Val Kilmer was Hollywood royalty in the late ’80s and ’90s—Top Gun’s Iceman, Jim Morrison in The Doors, Batman in Batman Forever. But behind the scenes, his fiery temperament and uncompromising nature alienated directors and studios. His refusal to cooperate led to lost roles and a faded career. Kilmer’s story shows that in Hollywood, talent alone isn’t enough; obedience often rules.

Shaun Young captivated audiences as Rachel in Blade Runner and seemed destined for greatness. But her outspoken nature and relentless pursuit of roles—like campaigning for Catwoman in Batman Returns—led to ridicule and blacklisting. Hollywood labeled her “unstable,” and her career dwindled, proving ambition can be a double-edged sword.

Robert Blake’s decades-long career ended in tragedy when his wife was found murdered. Though acquitted, the scandal destroyed his reputation. Once a respected actor, Blake faded into obscurity, remembered more for controversy than craft.

Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle was an early Hollywood superstar, beloved for slapstick comedy and launching careers like Buster Keaton’s. But a scandal involving the death of Virginia Rappe in 1921 ended his career. Despite acquittal, studios banned him, erasing his legacy. Arbuckle’s fall remains a stark example of how public opinion and studio fear can destroy even the brightest stars.

Tippi Hedren, Hitchcock’s muse in The Birds, suffered harassment and career sabotage at his hands. After rejecting his advances, Hitchcock used his power to blacklist her from major roles. Her story is a chilling reminder of abuse of power in Hollywood’s golden age.

Jean Seberg rose as the face of the French New Wave, starring in Breathless. But her support of the Black Panther Party drew FBI harassment and smear campaigns that devastated her career. She died by suicide in 1979, a victim of political persecution and Hollywood’s silence.

Amanda Bines was a beloved child star who burned bright on Nickelodeon and in films like She’s the Man. But personal struggles and public breakdowns led to a rapid fall from grace. Hollywood moved on, leaving her to quietly retire. Her story highlights the brutal pressures child stars face.

Shia LaBeouf’s rise from Disney to blockbuster fame was undone by public outbursts, legal troubles, and abuse allegations. Once a promising actor, he became a cautionary tale of self-destruction and how Hollywood shuns chaos.

Thora Birch showed immense promise with films like American Beauty but was hampered by a difficult relationship with her controlling father-manager. Despite talent, her career stalled, illustrating how personal circumstances can derail success.

Cory Feldman was a beloved ’80s child star who bravely spoke out about abuse in Hollywood. Instead of support, he faced stigma and career decline. His story exposes the dark underbelly of the industry’s protection of predators.

Taylor Momsen transitioned from Gossip Girl star to rock musician, walking away from Hollywood amid clashes and rebellion. Her career shift shows how the system abandons those who don’t conform.

Randy Quaid’s career unraveled amid bizarre behavior, arrests, and conspiracy claims. Once respected, he became a pariah, illustrating how quickly Hollywood can turn on its own.

Katherine Heigl rose to fame on Grey’s Anatomy and in rom-coms but alienated studios by speaking out about sexism and poor writing. The backlash cost her major roles, a warning about Hollywood’s intolerance for dissent.

Isaiah Washington’s use of a homophobic slur led to his firing from Grey’s Anatomy and a stalled career, showing how one misstep can end a promising trajectory.

Terrence Howard’s Marvel role ended amid pay disputes and alleged behavior issues, costing him a place in one of Hollywood’s biggest franchises. His story is a lesson in how ego and contracts can derail opportunity.

Ashley Judd’s accusations against Harvey Weinstein led to blacklisting despite her talent. She became a MeToo icon but paid a heavy price for speaking truth to power.

Brendan Fraser’s disappearance from Hollywood was due to sexual assault by a powerful executive and physical injuries from stunt work. His recent comeback underscores resilience amid industry retaliation.

Tui Trang’s groundbreaking role as the Yellow Ranger was followed by typecasting and limited opportunities. Her tragic death at 27 highlights Hollywood’s failure to sustain diverse talent.

Judy Garland’s iconic career was marred by studio abuse, addiction, and personal tragedy. MGM’s harsh treatment led to her early death, symbolizing the dream factory’s destructive side.

Brittany Murphy’s promising career ended with a mysterious death amid rumors of drug use and industry blacklisting, a haunting reminder of Hollywood’s cruelty.

OJ Simpson’s athletic and acting fame collapsed after his infamous murder trial. Despite acquittal, Hollywood shunned him, marking one of the most notorious falls from grace.

Anita Ekberg’s stunning beauty in La Dolce Vita couldn’t shield her from typecasting and fading fame. She died largely forgotten, a symbol of Hollywood’s disposability.

Clara Bow, the original “It Girl,” was crushed by rumors and the transition to sound films. Her decline reflects Hollywood’s harsh treatment of women ahead of their time.

Hedy Lamarr, celebrated for beauty and brains, invented technology foundational to Wi-Fi but was ignored by Hollywood and history for decades.

Amber Heard’s public divorce and abuse allegations against Johnny Depp led to a vicious media battle and career setbacks, showing how private life can eclipse talent.

Armie Hammer’s career imploded amid disturbing leaked messages and abuse allegations, leading to swift industry exile.

Ezra Miller’s erratic behavior and legal troubles tarnished a promising career as The Flash, showing how unpredictability can become a liability.

Ansel Elgort’s sexual misconduct allegations stalled a rising star’s momentum, illustrating the power of social media accusations.

James Franco’s MeToo-era allegations led to lawsuits and industry ostracism, a stark example of the movement’s impact on Hollywood.

Will Smith’s 2022 Oscars slap shocked the world, leading to resignation and bans. His fall from grace happened live, a cautionary tale about the fragility of reputation.