Lights, Camera, Tantrums! Unmasking Hollywood’s 14 Most Notorious Actors Who Made Set Life a Nightmare

“Chevy Chase” by Alan Light is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Hollywood actors are masters of deception, aren’t they? The characters they portray on camera often differ wildly from their real-life personas. While die-hard fans would do anything to hang out or even have a date with them, it’s often shocking to discover how these stars behave off-screen. Forget the dazzling smiles and charismatic interviews – sometimes, behind the scenes, it’s a whole different story.

You’d think that working on a major motion picture as a leading actor would instill some sense of humility and humanity, especially given that you’re in a position most people could only dream of. Sadly, as we’re about to find out, it doesn’t always work that way. The glitz and glamour of Tinseltown can sometimes breed egos so colossal they overshadow the biggest blockbusters, making the collaborative art of filmmaking a truly Herculean task.

Indeed, actors and actresses are capable of being as brash, arrogant, selfish, and rude as anybody else out there, if not more so, amplified by their fame. Their feelings of entitlement can transform a film set into a living hell for the rest of the cast and crew, who are simply trying to do their best. So, buckle up, because we’re about to take a wild ride through some of the most notorious Hollywood stars who were truly a nightmare to work with.

1. **Marlon Brando**Ah, Marlon Brando. The man, the myth, the legend… and arguably the most difficult actor to ever grace the silver screen. He’s not only proven himself as one of the greatest actors of all time but also holds the undisputed title for being the most difficult to work with. Talk about leaving a lasting legacy on both ends of the spectrum!

Brando was notorious for ignoring direction, which, as you can imagine, is a filmmaker’s worst nightmare. He wouldn’t even memorize his lines, preferring instead to just wing it during filming. Can you imagine showing up to set not knowing your dialogue, especially when you’re Marlon Brando? Well, he sure did, often resorting to cue cards placed strategically off-camera or even wearing an earpiece for prompts.

His list of antics didn’t stop there. Brando was famous for insanely high salary demands in exchange for what some might call ‘little work.’ Other antics included not wearing pants on the set and insisting the director shoot above his waist. This kind of behavior, while frustrating for the filmmakers, often became part of the Brando legend, showcasing his unique approach to the craft and the industry.

Despite being utterly unbearable and extremely demanding, Brando is forever remembered as the greatest actor of all time. His deeply methodical approach to acting, even if it alienated many when the cameras weren’t rolling, clearly worked. He was known for staying in character both on-screen and off-screen, an act that may have cost him his reputation but made him the first true practitioner of method acting, a technique now used by many of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

2. **Joan Crawford**While some actors are blatantly difficult, there are others who are much more subtle, and perhaps no one played that role better than Joan Crawford. An undeniably beautiful woman, Crawford gained a reputation throughout Hollywood for using her body and manipulative tactics to control others. She was a master manipulator, sparking problems with cast members by reportedly sleeping around with fellow actors and directors.

Her most notorious feud? That would be with Bette Davis. This intense hatred, arguably the most famous rivalry in Hollywood history, saw both women reciprocate loathsome sentiments. Keeping to character, the beef reportedly developed after Crawford ‘stole Bette’s love, Franchot Tone.’ It’s an unwritten rule to keep your hands away from what’s not yours, but Crawford clearly never played by the rules.

The passive-aggressive warfare and power plays Joan engaged in were legendary. She wasn’t just difficult; she was strategically difficult, weaving a web of personal drama that extended far beyond the script. Her personal life, filled with controversies and calculated moves, often overshadowed her considerable talent, creating a volatile atmosphere for anyone unfortunate enough to be in her orbit.

Crawford’s story is a fascinating look into the darker side of old Hollywood, where personal rivalries and manipulative behavior were sometimes as much a part of the industry as the films themselves. Her subtle brand of difficulty might not have involved explosive temper tantrums, but it was arguably just as, if not more, destructive to the collaborative spirit of a film set.

“Chevy Chase at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival” by David Shankbone is licensed under CC BY 3.0

3. **Chevy Chase**Who hasn’t Chevy Chase managed to tick off? Kindly regarded as perhaps the biggest grump in Hollywood, Chase has been described as an indefensible, cruelly vicious put-down artist. His difficult behavior started as early as his ‘SNL’ days, where he was busy burning bridges with legends like John Belushi, Bill Murray, and the writers. It seems no one was safe from his acerbic wit, or rather, his plain meanness.

He’s talked serious smack about most big names in the industry. Some notables include Will Ferrell, Howard Stern, Kevin Smith, and Bill Maher, among many others. It’s almost as if he makes a hobby out of alienating his peers. This consistent pattern of negativity has undoubtedly colored his relationships and reputation in Hollywood, making him a challenging presence wherever he goes.

Most recently, Chase managed to destroy one of the few good things he had going with the instant cult classic show ‘Community.’ While still a cast member, he heavily criticized the series and its showrunner, leading to extreme on-set tensions. He was also known for extremely offensive on-set tirades, cementing his reputation as a genuinely unpleasant individual to work with.

It’s no wonder, then, that Chase is likely a man with few friends left in an industry built on connections and camaraderie. His legendary grumpiness and propensity for insulting anyone within earshot have made him a cautionary tale of how not to behave in Hollywood, reminding everyone that talent alone isn’t enough to sustain a career if you’re constantly making enemies.

4. **Lindsay Lohan**Everyone’s favorite adorable actress from ‘Mean Girls’ struggled significantly with substance abuse and mental health for some time, though fortunately, she has reportedly turned things around since those tumultuous days. Back then, her partying and lavish lifestyle often resulted in ‘Lilo’ being late for work, or worse, too hung over to concentrate effectively on set.

On top of her tardiness and lack of focus, she reportedly racked up huge hotel bills and made unreasonable demands to directors, making an already demanding job even more strenuous for those around her. Her unpredictable mood swings and general unreliability made her a constant source of stress for production teams trying to keep a tight schedule and budget.

Paul Schrader, the director of ‘The Canyons,’ famously called her attitude ‘unspeakable.’ He also heavily criticized the actress—who was also a producer and part-owner on the project—for failing to promote their film when it premiered at the Venice Film Festival. This lack of professionalism, even when she had a stake in the project, spoke volumes about her priorities at the time.

As of late, Lohan hardly finds any long-term work for herself, and is more famous for her fights, drug abuse, arrests, and delayed shoots than her acting prowess. Once a leading star, Lohan was reduced to minor roles and cameos, with her attitude largely to blame. The road looked dark for the actress indeed, a stark reminder of how personal struggles can derail a promising career in the blink of an eye.

5. **Val Kilmer**Val Kilmer’s roots of being difficult to work with go way back—believe it or not, the actor furiously stormed out of the set of his first job, a hamburger commercial, when he was just 12 years old! It seems his fiery temperament was an early bloomer, setting the stage for a career filled with similar incidents and earning him quite the reputation.

Despite being one of the biggest names in Hollywood, it seems nearly every director he’s worked with has something less than stellar to say about him. Joel Schumacher, who directed Kilmer in ‘Batman Forever,’ had particular trouble, calling his behavior towards a crew member ‘rude, childish, and inappropriate.’ Kilmer reportedly fought with camera operators and the wardrobe department on set, creating a tense atmosphere for everyone involved.

Similar comments were made by Richard Stanley, a director who worked on ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau,’ who bluntly claimed that ‘Val would arrive, and an argument would happen.’ This consistent pattern suggests a deep-seated issue with collaboration and respecting boundaries on a professional set. His reputation for being combative preceded him, making many hesitant to collaborate.

His frequent clashes with director Joel Schumacher during the shoot of ‘Batman Forever’ eventually led to Kilmer not being called to reprise the role of Batman for the sequel. It’s a significant consequence for a major role, and it’s clear his on-set persona had tangible career repercussions. He has rightfully earned the nickname of ‘Psycho Kilmer’ in the business, a testament to his unpredictable and challenging nature.

6. **Mike Myers**Pick your jaw up off the floor! We weren’t expecting it either, but apparently this funnyman is not nearly as fun as his characters. The ‘Austin Powers’ star has been constantly called ‘moody and temperamental,’ shattering any illusions we might have had about him being a perpetually jovial presence.

Many complain about the degree of control Mike Myers feels he should be able to exhibit over the cast and crew. It seems he doesn’t just want to act; he wants to run the whole show. This need for absolute control often clashes with the collaborative nature of filmmaking, leading to friction and frustration for everyone involved.

His list of bizarre demands and outbursts is quite extensive. The actor once walked off the set of ‘Wayne’s World’ because there was no margarine in his bagel. Yes, you read that right – margarine, not butter. And rumor has it that he even had a crewmember fired for simply looking him in the eyes on a particularly bad day. Many executives in the industry have simply refused to work with him again, which speaks volumes.

Perhaps his biggest fiasco was when he kept refusing to shoot the ‘Saturday Night Live’ film adaptation during its mid-production because he didn’t like the script. The ironic twist? The script was written by Myers himself! He was sued for costing millions of dollars, with the lawsuit stating he practiced ‘breaking his promises, betraying the trust of others and causing serious damage to those with whom he deals through selfish, egomaniacal and irresponsible conduct.’ Ouch.

7. **Sean Penn**When it came out in early 2016 that infamous Mexican Drug Lord El Chapo met and interviewed with actor Sean Penn, the most reasonable question asked by the public was: why? What qualifications does Penn have for such a risky endeavor? While known as a great actor, he is also equally famous for being incredibly rude and an overall jerk, traits that sometimes make his real-life antics more compelling than his film roles.

We’ll skip all the allegations of domestic abuse and just focus on his very real identity as a nightmare to work with. Allegedly hostile and intimidating, he’s not someone you want to share the screen with if you value a harmonious working environment. His intensity, while lauded in his performances, often spills over into his professional interactions in less than desirable ways.

Penn’s reputation for being difficult is not just about his political or personal stances; it’s about his on-set demeanor. He brings a certain gravitas to his roles, but also a challenging presence that can make collaboration fraught. Many co-stars and crew members have reportedly found his approach confrontational and his demands unreasonable, creating a stressful atmosphere.

His public persona, marked by a gruff and unapproachable attitude, seems to be an extension of his professional one. It’s a testament to his undeniable talent that he continues to land significant roles, despite a widespread understanding that working with Sean Penn might require a significant amount of patience, thick skin, and perhaps a strong desire to simply get the job done without too much personal interaction.

Now that we’ve delved into the legendary antics of some of Hollywood’s most notorious personalities, you might be thinking, “Surely, that’s all of them!” But hold onto your popcorn, because Tinseltown has a seemingly endless supply of stars who’ve made headlines not just for their talent, but for making life incredibly challenging for those around them. We’re about to pull back the curtain on seven more actors whose behind-the-scenes dramas, diva demands, and explosive temperaments transformed film sets into personal battlegrounds. Let’s get to it!

“Bruce Willis 1989” by Alan Light is licensed under CC BY 2.0

8. **Bruce Willis**Just take a look at the stoic tough man that is Bruce Willis. Does that seem like a fun guy to be around? Well, according to director Kevin Smith, who famously worked with Willis on “Cop Out,” he is actually a NIGHTMARE to work with. Smith even called his experience working with Willis “soul crushing,” and he’s certainly not alone, as many other directors have complained about Willis’ unwarranted and misguided input regarding their directing style. His real-life persona apparently leans more towards action than comedy, which often translated to a tense atmosphere on set.

His difficult behavior wasn’t just limited to film sets. During the promotion for “Cop Out,” Willis refused to stand with director Kevin Smith, a clear sign of the friction between them. This public display of discord only reinforced the rumors about his challenging nature, making it clear that his difficult demeanor wasn’t something he left behind when the cameras stopped rolling.

Beyond his on-set dynamics, Willis’s contractual negotiations also gained notoriety. He was particularly tough during his discussions for the “Expendables” franchise, leading to him not appearing in the third installment. This prompted none other than Sylvester Stallone, his co-star, to take to Twitter to vent his frustrations, calling Willis “greedy and lazy” and his attitude “a sure formula for career failure.”

It’s clear that Bruce Willis’s tough-guy image wasn’t just for the cameras; it extended into his professional dealings, creating a reputation for being demanding and difficult to collaborate with. While his talent is undeniable, his off-screen antics often overshadowed his on-screen achievements, making him a truly challenging figure in Hollywood.

9. **Christian Bale**Christian Bale is renowned for his intense dedication to his craft, a trait that has cemented his status as a Hollywood mega-star. However, this same intensity often spills over into his professional interactions, making him an incredibly difficult co-worker. Who could forget that eye-opening audio recording that came out publicly in 2009, exposing an incident that left many in shock?

The grainy 2008 recording captured an incident on the set of “Terminator Salvation,” where Bale absolutely blew up on the film’s Director of Photography, Shane Hurlbut, for merely walking into his line of vision during a scene. The recording is incredibly disturbing to hear, as Bale unleashed a vicious and unwarranted tirade on Hurlbut, showcasing a volcanic temper that startled many in the industry.

It’s not just his volatile temper that makes Bale hard to work with, though. He’s a method actor, meaning he fully invests himself in his characters to an extreme degree. So, when you work with Bale, you don’t just get his craziness, you reportedly get the craziness of his characters too, blurring the lines between actor and role and often creating a challenging environment for those around him.

Adding another layer to his complex personality, Bale’s publicist, Harrison Cheung, revealed that the actor suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. Cheung even penned a book about their experiences with a very interesting title: “The Inside Story of the Darkest Batman.” This insight perhaps offers a glimpse into the pressures and internal struggles that might contribute to his often-challenging on-set demeanor.

10. **Lea Michele**Don’t sit there and assume the cast of “Glee” reflected its show’s name when the cameras weren’t rolling. Rather, Lea Michele, who famously played one of the singing stars, Rachel Berry, apparently took on the cutthroat mentality of a real high school diva when it came to her behavior on set. According to numerous reports, Michele was notoriously rude to almost everyone involved with production.

Cast and crew members alike claimed Michele made them stand around and wait extensively until she was ready to begin shooting, displaying a significant lack of respect for others’ time and the tight schedules of a television production. Furthermore, crewmembers also alleged that Michele refused to speak to junior members of the “Glee” staff, creating a hierarchical and unpleasant working environment.

The allegations against Michele reached a peak in 2020 when her “Glee” co-star Samantha Ware spoke out, stating that Michele made her first television gig a “living hell.” Ware described repeated instances of traumatic microaggressions towards the black actress, painting a picture of a set where Michele’s behavior went far beyond mere difficulty, creating a toxic and damaging atmosphere for her colleagues.

These revelations cast a dark shadow over her otherwise successful run on “Glee,” highlighting how an actor’s off-screen conduct can profoundly impact the well-being of an entire production. It serves as a stark reminder that talent alone doesn’t guarantee a harmonious workplace.

11. **Katherine Heigl**Katherine Heigl clearly hasn’t heard the expression “don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” as that is exactly what she seems to do on a regular basis. After breaking into the mainstream with the hit comedy “Knocked Up,” Heigl went on record saying that she thought the movie was “a little sexist” and had a hard time enjoying it. The problem with that, of course, is that she made these criticisms *after* she had already filmed the movie and received her paycheck – a move that certainly didn’t endear her to the filmmakers or studio.

Her outspoken criticisms weren’t limited to just one project. Heigl wasn’t a fan of “Grey’s Anatomy”’s writing either, and she famously decided not to accept her possible Emmy Award victory for the show because she felt its writing was weak. Such public disavowals of the projects that made her a household name undoubtedly raised eyebrows and created significant tension behind the scenes.

Beyond her public comments, Heigl supposedly annoyed coworkers on a daily basis due to a litany of grievances, including wardrobe complaints and constant script criticisms. Reports also detail “rude behavior, refusal to come out of her trailer, spending too much time on makeup, high salary demands, and insisting on changing the script,” all contributing to a reputation as an extremely challenging presence.

Due to this consistent pattern of difficult behavior and vocal dissatisfaction, the actress has found her once-promising career in a declining state. Her story serves as a cautionary tale that in Hollywood, maintaining positive professional relationships and a cooperative attitude can be just as crucial as acting talent.

12. **Teri Hatcher**It seems Teri Hatcher’s behavior fit right in with her iconic “Desperate Housewives” character, Susan Mayer. Hatcher, most known for her role as the desperate housewife, apparently didn’t have to change much of what’s allegedly her personal character to fit into the drama-filled world of Wisteria Lane. Creator Marc Cherry, in a rather damning statement, even called Teri Hatcher “the meanest woman anywhere in the world.”

The tension was palpable, even during high-profile promotional events. When the main cast of the show was called for a shoot for the cover of Vanity Fair, the ABC executives took the unusual step of warning them about Hatcher, who, as expected, reportedly made the experience uncomfortable for everyone involved. This forewarning speaks volumes about her established reputation for creating discord.

Reports indicate Hatcher was extremely cold to her costars on set, making even the easiest scenes uncomfortable to shoot. The poor meshing with her “Housewives” family was so well-known that Hatcher was conspicuously left out of an end-of-series gift from the ladies to the crew, an act that came as a surprise to absolutely no one involved with the show, cementing the narrative of her isolation and the deep-seated feud.

Her inability to foster positive relationships with her co-stars ultimately painted her as a truly difficult presence, demonstrating that off-screen drama can be just as intense, if not more so, than the scripted kind, and leave a lasting impact on an entire production.

The Unforgettable Loss: The Stolen Norton — Edward Norton – Wikipedia, Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

13. **Edward Norton**Edward Norton is undoubtedly one of the finest actors in the industry, and the intensity of his acting skills truly oozes from his enactments while he performs onscreen. There’s no doubt that the actor takes his job extremely seriously – perhaps even too seriously – which has ironically earned him a reputation for being greatly difficult to work with.

Norton has a well-known reputation for “shadow directing,” where he effectively tries to take over the directorial role himself. This was famously evident when he sat in on the editing for “American History X” because he reportedly didn’t trust director Tony Kaye. He also often clashed with the studio during “The Incredible Hulk” over creative differences, consistently asserting his own artistic vision in ways that frequently caused friction.

His tendency to overreact and even change his lines during performances further illustrates his need for control and his sometimes-combative approach to collaborative filmmaking. Tony Kaye, the director of “American History X,” went on record to state that he “absolutely hated working with him” and even called the actor a “narcissistic dilettante,” a scathing indictment of Norton’s on-set behavior and artistic meddling.

While the dispute surrounding “The Incredible Hulk” was supposedly “blown out of proportion” in the media, Norton himself conspicuously didn’t do any promotion for the film following its release. This move spoke volumes, reinforcing the perception of an actor who, despite his immense talent, prioritizes his own creative control above harmonious collaboration or studio expectations, making him a true challenge for any production.

14. **Steven Seagal**Steven Seagal’s appearances on the big screen are becoming increasingly rare these days, and it’s been a long hard minute since the last time he had a box office hit. This decline may have something to do with the fact that he’s supposedly a nightmare on set, known not only for being highly critical of others but also for physically intimidating cast members, creating an undeniably hostile working environment.

Perhaps the most infamous incident involved comedian John Leguizamo, whom Seagal purportedly slammed against a wall simply for laughing at him. Yes, you read that right – because, apparently, comedians aren’t allowed to be funny around the action star. This shocking display of aggression cemented his reputation, with fellow actor Henry Rollins famously stating he’d “rather drink latex paint than work with Seagal again.”

His violent tendencies weren’t isolated incidents. Seagal has been accused of beating up co-stars for fun and abusively scolding his stuntmen, painting a picture of an actor who consistently used intimidation and physical force on set. Furthermore, he has been sued multiple times for various accusations, including sexual harassment and breach of contract, adding a legal dimension to his long list of professional difficulties.

In a moment of introspection, Seagal once stated, “There was a time when I thought I was doing a good thing with good guys for a good cause. Looking back, I think I really wanted to be a warrior.” However, given the numerous accounts of his dangerous and aggressive behavior towards those around him, it seems his desire to be a “warrior” manifested in ways that made him a terror rather than a hero on a film set.

And there you have it, folks! Another deep dive into the fascinating, and often frustrating, world of Hollywood’s most challenging personalities. It’s wild to think that even with immense talent and the dream job many aspire to, some stars just can’t seem to get along. Whether it’s diva demands, explosive tempers, or a penchant for pushing boundaries (and people!), these actors have certainly left their mark, not just on the silver screen, but on the patience and sanity of countless cast and crew members. Here’s to hoping for more harmonious sets in the future… but we wouldn’t bet on it!