14 Actors Whose Careers Crashed And Burned After These Awful Roles

Ever wonder what happened to those actors who seemed destined for stardom but suddenly vanished from the big screen? Hollywood is full of rags-to-riches stories, but for some, it's the reverse—a promising career, a breakout role, and then... crickets. 

The truth is, not every role is a golden ticket. Sometimes, it's the exact opposite—a career killer that leaves the audience cringing and the actor's phone ringing a lot less. 

In this post, we’re diving into the tales of 14 actors who took on roles that weren’t just a flop—they were a full-on career catastrophe. Whether it was the allure of a big paycheck, a misguided attempt to break typecasting, or just plain bad luck, these roles did more damage than a harsh review ever could.

Of course, Hollywood loves a good comeback story, and a few of these actors managed to claw their way back into the spotlight. But sadly, many weren’t as lucky. 

For some, that one disastrous role became the defining moment of their career, leading to a steady decline into obscurity. The harsh reality is that in Tinseltown, a single misstep can haunt an actor for years—or even forever.

So, grab some popcorn (or maybe a stiff drink) and join us as we explore the roles that took these stars from Hollywood's A-list to the "where-are-they-now?" list.

1. Elizabeth Berkley in "Showgirls"

NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

Elizabeth Berkley captured our hearts as Jessie, the sweet, straight-A student from Saved by the Bell. But when she swapped her wholesome image for the provocative NC-17 rated Showgirls, Hollywood wasn't ready. 

Psychologists highlight the importance of mentorship in the entertainment industry. Dr. Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist, suggests that positive relationships can dramatically influence an actor's resilience when facing career challenges. 'Having a support system helps actors navigate the ups and downs of their careers more effectively,' she explains.

Building connections with mentors who understand the industry can provide invaluable guidance and help actors refocus their paths after setbacks.

2. Sofia Coppola – The Godfather Part III (1990)

Paramount / Courtesy Everett Collection

Sofia Coppola’s acting career was over before it really began, thanks to her role in The Godfather Part III. She stepped in for Winona Ryder, who dropped out at the last minute, and faced intense criticism for her performance, which many felt nearly wrecked the film. 

3. Jaden Smith – After Earth (2013)

Claudette Barius/Sony Pictures / courtesy Everett Collection

Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, emphasizes how failure can be a crucial part of an actor's journey. He notes that 'failure is not the opposite of success, but part of success.' This perspective is vital for understanding why some actors disappear after a poorly received role.

Actors often face intense scrutiny, and a single misstep can lead to public backlash. Grant suggests that embracing failure as a learning opportunity can help actors rebound stronger, focusing on resilience and adaptability in their careers.

After charming audiences in The Pursuit of Happyness and The Karate Kid, Jaden Smith’s career took a nosedive with After Earth. The sci-fi flop, which earned a measly 12% on Rotten Tomatoes, was a disaster—and young Jaden bore the brunt of the backlash.

4. Mike Myers in "The Love Guru"

Universal / courtesy Everett Collection

Mike Myers was the king of comedy in the '90s and early 2000s, but even kings can be dethroned. After a series of hits, Myers hit a serious bump with The Love Guru, a film so poorly received that it essentially ended his career as a leading man. 

5. Dana Carvey in "Master of Disguise"

Columbia / courtesy Everett Collection

Dana Carvey, known for his impeccable impersonations on SNL, tried to take his talents to the big screen with Master of Disguise. 

Unfortunately, the film was a master class in failure, earning a staggering 1% on Rotten Tomatoes. Carvey claimed he stepped back from Hollywood to focus on his family, but many believe the flop played a significant part in his decision to step away from the spotlight. 

6. Alicia Silverstone in "Batman & Robin"

Warner Bros./ Courtesy: Everett Collection.

Therapists recommend that actors engage in self-reflection after a career setback. Dr. Susan David, a leading expert in emotional agility, advises that understanding one's emotional responses can help actors process their experiences effectively. She states, 'Emotional agility is key to navigating career challenges.' This means acknowledging feelings of disappointment and using that awareness to fuel personal growth.

By reframing setbacks as opportunities for learning, actors can better prepare themselves for future roles and reduce the likelihood of career stagnation.

Alicia Silverstone was at the top of her game after Clueless, but her role as Batgirl in Batman & Robin was a career killer. 

The movie bombed, earning her a Razzie, and Silverstone herself admitted that the experience left her disillusioned with Hollywood. The media’s focus on her weight didn’t help either. She stepped back from acting for a while and never quite returned to her former A-list status.

7. Taylor Lautner in "Abduction"

Bruce Talamon/Lions Gate / courtesy Everett Collection

Taylor Lautner seemed poised to capitalize on his Twilight fame, but Abduction swiftly put an end to that dream.

Critics likened his performance to that of a robot with no emotional range, and the film’s dismal 5% rating on Rotten Tomatoes didn’t help. The film’s failure, coupled with ‘Grown Ups 2’ being another Razzie contender, put a swift end to Lautner’s rise in Hollywood.

8. Rachael Leigh Cook in "Josie And The Pussycats"

Universal / courtesy Everett Collection

Rachael Leigh Cook was the darling of the late '90s thanks to She's All That, but her next big project, Josie And The Pussycats, was a commercial flop. 

Though it has since become a cult classic, Cook felt blacklisted in Hollywood. Her career shifted to TV and smaller projects, a far cry from the star power she once wielded.

9. Taylor Kitsch in "John Carter"

Frank Connor/Walt Disney Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

According to Dr. John McDougall, a physician and nutrition expert, the pressures of Hollywood can lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices for many actors. He notes that the stress of maintaining a public image can lead to poor mental and physical health, exacerbating career struggles. 'A balanced approach to health is essential,' McDougall stresses, advocating for self-care routines that keep actors grounded amidst the chaos of fame.

Implementing regular exercise and a nutritious diet can help mitigate stress and enhance an actor's performance longevity.

Taylor Kitsch was the next big thing after Friday Night Lights. Then came John Carter, one of the biggest box-office flops in history. 

The movie’s failure, compounded by the underwhelming Battleship, dashed any hopes Kitsch had of becoming a Hollywood A-lister. Though he continues to work, his days as a blockbuster star are behind him.

10. Paris Hilton in "The Hottie and the Nottie"

Warner Brothers / courtesy Everett Collection

Paris Hilton tried to prove she could be more than just a socialite, but all she did was solidify her Razzie-winning reputation.

Paris Hilton’s foray into acting was brief and disastrous. After House of Wax, which was panned but at least notable, she starred in The Hottie and the Nottie, a film that received a paltry 6% on Rotten Tomatoes. Hilton won a Razzie for Worst Actress, and her acting career was effectively over.

11. Shaquille O’Neal in "Steel"

Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

Shaq may be a basketball legend, but his film career was more of a free throw airball. 

After a Razzie-nominated performance in Blue Chips, Shaq's role in Steel (often called the worst superhero movie ever) was the final nail in the coffin. He eventually realized acting wasn’t his game and focused on other ventures.

12. Mariah Carey in Glitter

20th Century Fox / courtesy Everett Collection

Business expert Seth Godin emphasizes the importance of branding for actors. He notes that an actor's brand can either be strengthened or weakened by their choice of roles. 'The right role can amplify your brand, while the wrong one can dilute it,' Godin explains. This understanding encourages actors to be more selective about the projects they undertake.

To safeguard their careers, actors should assess how each role aligns with their personal values and long-term career goals, ensuring a strategic approach to their craft.

Mariah Carey tried to cross over from music to movies with Glitter, but the film was a colossal failure. 

Critics shredded her performance, and she even got dropped by her record label. Though she eventually rebounded in music, her acting career, however, never recovered.

13. Eddie Murphy – The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002)

Warner Brothers / courtesy Everett Collection

Eddie Murphy’s career took a major hit with The Adventures of Pluto Nash, one of the biggest flops in film history. 

Murphy managed to stay afloat thanks to his voice role in Shrek 2 and a critically acclaimed performance in Dreamgirls, for which he received an Academy Award nomination—but then came Norbit in 2007.

The film was savaged by critics, who saw it as a new low in his career. Roger Ebert famously called it a “slog through a swamp of poor taste.” He stepped back from acting for years after a series of flops in the 2000s.

14. Greta Garbo – Two-Faced Woman (1941)

Loew's, Inc./Courtesy Everett Collection

Greta Garbo was one of Hollywood’s golden era stars, but Two-Faced Woman became her last film.

Greta Garbo’s career came to an abrupt end with Two-Faced Woman, a film that was so poorly received it prompted Garbo to retire from acting altogether. Though she remains an iconic figure, this final role left a blemish on an otherwise stellar career.

Hollywood may be a place of dreams, but for these actors, it was also a place of harsh realities. These actors learned the hard way that sometimes, one bad role is all it takes to derail even the brightest of futures.

The road to success in Hollywood is fraught with challenges, and understanding these dynamics through expert insights can provide valuable perspective. As Dr. Adam Grant points out, embracing failure is essential for growth, while emotional agility, as highlighted by Dr. Susan David, empowers actors to navigate their feelings effectively. By focusing on their health and branding, actors can rejuvenate their careers after setbacks. Ultimately, the combination of self-reflection, mentorship, and strategic decision-making can pave the way for a comeback, allowing actors to reclaim their place in the spotlight.