6 Celebrities Who Got The Boot From Their High-Earning Gigs

The opinions of the public can often direct the actions of Hollywood executives. If an actor is viewed as "America's Sweetheart," it is likely that they will be a successful box office draw, making them an attractive hire for the decision-makers in the industry.

However, if a celebrity does something to offend the public, their popularity can drop drastically, costing them their high-paying jobs. It is no secret that the competition for successful acting parts is fierce, with many actors vying for the same roles; for this reason, it is surprising that any well-known person would take the risk of alienating their fans.

Actors often believe they are indispensable, feeling that their presence is essential to the success of a film or television show. This mentality can lead to an inflated sense of self-importance, causing actors to become difficult to work with or to demand unreasonable salaries.

However, the truth is that actors are not irreplaceable. In the entertainment industry, there is always someone else who can fulfill the same role, no matter how unique or specialized it may be.

Job security is a coveted asset not only in the entertainment industry but in many other fields. Though the salaries of Hollywood stars may be enviable, many celebrities have been dismissed from their high-paying and secure roles.

Here are six celebrities who have been fired from a once-stable gig. It just goes to show that celebrities' public personas can have a huge impact on their careers, both on and off the screen.

1. Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield's portrayal of Spider-Man was a darker version than what Tobey Maguire had done. When he started dating his co-star, Emma Stone, his fame increased.

Sony president Kaz Hirai was going to declare Andrew's return for the third movie at a Sony gala in Rio de Janeiro, but his absence from the event caused him to lose the role.

Getty Images

2. Alec Baldwin

The success of Alec Baldwin's 30 Rock led to the creation of his MSNBC show, Up Late With Alec Baldwin. However, after a street scuffle resulted in bad press, Baldwin was suspended for using a homophobic slur against a paparazzi photographer.

Although he was set to return to work, LGBT criticism of him increased, prompting him and the network to ultimately cancel the show.

Getty Images

3. Neal McDonough

Neal McDonough has been in the spotlight recently because of his refusal to film sex scenes with both Nicolette Sheridan and Virginia Madsen. The actor, who appeared in Desperate Housewives, was let go from the show after declining the scenes.

It is rumored that the production company offered him $1 million to accept the scenes, but he declined the offer. It is believed that McDonough's decision was influenced by his Catholicism and love for his family.

His stance has made an impact on the entertainment industry, showing that sex scenes are not always necessary.

Getty Images

4. Patrick Dempsey

People who are not part of the Hollywood scene often grumble about their jobs, but sometimes it is better to stay silent. This is particularly true when it involves disclosing a private conversation between a husband and wife.

Allegedly, Patrick Dempsey expressed that he was only acting in Grey's Anatomy for a steady salary. This did not sit well with the show's producers and writers, as they want the performers to have enthusiasm for their roles and talents.

Soon after these comments were made public, Dempsey's character was written off the show, leading many to wish he had remained silent.

Getty Images

5. Kevin Clash

If someone told you they wanted to be a puppeteer, you might be surprised, thinking this "dreamer" couldn't make a career with a puppet. While Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy have been popular characters, there isn't much space for new puppets.

Elmo, however, became a commercial success after joining the Sesame Street cast. When Kevin Clash, the voice of Elmo, was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, his fame only increased.

Sadly, things changed when three sexual abuse allegations were made against Clash, and since then, Elmo has not been the same.

Getty Images

6. Hank Williams, Jr.

At the 2011 CMA Awards, Hank Williams, Jr. made an appearance after the controversy that erupted when he compared Obama to Hitler on FOX & Friends. ESPN had already cut ties with him and removed his Monday Night Football entrance vocals, but Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley wrote a humorous monologue about the situation, which was received with laughter when performed.

Then, Hank Williams, Jr. joined them on stage at the end, in a song that seemed to forgive him for his words, blaming his mistake on the fact that many celebrities are known to drink and smoke. The underlying message was that it's okay to be wild and crazy, but you must never compare the President to Hitler.

Getty Images

The best way for actors to stay humble and level-headed is to remember that their roles can easily be filled by someone else. No matter how talented or popular an actor may be, there will always be someone else who can replace them if needed.

If actors focus on their craft and work hard to stay relevant and in demand, then they can remain successful for years to come. Keeping a balanced perspective and understanding that no one is irreplaceable will help actors achieve longevity in their careers.