodeon. The show gave him global fame, but that fame didn’t last long after the series ended.
In recent years, his name has come up more due to legal troubles than acting roles. Sadly, his off-screen issues have kept him in the news far more than any film or TV work.
Megan Fox
Megan Fox rose to stardom with her role in the Transformers series, becoming a top celebrity almost overnight. Many thought she would become one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actresses.
However, after some tension with the movie’s director and time away from big projects, her career never hit that same high again. She still acts and stays in the media spotlight thanks to her fashion, relationships, and public image.
Jami Gertz
In the 1980s and 1990s, Jami Gertz starred in many well-known movies and shows. She was a familiar face in the golden era of film and had a strong fan base.
But after the 2000s, her roles became smaller, mostly in TV. While she may no longer be a top name, fans from the past still remember her fondly.
Taylor Kitsch
Taylor Kitsch once had a bright future in Hollywood. With leading roles in big movies, many thought he was the next breakout star. But when a few major films flopped at the box office, things started to go downhill.
Even though he’s still active in Hollywood, his career didn’t grow as expected. Still, he’s young and has time to make a strong return.
Sam Worthington
Sam Worthington became a global name after starring in Avatar, one of the highest-grossing movies in history.
While he is set to return in the upcoming Avatar sequels, his career didn’t take off as expected after the first film’s massive success. Although he has kept working, he never fully reached Hollywood’s A-list.
Phoebe Cates
Phoebe Cates is best remembered for her role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, especially a certain beach scene that became legendary.
She stepped away from acting in the early 1990s and focused on her family life. Younger audiences might not know her name, but she remains an icon of classic teen films.
Azealia Banks
Azealia Banks gained attention in the music world but never reached the superstar level many expected.
While she’s known for songs like “212,” her name is more often in the headlines due to controversial comments and celebrity feuds. She’s proof that staying relevant in music often takes more than talent.
Gemma Arterton
Gemma Arterton was once a rising Hollywood actress with roles in Quantum of Solace, Clash of the Titans, and Prince of Persia.
Though still working in films today, her fame has cooled compared to her early career. Still, she continues to take on meaningful roles in indie films and international projects.
Kate Bosworth
Kate Bosworth gained major attention in Superman Returns (2006), but after that, it became difficult for her to land big roles.
Although she has bounced back in recent years with steady acting work, the impact of the film’s mixed reviews slowed her rise to long-term stardom.
Minnie Driver
Minnie Driver had breakout roles in major films like Good Will Hunting, and for a moment, it looked like she was on the path to becoming an A-list actress.
While she’s maintained a stable acting career in both film and television, she never quite reached the mega-star status many predicted.
Cody Simpson
Cody Simpson once had pop stardom within reach. He was often compared to Justin Bieber early in his music career.
Despite the hype, Cody never reached that level of fame. His most talked-about moment in recent years was his relationship with Miley Cyrus. Today, he continues to pursue music and even competitive swimming.
Linda Fiorentino
Linda Fiorentino made a strong impact in the 1990s with her standout performance in Men in Black and the cult classic Dogma.
However, after 2009, she completely disappeared from Hollywood. Many fans wonder why she left, but it appears she chose to retire from acting and enjoy life away from the cameras.
Julia Ormond
Julia Ormond was expected to become a major star after her leading role in Sabrina (1995), a big-budget remake that drew lots of attention.
While she never became a top-tier celebrity, Julia has enjoyed a successful and steady acting career. She continues to work in film and TV, proving that fame isn’t the only measure of success in Hollywood.
Stacey Dash
Stacey Dash gained fame for her role in the hit teen comedy Clueless, a film that launched multiple acting careers.
Her attempt at a second career in political commentary—especially during her time at Fox News—backfired due to controversial remarks. While she still appears occasionally in media, her Hollywood star faded quickly.
Alex Pettyfer
Alex Pettyfer looked like a future leading man after roles in I Am Number Four and Magic Mike. But his career never reached the heights many expected.
Reports of behind-the-scenes difficulties and a reputation for arrogance may have slowed his momentum. Still in his 30s, he could make a comeback with the right role.
Ashley Greene
Ashley Greene rose to global fame as Alice Cullen in the blockbuster Twilight saga. Her role won her millions of fans.
However, like many stars from franchise films, she struggled to land major roles after the series ended. She’s still working in entertainment, but her stardom has dimmed.
Thora Birch
Thora Birch gained praise for her roles in American Beauty and Ghost World, where she starred alongside Scarlett Johansson.
While Johansson went on to become a Marvel superstar, Birch took a different route—stepping back from the spotlight and choosing low-key or independent projects. She’s also worked behind the camera in recent years.
Christina Milian
Christina Milian was one of the most popular music artists of the early 2000s. Her hits topped charts, and she was seen everywhere from music videos to red carpets.
But over time, her music career slowed, and she shifted more into acting. While she still works in TV and movies, her peak fame seems to be in the past.
Eric Bana
Eric Bana starred in Hulk (2003), but the film wasn’t a hit, and it didn’t launch his career the way many expected.
Since then, he’s taken roles in smaller films and international projects, but he hasn’t reached the level of fame that other Marvel stars have. The failure of Hulk may have set him back more than fans realized.
Jamie Lynn Spears
Jamie Lynn Spears was a rising teen star thanks to Zoey 101 and her connection to sister Britney Spears.
But after rumors of a surprise pregnancy at a young age, her Hollywood rise quickly ended. While she’s made occasional returns to acting and music, she never became the superstar many predicted.
Anne Heche
Anne Heche had big roles in the 1990s and seemed on track for major fame. She acted in movies like Six Days, Seven Nights and Donnie Brasco.
Though she continued working for many years, she never fully broke into A-list territory. Many viewers recognize her face, but not her name.
Emile Hirsch
Emile Hirsch earned praise for his performance in Into the Wild and was once considered a major young actor in Hollywood.
Over the last decade, however, his fame has cooled. While he’s still working, his name isn’t mentioned as much as it used to be.
John Cusack
John Cusack was one of the biggest names in Hollywood for years. With hits like Say Anything, High Fidelity, and 2012, he became a fan favorite.
But recently, he’s taken fewer roles and has mostly worked in smaller films or independent projects. Despite that, many believe he could still make a strong comeback.
Dakota Fanning
Dakota Fanning was one of the most successful child actors of her generation. She starred in War of the Worlds, Charlotte’s Web, and more.
As she grew older, the shift to adult roles has been challenging. Though she’s still acting and gaining critical praise, her career hasn’t reached the same popularity as during her childhood fame.
Edward Furlong
Edward Furlong made a huge impact in Terminator 2: Judgment Day as John Connor, one of the most iconic child roles in movie history.
But after that breakout role in 1991, his career took a downturn. Legal troubles and personal issues affected his ability to stay active in Hollywood.
Ray J.
Ray J is known in pop culture largely because of his connection to Kim Kardashian through a controversial video that went viral.
Though he has had a steady career in music and television, that moment has defined much of his fame. He’s stayed in the spotlight, but not for reasons many artists would prefer.
Shailene Woodley
Shailene Woodley seemed destined for stardom after roles in The Descendants and the Divergent series.
Despite her early success, she hasn’t reached the superstar level many expected. She still acts, but her name isn’t as big as it once was in Hollywood circles.
Steven Seagal
Steven Seagal was one of the top action stars from the late 1980s to early 1990s, with major films like Under Siege.
However, his career stalled due to numerous allegations, lawsuits, and negative press. His legacy is complicated, with more attention on his off-screen issues than his film work.
Sean Young
Sean Young gained early fame from Blade Runner (1982), a sci-fi classic still loved today.
Despite such an iconic start, she never managed to secure other leading roles at that level. She has worked consistently, but her biggest moment came very early in her career.
Fairuza Balk
Fairuza Balk became popular in the 1990s, starring in movies like The Craft and American History X.
Her unique screen presence made her a fan favorite—but her career slowed down as Hollywood moved on. She still acts occasionally but hasn’t returned to the same level of fame.
Jonathan Cheban
Jonathan Cheban became known as Kim Kardashian’s best friend and appeared often on Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
He tried launching his own reality ventures, but nothing stuck. Without the Kardashian connection, his name rarely makes headlines.
Frankie J. Grande
Frankie J. Grande, half-brother of pop superstar Ariana Grande, has tried to build his own entertainment career.
He’s appeared on reality shows and social media, but his fame mostly stems from his family name. Without Ariana, many might not know who he is.
Dean Cain
Dean Cain played Superman in the hit series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman from 1993 to 1997.
Despite having a long acting résumé, Cain never became a global star. He’s had a solid career, but his time as Superman remains his biggest moment.
Kevin Jonas
Kevin Jonas became a household name as one-third of the Jonas Brothers. When the group split, Kevin tried to branch out, but his solo career didn’t take off.
Since the band reunited in 2019, he’s been back in the spotlight—but mostly as part of the group. He’s living proof that not every star is meant to go solo—and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Mischa Barton
Mischa Barton became a teen icon thanks to her lead role in The O.C., a hit drama that helped define 2000s television.
After leaving the show, fans expected her to become a major Hollywood star. But her career never reached that next level, despite working steadily in smaller projects.
Mickey Rourke
Mickey Rourke once had one of the most unique careers in Hollywood, rising to fame in the 80s and making a big comeback in The Wrestler (2008).
Despite his talent, he’s never stayed in the mainstream for long. His later career includes smaller roles, and it seems like the era of big-budget Rourke films may be over.
Chad Michael Murray
Chad Michael Murray was a major heartthrob in the early 2000s thanks to One Tree Hill and several teen movies.
These days, he’s mainly seen in Hallmark films and lower-profile projects. He still works—but that big-screen buzz he once had is long gone.
Haley Joel Osment
Haley Joel Osment became a child star legend with his performance in The Sixth Sense, earning an Oscar nomination.
But after that, his career never quite lived up to expectations. He still acts today, but most people still remember him as the kid who “saw dead people.”
Taylor Lautner
Taylor Lautner rose to global stardom as Jacob Black in the Twilight movie series. For a while, he was one of the most famous young actors in the world.
Since then, he’s largely disappeared from Hollywood. He hasn’t acted in a major project in years, and fans often wonder where he went.