Hollywood is the land of dreams, where stars are born, and legends are made. But in the case of a few, the bright lights went out very quickly. If some lived to enjoy their decades of fame, others had this rollercoaster ride of stardom within just a few years.
Taylor Kitsch
Taylor Kitsch was the golden boy of Hollywood when he did “Friday Night Lights.” Then came “John Carter” in 2012 and “Battleship” in 2012, both box office flops. Its career crashed quicker than it takes to utter the words “Hollywood flop.” Though he has resurfaced to do more minor roles, that A-list spotlight was a short-lived affair.
Brandon Routh
Brandon Routh went from relative obscurity to becoming an overnight star when he played Superman in “Superman Returns” in 2006. The role was preemptively hyped as one that indeed led to a starry career, but it proved disappointing. His climb up the Hollywood ladder did not last too long despite being a superhero. But Brandon Routh got his second wind in television, especially in the Arrowverse, as the Atom.
Amber Heard
Amber Heard appeared publicly in “Pineapple Express” in 2008 and “Zombieland” in 2009. Her prevalent marriage and subsequent legal altercations with Johnny Depp overwhelmed her film career. Even with her role in the very successful “Aquaman” in 2018, her presence in Hollywood has ultimately been both choppy and short-lived, with off-screen drama taking the focus away from her on-screen promise.
Mara Wilson
For many millennials, Mara Wilson is the face of childhood nostalgia with her starring roles in “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Matilda.” Charming and talented on screen, Wilson retired from film acting by thirteen. She also produces writing and speaking, but her short career in Hollywood remains highly iconic to those who grew up watching her.
Jennifer Grey
Jennifer Grey danced into our hearts with “Dirty Dancing” (1987). Her career should have skyrocketed, but it didn’t. A combination of typecasting and a nose job that altered her iconic look led to a brief stint in the limelight. Grey’s career took a turn for the ordinary rather quickly.
Chris Klein
Chris Klein found fame as the sweet jock in “American Pie” (1999). He seemed set for stardom, but his subsequent films failed to leave a mark. A string of forgettable roles and personal struggles left his career fizzling out quicker than a dud firework.
Luise Rainer
Luise Rainer quickly became the sensation of the 1930s: her dramatic turns electrified audiences in “The Great Ziegfeld” and “The Good Earth.” History was also made with her unprecedented first back-to-back Oscar wins. But pressures from studio control, as well as personal problems, brought her career to a halt. As such, her list of film credits is surprisingly short.
Elizabeth Berkley
Elizabeth Berkley jumped from “Saved by the Bell” to “Showgirls” in 1995 for the big leagues. The movie bombed spectacularly, and so did her career. Instead of catapulting her to the stardom, “Showgirls” marked the rapid descent of Berkley’s Hollywood journey.
Macaulay Culkin
Macaulay Culkin was the beloved child star of “Home Alone,” played in 1990 – appealed to everyone with his devils-in-the-details smile. Then, he just grew up. A decreasing number of roles were extended to him. Sadly, reunion attempts never seemed to reach the depth inherent in charm when he was a young boy, and his career simply became rockstardom.
Thora Birch
Thora Birch wowed audiences in “American Beauty” (1999) and “Ghost World” (2001). Her talent was undeniable, but behind-the-scenes conflicts and career missteps curtailed her rise. Despite a promising start, Birch’s Hollywood tenure was surprisingly short.
Sean Young
Sean Young starred in classics like “Blade Runner” (1982) and “No Way Out” (1987). Her career seemed destined for greatness, but off-screen antics and reputation issues led to a rapid decline. Hollywood quickly moved on, leaving Young’s star to fade prematurely.
Hayden Christensen
Hayden Christensen became famous as Anakin Skywalker in the “Star Wars” prequels. Despite the franchise’s success, his performances were heavily criticized. Post-“Star Wars,” his career never recovered, proving that even the Force couldn’t sustain his Hollywood journey.
Mischa Barton
Mischa Barton was the queen of teen drama in “The O.C.” (2003). She was poised for major stardom, but personal issues and poor role choices led to a swift career nosedive. Hollywood’s fickle nature saw her stardom flicker out almost as quickly as it began.
Actors Who Died on Set While Filming a Movie or TV Show
Their portrayals have the power to whisk us away to distant worlds, evoking profound admiration for their craft. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge that acting can come with its own set of hazards, and tragically, some actors have met untimely demises while in pursuit of their on-screen artistry.
Actors Who Died on Set While Filming a Movie or TV Show
11 Actors Who Suffered Unexpected Trauma After Filming a Movie
Prepare to be shocked as we uncover the harrowing tales of actors pushed to their mental and physical limits as they brought their characters to life.
11 Actors Who Suffered Unexpected Trauma After Filming a Movie