Iconic TV and Movie Roles That Utterly Derailed Actresses and Actors' Careers

It is not uncommon for an actor to have a career that is dramatically impacted by a single role, either positively or negatively. Here we explore some of the iconic TV and movie roles that utterly derailed the careers of famous actresses and actors.

1. Dan Aykroyd and “Nothing but Trouble”

Remember the iconic comedic flair that Dan Aykroyd brought to films like The Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters in the 1980s? Aykroyd seemed unstoppable, but then, his career took quite the hit with his involvement in the 1991 film “Nothing but Trouble.” This movie was a massive disappointment and box office failure. Aykroyd directed, wrote, and starred in the film, which he hoped would be his next big break. However, the film flopped, leaving a lasting negative impression on his career. Despite his earlier successes, “Nothing but Trouble” made it difficult for people to look past the failure.

2. Wil Wheaton and “Wesley Crusher”

Wil Wheaton, known for his iconic performance in “Stand by Me,” was offered the role of Wesley Crusher in the television series that served as a sequel to the original “Star Trek” series. This decision, however, did not go well. It is a testament to the unpredictable nature of casting in the entertainment industry that a character from the beloved “Star Trek” series could ultimately harm an actor's career. This experience might have been particularly tough for Wheaton, who had already established himself in the acting world.

3. Adam West and the Television Series “Batman”

Adam West’s career was significantly impacted by his portrayal of the iconic superhero in the 1960s television series “Batman.” The role, while beloved by fans, limited his opportunities in subsequent roles. Many casting directors were hesitant to consider him for other parts, leading him to take on the character of a washed-up actor who used to be a superhero in various projects. This illustrates the shadow that early iconic roles can cast over an actor's career, often leading to typecasting.

4. George Reeves, George Takei, William Shatner, and Leonard Nimoy

The original cast of the hugely popular 1950s television series “Adventures of Superman” had a bittersweet legacy. George Reeves, the actor who played Superman, struggled to find work in serious roles after the show ended. Tragically, he took his own life at the age of 45, leaving a legacy of despair. In contrast, other cast members from the original “Star Trek” series faced similar challenges. George Takei, William Shatner, and Leonard Nimoy largely relied on their “Star Trek” success for their fame. Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill had some success outside “Star Wars,” but the majority of the other actors involved in the franchise faced career stagnation.

5. Michael Myers and “The Love Guru”

Michael Myers is best known for his terrifying portrayal in the “Halloween” franchise. However, his career took a significant hit with the poorly received film “The Love Guru,” which was intended to be a career revival for him. Despite a string of successful films in the 1990s, this role left a lasting negative impact on his career.

6. Brendan Fraser and “Looney Tunes: Back in Action”

Brendan Fraser, a rising star in the late 1990s, faced a career setback with the release of “Looney Tunes: Back in Action.” This animated film was a critical and commercial failure, leaving a lasting negative impact on his career and the films of his co-stars.

7. Sam Worthington and “Wrath of the Titans”

Sam Worthington had been gaining popularity post-“Terminator Salvation” and “Avatar,” but his role in “Wrath of the Titans” was a turning point. Despite the critical and commercial failure of this film, it significantly impacted his acting career, leading to a period of career stagnation.

8. Jennifer Lawrence and “Passengers,” “Red Sparrow,” and “Mother”

One of the brightest stars of the 2010s, Jennifer Lawrence, faced a series of box office and critical failures with “Passengers,” “Red Sparrow,” and “Mother.” These misfires led to a significant setback in her career, which she had hoped would remain on track after her Oscar win and box office successes.

These examples highlight the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. While some roles can boost an actor's career to new heights, others can have a devastating impact, often leading to career derailment. It serves as a reminder to both actors and filmmakers of the importance of choosing projects wisely and not banking too heavily on a single role to define a career.