Working in Hollywood might seem like a dream job from the outside, filled with glamour, red carpets, and creative freedom. However, much like any other workplace, it comes with its own unique set of challenges, including the occasional clash of personalities. When you’re spending long hours on set, under immense pressure, sometimes even the most professional individuals can find themselves at odds.
These conflicts are rarely kept quiet. In the glare of the public eye, co-star beefs can quickly become legendary, fueling tabloid headlines and captivating fans for years. From simmering tensions to explosive arguments, these disagreements often stem from a mix of ego, creative differences, and sheer personality clashes.
Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the fascinating world of on-set drama, shining a spotlight on 15 major actresses who flat-out refused to work with certain co-stars. These are the stories of when the magic of moviemaking gave way to real-life friction, creating unforgettable behind-the-scenes sagas. Let’s explore the first seven of these dramatic encounters that proved some stars are just not meant to share the screen.
1. **Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte**One of Hollywood’s most iconic leading ladies, Julia Roberts, found herself in a highly publicized feud with co-star Nick Nolte during the filming of the 1994 romantic comedy “I Love Trouble.” Despite their considerable individual screen presence, the on-set chemistry between the two was famously non-existent, and their real-life animosity often bled into their performances.
The quarreling between Roberts and Nolte reportedly became so intense that director Charles Shyer had to resort to drastic measures. To minimize conflict and maintain some semblance of peace on set, Shyer filmed many of their scenes separately. This unconventional approach highlights just how difficult it was for the two stars to even be in the same room.
Roberts did not hold back her feelings about Nolte. She told The New York Times that Nolte was “completely disgusting” and that “he seems to go out of his way to repel people.” These strong words painted a clear picture of her disdain for her co-star, leaving little doubt about the depth of their professional and personal disagreement.
Nolte was quick to retort, firing back with equally harsh words. He stated, “It’s not nice to call someone ‘disgusting.’ But she’s not a nice person. Everyone knows that.” This public exchange solidified their feud in the annals of Hollywood history, confirming that their on-screen trouble was very real indeed.
Years later, the animosity hadn’t faded. In 2009, Roberts appeared on “The Late Show” and delivered a profanity-laden impression of a former co-star, which was widely understood to be Nolte. This incident demonstrated that some wounds in Hollywood, particularly those stemming from significant personality clashes, take a very long time to heal.
Read more about: Hollywood Heartbreakers: 14 Major Actors Who Absolutely Refused to Share the Screen Again
2. **Shannen Doherty and Everyone**Shannen Doherty holds a unique place in Hollywood lore due to her well-documented history of on-set feuds, particularly with her female co-stars. Her reputation for creating tension seemed to follow her from one iconic show to another, leaving a trail of dramatic behind-the-scenes stories that continue to captivate fans.
On the set of “Beverly Hills 90210,” Doherty reportedly nearly came to physical blows with castmate Jennie Garth. The intensity of their conflict was a significant factor in the show’s early drama. Furthermore, fellow “9090” veteran Tori Spelling revealed in a 2015 Lifetime special that she actually convinced her father, Aaron Spelling, the show’s producer, to fire Doherty from the teen drama.
Four years later, Doherty found herself in another major conflict, this time with Alyssa Milano on the set of “Charmed,” another Aaron Spelling production. Milano described the situation as “very much sort of like high school,” acknowledging the pervasive tension. A source told TV Guide in 2001 that it eventually became clear that “either Doherty or Milano had to go,” underscoring the irreconcilable nature of their feud.
While it seemed the hatchet was buried over a decade after Doherty’s departure from “Charmed” — with Milano reaching out after Doherty’s breast cancer diagnosis in 2016 — the drama resurfaced. At Orlando MegaCon in February 2023, Milano and Doherty continued to disagree publicly over Doherty’s removal from the show, with co-star Holly Marie Combs taking Doherty’s side.
Following Doherty’s passing in July 2024, Milano released a statement acknowledging their “complicated relationship” but also expressing deep respect and awe for Doherty as an actress. This complex history illustrates how profound on-set rivalries can be, often transcending the professional realm and evolving over many years, even into public memorializations.
Read more about: Hollywood Heartbreakers: 14 Major Actors Who Absolutely Refused to Share the Screen Again
3. **Julianna Margulies and Archie Panjabi**The long-running CBS legal drama “The Good Wife” was known for its compelling storylines, but behind the scenes, an equally dramatic saga unfolded between stars Julianna Margulies and Archie Panjabi. Their ongoing feud created palpable tension for years before Panjabi’s eventual departure from the show.
Initially, their characters, Alicia Florrick and Kalinda Sharma, were portrayed as very good friends, a central dynamic of the series. However, the real-life actresses were notoriously at odds. This animosity manifested in a highly unusual way on screen: the pair were never filmed together for an astounding 51 episodes.
The creative team had to find inventive ways to work around their conflict. Most on-screen communication between their characters was depicted over the phone, avoiding any direct interaction between the actresses. This logistical challenge speaks volumes about the extent of their professional estrangement and the lengths the production went to accommodate it.
When Panjabi finally left the show, a final scene was orchestrated for their characters. However, even for this pivotal moment, the actresses filmed their parts separately. Their performances were then “stitched together using the power of green screen and CGI,” a stark illustration that they couldn’t even stand to be in the same physical space.
This extraordinary situation serves as a prime example of an absolute refusal to work together, even in a simulated capacity. It underscores how deeply personal conflicts can permeate and complicate the production of a television series, ultimately impacting the narrative and the viewing experience in ways rarely seen or acknowledged.
Read more about: Hollywood Heartbreakers: 14 Major Actors Who Absolutely Refused to Share the Screen Again
4. **Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe**While “Some Like it Hot” is celebrated today as one of the greatest comedies of all time, its production in 1959 was anything but a laughing matter for the cast and crew, particularly for Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis. Monroe’s presence on set was a constant source of issues, costing the production significant time and money.
Monroe was notoriously known for her erratic behavior, frequent tardiness, and reported addiction to pills during filming. These challenges meant that scenes often required an exorbitant number of takes. Curtis and co-star Jack Lemmon reportedly even made bets on how many takes Monroe would need to get her lines right, sometimes requiring anywhere from 35 to 40 attempts.
The continuous delays and difficulties clearly wore on her co-stars. Curtis reportedly reached his breaking point after having to repeatedly re-film a kissing scene with Monroe. The professional frustrations were undoubtedly immense, affecting morale and the efficiency of the entire production.
The depth of Curtis’s exasperation became legendary during an early screening of the film. When asked what it was like to kiss Monroe, Curtis famously and glibly replied, “[it was] like kissing Hitler!” This shocking remark solidified his absolute disdain for the experience and his co-star, leaving no ambiguity about his feelings.
This candid and cutting comment reveals the intense personal toll that working with Monroe took on Curtis. His refusal to sugarcoat the experience highlighted the severe professional challenges and personal animosity that can arise on a film set, even when creating a cinematic masterpiece that stands the test of time.
Read more about: Hollywood Heartbreakers: 14 Major Actors Who Absolutely Refused to Share the Screen Again
5. **Bette Davis and Joan Crawford**The rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford is arguably one of the most famous and enduring feuds in Hollywood history. Their animosity was so legendary that FX later developed a series, “Feud: Bette and Joan,” dedicated entirely to their bitter relationship, showcasing the intensity of their personal and professional warfare.
The roots of their conflict stretch back to the 1930s, fueled by both professional competition and personal slights. One early incident involved Franchot Tone, Davis’s co-star in “Dangerous.” Davis was smitten with Tone, but Crawford ultimately “won that round,” marrying him soon after the movie wrapped production, a move that undoubtedly stung Davis deeply.
Davis’s disdain for Crawford was often expressed with cutting remarks. She famously quipped that Crawford “slept with every male star at MGM except Lassie,” a statement that perfectly encapsulated the biting nature of their rivalry and her personal assessment of Crawford’s character and career tactics.
Their feud reached a fever pitch in the 1960s when they co-starred in the psychological thriller “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” The film, about two aging, antagonistic sisters, provided a perfect, almost ironic, backdrop for their real-life hatred to simmer and explode on screen. The tension was reportedly palpable throughout the production.
The animosity continued even after filming. When only Davis was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the film, Crawford was reportedly “livid.” She actively campaigned against Davis and, in a legendary act of theatrical spite, managed to steal the limelight by accepting the Oscar on behalf of the eventual winner, Anne Bancroft, who was absent. Producer William Frye even recalled Davis at an after-party, filling a glass with Scotch and, upon hearing Crawford drank vodka, stating, “I don’t care what she drinks. This is going into her [expletive] face,” cementing the viciousness of their rivalry.
Read more about: Hollywood Heartbreakers: 14 Major Actors Who Absolutely Refused to Share the Screen Again
6. **Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams**”The Notebook,” released in 2004, captured the hearts of audiences worldwide as a quintessential romantic drama, despite some critics finding it cliché. However, behind the scenes, the love story was anything but smooth, with co-stars Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling clashing frequently, even in front of the crew.
Director Nick Cassavetes openly shared details of the on-set friction. He recounted a particular day when McAdams and Gosling were “really not getting along,” leading to a dramatic confrontation. Gosling approached Cassavetes amidst 150 people during a big scene and explicitly asked, “Would you take her out of here and bring in another actress to read off camera with me?”
Gosling’s request was a direct refusal to continue working with McAdams in that moment. He explained his frustration, stating, “I can’t. I can’t do it with her. I’m just not getting anything from this.” This stark declaration showcased the depth of his discomfort and the breakdown of their professional dynamic.
In response, producers called a “clear-the-air meeting” to address the escalating tensions. Cassavetes described the meeting as getting off to a “rocky start,” with the two actors immediately beginning to “scream and yell at each other.” The director ultimately “walked out” of the room, leaving them to hash it out themselves.
Despite the explosive arguments, Cassavetes noted that the confrontation ultimately cleared the air. He believed Gosling respected McAdams for “standing up for her character,” and McAdams was “happy to get that out in the open.” While the rest of the film wasn’t entirely “smooth sailing,” it was indeed “smoother sailing,” illustrating that sometimes, a direct confrontation can lead to a more workable, albeit still tense, professional relationship. Interestingly, the two actors even dated for a couple of years after wrapping, proving that on-set drama can sometimes unexpectedly lead to romance, even if it doesn’t stand the test of time.
Now, let’s keep unraveling Tinseltown’s tangled web of tensions! We’re continuing our exploration of those epic clashes that made working together an absolute no-go for some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Get ready for eight more instances of intense personality clashes, professional disagreements, and lasting animosities that truly turned movie magic into real-life friction.
Read more about: From On-Screen Sparks to Real-Life Heartbreak: 9 Celebrity Couples Whose TV & Movie Romances Didn’t Last Off-Camera
7. **Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones**Imagine being at the height of your comedy career, starring as the Riddler, and running into your co-star, Harvey ‘Two-Face’ Dent, the night before you film a scene together. That’s exactly what happened with Jim Carrey and Tommy Lee Jones during the production of “Batman Forever.” Jones, it turns out, was decidedly not a fan of Carrey’s signature slapstick style.
Director Joel Schumacher later confirmed the tension, telling Entertainment Weekly in 1996 that “Jim Carrey was a gentleman, and Tommy Lee was threatened by him.” Schumacher didn’t mince words, adding, “I’m tired of defending overpaid, over-privileged actors.” This public statement really set the stage for understanding the frosty dynamic between the two.
Carrey himself recounted a particularly awkward encounter to Howard Stern. When he approached Jones’ table at a restaurant to say hello, Jones reportedly “got up, kind of shaking, and hugged me and said, ‘I hate you. I really don’t like you.'” Carrey was understandably taken aback, asking, “Wow. What’s going on man?”
Jones’ response was a classic: “I cannot sanction your buffoonery.” This incredible line perfectly encapsulates his disdain for Carrey’s comedic approach, leaving no doubt about his absolute refusal to engage with Carrey’s acting style, and cementing their place on our list of actors who just couldn’t make it work.
Read more about: Hollywood Heartbreakers: 14 Major Actors Who Absolutely Refused to Share the Screen Again
8. **James Franco and Tyrese Gibson**Sometimes, method acting can go a little *too* far, and that’s precisely what happened between James Franco and Tyrese Gibson on the set of the 2006 military drama “Annapolis.” The film centered around a boxing tournament, and Franco, playing a recruit, apparently got a bit too invested in the physicality of the role during rehearsals.
According to Gibson, Franco was actually landing punches, telling Elle, “The dude was full-on hitting me.” Gibson tried to reason with him, saying, “James, lighten up, man. We’re just practicing,” but Franco reportedly “never lightened up.” This intensity clearly created a lot of friction and discomfort for Gibson.
Franco, years later, admitted to GQ that he was “probably a jerk” at the time, which is certainly an understatement given Gibson’s experience. However, that admission wasn’t enough to smooth things over for Gibson.
Gibson made his feelings crystal clear in a 2007 interview with Playboy, stating, “I never want to work with him again, and I’m sure he feels the same way.” He described the experience as feeling “very personal” and “messed up,” highlighting how deep the animosity ran when a co-star takes things beyond professional boundaries.
Read more about: Hollywood Heartbreakers: 14 Major Actors Who Absolutely Refused to Share the Screen Again
9. **Richard Gere and Sylvester Stallone**For years, rumors swirled about a beef between Richard Gere and Sylvester Stallone, and Stallone finally spilled the beans during a 2006 Q&A session with Ain’t It Cool News. It all started way back in 1974 during the filming of the coming-of-age drama “The Lords of Flatbush,” where Gere was originally cast as the lead character, Chico.
Unfortunately, it seemed Gere and Stallone clashed almost immediately on set. Stallone recalled Gere being a complete “jerk,” citing incidents like Gere getting too rough during fight rehearsals and even spilling greasy food all over Stallone’s pants. These minor provocations clearly built up into major irritation.
The tension escalated to a point where the director had to make a drastic decision. As Stallone recounted, “The director had to make a choice: one of us had to go, one of us had to stay.” In the end, “Richard was given his walking papers and to this day seriously dislikes me.”
The animosity apparently lingered for decades, with Stallone even suggesting that Gere thinks he’s responsible for a certain infamous gerbil rumor – a claim Stallone vehemently denies. This long-standing feud shows how some on-set conflicts can create deep, almost mythological, rivalries that transcend the original incident.
Read more about: Hollywood Heartbreakers: 14 Major Actors Who Absolutely Refused to Share the Screen Again
10. **Robert Downey Jr. and Terrence Howard**The role of Tony Stark’s best friend, James ‘Rhodey’ Rhodes, famously changed hands between “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2,” with Don Cheadle taking over from Terrence Howard. Howard has been very open about his falling out with co-star Robert Downey Jr. and Marvel Studios regarding this recasting.
In a 2013 appearance on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live,” Howard claimed that Marvel had initially signed him to a three-movie deal. However, when it came to “Iron Man 2,” he was told, “Look, we will pay you one-eighth of what we contractually had for you, because we think the second one will be successful with or without you.”
Howard placed the blame squarely on Downey’s shoulders. He recounted calling “my friend, that I helped get the first job, and he didn’t call me back for three months.” This perceived betrayal deeply affected Howard, especially given his alleged role in Downey’s initial casting.
It took another three years for the two actors to finally patch things up, reuniting at director Brian Grazer’s wedding in 2016. While they eventually reconciled personally, the professional outcome remained unchanged, with Don Cheadle retaining the role of Rhodey, demonstrating that some career shifts, even amidst feuds, are permanent.
Read more about: Hollywood Heartbreakers: 14 Major Actors Who Absolutely Refused to Share the Screen Again
11. **Kevin Smith and Bruce Willis**Kevin Smith, a longtime admirer of Bruce Willis, took a significant pay cut to direct the action star in the 2010 police comedy “Cop Out.” However, what was supposed to be a dream collaboration quickly turned into a nightmare for Smith, revealing that even cinematic heroes can come with “super egos.”
Smith later described the experience of directing Willis on “Cop Out” as “soul-crushing.” The working relationship was so strained that Smith credited Willis’s co-star, Tracy Morgan, with helping him endure the filming. “Were it not for Tracy, I might’ve killed myself or someone else in the making of that movie,” he dramatically stated.
In his 2012 memoir “Tough S***,” Smith pulled no punches, offering a scathing assessment of Willis. He wrote that Willis “turned out to be the unhappiest, most bitter, and meanest emo-b**** I’ve ever met at any job I’ve held down. And mind you, I’ve worked at Domino’s Pizza.”
These incredibly harsh words from Smith underscore the depth of his professional frustration and personal distaste for Willis’s on-set behavior. It’s a prime example of how a revered figure can completely sour a working relationship, leading to an absolute refusal to collaborate again, especially when one feels their passion project was undermined.
Read more about: Hollywood Heartbreakers: 14 Major Actors Who Absolutely Refused to Share the Screen Again
12. **Tom Sizemore and Val Kilmer**The 1990s saw Tom Sizemore’s star rise with powerful roles, including his performance alongside Val Kilmer in 1995’s “Heat.” However, when the two actors reunited five years later for “Red Planet,” their working relationship had evidently soured dramatically, leading to an almost unbelievable confrontation.
According to Sizemore’s memoir, “By Some Miracle I Made It Out of There,” a major point of contention arose when Kilmer became upset after learning the production had paid to ship Sizemore’s exercise equipment to Australia, where filming was taking place. This seemingly minor issue escalated rapidly.
The disagreement erupted into a shouting match, which then took an extraordinary turn. Sizemore recalled throwing a 50-pound weight at Kilmer – thankfully, he missed. The production, clearly aware of the intense animosity, even asked Sizemore to avoid hitting Kilmer in the face during their next inevitable altercation.
Sizemore complied with the request, dutifully slugging Kilmer in the chest and declaring, “I’m never going to another planet with you again.” This iconic line perfectly captures the absolute refusal to continue a working relationship under such hostile conditions, although the context notes that they eventually buried the hatchet by 2014.
Read more about: Hollywood Heartbreakers: 14 Major Actors Who Absolutely Refused to Share the Screen Again
13. **William Shatner and George Takei**The decades-long feud between “Star Trek” icons William Shatner and George Takei is one of Hollywood’s most legendary and enduring rivalries, with roots stretching back to the original series. The two famously clashed over everything from screen time to personal slights, making their off-screen relationship far from harmonious.
Takei, who played Lt. Sulu, has consistently described Shatner as “not a team player” and “self-centered.” Shatner, in turn, has often downplayed their relationship, even questioning Takei’s mental health, stating, “It’s so painfully obvious that there’s a psychosis there.” He claimed to barely know Takei, a sentiment Takei disputes.
One particularly poignant incident highlighted the depth of their animosity. Takei recounted on “The Howard Stern Show” that Shatner refused to join other “Star Trek” cast members on stage for James Doohan’s (Scotty) last-ever convention appearance, reportedly dismissing it as “Alzheimer’s crap.” Takei called this a “monstrous statement.”
Takei explained that this kind of behavior was typical, whether on set, in movies, or at conventions, where Shatner would often refuse to cooperate and simply walk out. This consistent pattern of conflict illustrates an ingrained personal and professional animosity that has defined their relationship for decades, long after the USS Enterprise docked for good.
Read more about: Hollywood Heartbreakers: 14 Major Actors Who Absolutely Refused to Share the Screen Again
14. **Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke**Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed crime epic “The Irishman” was a cinematic reunion for many Hollywood legends, but Mickey Rourke, surprisingly, was not among them. According to Rourke, his absence was due to a direct refusal from one of the film’s stars: Robert De Niro.
Rourke claimed on Italian TV that he was in line for a part in the film alongside Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, and Chris Walken, until “The casting person told my manager that Robert De Niro said he refused to work with me in a movie.” This rejection, Rourke added, stung even more because he was “broke” at the time.
The “Sin City” star traces the origins of their problems back to 1987, when they appeared together in the psychological horror film “Angel Heart.” Rourke, who had idolized De Niro, recalled approaching him on set to introduce himself, only for De Niro to respond coldly.
De Niro reportedly told him, “I think it’s better if we don’t talk because of [our] characters in the movie. It’s better if we don’t say hello, talk or anything.” Rourke admitted this “hurt my feelings a little bit,” as he had looked up to De Niro. While producers denied Rourke’s claims about “The Irishman,” the actor’s account paints a clear picture of a deep-seated professional and personal rift that prevented any future collaboration.
Read more about: Hollywood Heartbreakers: 14 Major Actors Who Absolutely Refused to Share the Screen Again
And there you have it – another look behind the velvet ropes and dazzling lights of Hollywood, where the drama isn’t always confined to the script! From legendary leading men refusing to share the screen to creative differences boiling over into outright animosity, these stories remind us that even the most glamorous professions come with their fair share of workplace challenges. It’s fascinating how these personal feuds have shaped cinematic history, sometimes creating iconic on-screen magic despite the real-life friction, and other times ensuring that certain stars would never, ever, work together again. Here’s to hoping for more harmonious sets, but let’s be honest, a little bit of drama always makes for a great story, doesn’t it?
