Last weekend, I planned a girls’ night with my best friend to help her unwind after a recent breakup. I brought the ice cream and we wanted to stream movies that stood as today’s “Bridget Jones.” As we scrolled through options, it struck me how few of the old Hollywood stars we used to adore were gracing the screen anymore.
Curiosity led me to some digging, and I discovered a startling statistic: only 56% of previously famous actors continue to find work in films today. This revelation led me to research why some stars fade while newcomers rise to take their place.
In this blog, I will spotlight some of the top actors who no longer hold the spotlight in the industry, as well as the newcomers who are making waves. I’ll also delve into the reasons behind these shifts in fame and fortune. So, let’s get started!
The Decline of Once-Popular Hollywood Stars
These are some of the familiar faces you likely grew up watching on the big screen, but you may have noticed their presence in cinema is gradually diminishing:
Brendan Fraser
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Brendan Fraser is one of the Hollywood stars who are rarely mentioned in the top Hollywood industry anymore. He was once a household name for his roles in hits like “George of the Jungle” and the blockbuster “The Mummy” series—which grossed $416 million globally.
Fraser earned $4 million for his role in the first “Mummy” film and significantly more for the sequels. However, his trajectory changed after a distressing incident involving Phillip Berk, the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). In 2018, Fraser revealed that:
I have been sexually abused by Berk, an incident that has deeply affected me both personally and professionally. I became reclusive and depressed, suspecting that HFPA have blacklisted me.
This can be true as he stopped receiving invites to top events post-2003, like the Golden Globes. Despite these challenges, Fraser experienced a resurgence with a Golden Globe nomination for his role in Darren Aronofsky’s 2022 film, “The Whale,” signaling a potential comeback.
Nevertheless, since this acclaimed performance, he has yet to secure another major project, leaving fans and industry watchers pondering his next steps.
Katherine Heigl
Credit: GoodFon
Katherine Heigl’s rise to fame was meteoric, especially after she landed the role of Dr. Isobel Stevens in “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2005. The show became one of the highest-rated TV dramas, with 350.0 million viewers.
It also earned Heigl an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in 2007. Her success on “Grey’s Anatomy” led to leading roles in major films like “Knocked Up” and “27 Dresses,” the latter earning her a staggering $6 million—a testament to her then-booming career.
However, Heigl’s reputation took a hit after she withdrew from the Emmy nominations, criticizing the material she was given on “Grey’s Anatomy” as not worthy of an award. This move, perceived as ungrateful, coupled with reported tensions on set, began her decline in Hollywood.
Despite her attempts to maintain a film career with roles in movies like “The Ugly Truth” and “Life As We Know It,” negative media coverage and a series of box office disappointments overshadowed her earlier successes.
Recently, Heigl has attempted to return to television with shows like “State of Affairs” and “Doubt,” both short-lived, and a role in “Suits,” replacing Meghan Markle. Although these roles kept her in the public eye, they did not reclaim the acclaim or impact of her early career.
Cameron Diaz
Credit: GoodFon
Cameron Diaz, one of the leading Hollywood star females, is known for her charismatic roles in blockbusters like “Charlie’s Angels” and “The Mask.” She has decided to retire from acting, closing a chapter on a luminous career as she focuses on family life.
In 2023, Diaz announced her decision to step away from the film industry after completing her role in the Netflix action-comedy “Back in Action” alongside Jamie Foxx. At 50, she expressed a desire to dedicate more time to her daughter, Raddix, finding the demands of long filming days increasingly incompatible with her priorities as a mother.
Her retirement highlights a significant issue within Hollywood’s structure, where the demanding nature of the industry often forces women to choose between motherhood and maintaining a fulfilling career.
Hollywood Stars – The Newest Sensations!
Check out the newest Hollywood stars males and females, poised to take Hollywood by storm this year:
Kingsley Ben-Adir
Credits: The Hollywood Reporter
Kingsley Ben-Adir is swiftly emerging as the brightest Hollywood star. Recently, he captured the spotlight with his portrayal of Ken—or at least the basketball version of Ken—in last year’s highest-grossing film, Barbie.
Up next for the London-born actor is what might be his most prestigious role yet: he is set to embody reggae legend Bob Marley in the highly anticipated biopic Bob Marley: One Love. For this role, the 37-year-old actor immersed himself completely, mastering both singing and guitar playing to bring authenticity to his performance.
Audiences can look forward to seeing his transformative portrayal when the film hits theaters on Valentine’s Day.
Mike Faist
Credits: Betches
Mike Faist is making waves in Hollywood with his latest roles in sports drama Challengers. In the film, set to premiere on April 26, he is joining forces with Josh O’Connor as competing love interests vying for the affection of Zendaya’s character.
Faist, hailing from Ohio, is also gearing up for a significant role in the upcoming film The Bikeriders. This 2024 release delves into the lives of a fictional 1960s motorcycle club known as the Vandals, featuring an ensemble cast including Austin Butler and Tom Hardy.
Audiences can look forward to joining Faist and the crew on a thrilling ride when the movie races into theaters on June 21.
Druski
Credits: Forbes
You’ve undoubtedly encountered Druski’s expressive face across your social media feeds. Known for his viral videos and instantly recognizable reaction memes, Drew Desbordes, better known as Druski, first gained attention through his Instagram skits.
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These sketches paved the way for high-profile collaborations with artists like Jack Harlow, leading to appearances in music videos for stars including Lil Yachty and Drake.
This past year has been a monumental one for the 29-year-old comedian from Georgia. Druski embarked on the “Coulda Woulda Shoulda” comedy tour, delighting audiences nationwide with his unique brand of humor.
Beyond the stage, he launched the 4Lifers sports agency, marking a significant expansion of his career into new realms. Druski’s move into the sports management landscape not only diversifies his professional portfolio but also establishes him as a multifaceted entertainer.
Who’s Next to Fade Away? Predicting the Next Career Declines
Now that I have covered celebrities who are rising and falling from the Hollywood star list, let’s move toward who will get dethroned in the upcoming years.
Megan Fox
Credits: Flickr
Megan Fox became a Hollywood star with her role in Michael Bay’s 2007 blockbuster Transformers. She quickly became a favorite subject for men’s magazines and secured roles in both potential blockbusters like Jonah Hex and cult favorites like Jennifer’s Body.
However, her career trajectory took a downturn following a public feud with Bay, which spiraled after she made controversial comments comparing him to Hitler during a magazine interview. This rift reportedly led to her being dropped from the Transformers franchise.
He wants to become a Hitler on his sets, and he achieves it.
Despite attempts to rekindle her career with varied projects, Fox faced a series of box-office disappointments and critical flops that only solidified her declining status in Hollywood. Her attempts at a comeback have struggled against typecasting and public perception, further hampered by roles that often highlighted her looks over her acting prowess.
Fox’s recent work, including a minor travel series and sparse film roles, suggests a continued struggle to regain the A-list status she once held. Her situation reflects the broader industry challenges faced by actresses who find themselves navigating the precarious balance between personal expression and professional expectations.
Charlie Sheen
Credits: Flickr
Charlie Sheen’s journey in Hollywood has been one of the dramatic highs and significant lows. Once one of television’s highest-paid actors due to his role in “Two and a Half Men,” Sheen’s career has been overshadowed in more recent years by his off-screen behavior and health disclosures.
Sheen’s fall from Hollywood grace began notably in 2011 when his highly publicized disputes with “Two and a Half Men” creator Chuck Lorre led to his dismissal from the show. This was followed by a period of erratic behavior widely covered in the media.
In 2015, Sheen announced that he was HIV positive, having been diagnosed four years earlier. This disclosure added another layer to his already complex public persona and led to a mix of sympathy and further media frenzy.
His attempts at a comeback have been hindered by his controversial past and the significant shift in public perception towards celebrities with problematic behaviors, especially in the wake of movements like #MeToo.
During the #MeToo movement, Corey Feldman accused Sheen of sexually abusing his best friend Corey Haim on the set of “Lucas.” Sheen has denied all allegations, but it has greatly impacted his career. Recently, he tried to make a comeback with the TV series Ramble On, but the show was not a hit with fans.
Jeremy Renner
Credits: Flickr
Jeremy Renner, widely recognized for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and films like The Hurt Locker, has temporarily stepped back from acting due to a severe accident in January 2023, where a snowplow critically injured him.
This incident significantly impacted his ability to perform, putting a pause on his active and dynamic career. While he has been recovering throughout the year and sharing updates on his progress via social media, the recovery process has slowed his professional commitments.
While Renner is on the mend, his projects, including the anticipated Season 3 of Mayor of Kingstown, have experienced delays. As there’s no confirmed release date for the new season, fans might not see Renner return to his regular acting workload soon.
Final Reflections
Due to my extensive research, I have learned about various reasons why many Hollywood stars are no longer in the spotlight. I have uncovered the personal challenges actors face and the broader systemic issues within the industry.
This exploration has highlighted the significant working challenges and double standards that persist in Hollywood, affecting how careers are shaped and sometimes abruptly changed. These insights also shed light on the complexity of sustaining a job by showing resilience to navigate the highs and lows of being a Hollywood star.
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