Are These Actors Difficult Or Delightful To Work With?
Let’s face it, no job is easy. Everyone who’s ever had to do any sort of job for an extended period of time knows you can’t always maintain a pleasant and chill work attitude. However, some people take their grievances and difficulties to the extreme! When it comes to celebrities, especially those in Hollywood, these things tend to balloon into massive deals. When your job involves being recorded all the time, some people forget to be on their best behavior. While some are incredible to work with, others can be downright nasty while on set!
Producers, directors, and other members of the film crew open up about which actors are naughty and which are nice.
DIFFICULT: Julia Roberts
When you’ve been in the business for decades you eventually earn a reputation (whether it’s good or bad). While some reputations precede the actor, other times they can start a brand nickname and have it catch on. America’s sweetheart, Julia Roberts, has been called a lot of things during her career. While on the set of Hook, Roberts earned a new nickname that was both fitting to her character, but also a bit concerning: Tinkerhell.
Even though she played Peter Pan’s sassy companion, Roberts had her own issues to worry about. Even Steven Spielberg acknowledged the nickname! Roberts had recently separated from her partner during filming, causing things to be a bit tense on set.
DELIGHT: Steve Carell
Sometimes being a fantastic actor and comedy genius just isn’t enough to separate you from the pack. In a place as big and deep as Hollywood, few people rarely float to the top on just their talent and kindness alone. However, of those few, one of them is Steve Carell. The veteran actor is known far and wide as being much more than a ridiculously talented guy.
He’s also EXTREMELY polite. Sometimes, it can even be to a fault. His kind nature and caring smile, combined with his manners, make Carell one of Hollywood’s go-to people to cast in nearly anything. From drama to comedy, he can do it all with a good-natured attitude.
DIFFICULT: Lea Michele
Glee is one of those feel-good shows that somehow manages to capture the magic of song and mix it with the terror of high school. Gleeks, fans, and casual viewers alike loved to tune in each week to see what adventures and challenges the group would deal with. Most of the actors on the show are loved around the world (and not just for their beautiful singing voices).
However, one actor didn’t make the best impression on their fellow castmates. According to multiple stars on the show, Lea Michele had a bit of a diva problem going on. Not only did she refer to other actors as “cockroaches”, but she also said some hurtful, and possibly nasty, things to other stars on set!
DELIGHT: Jim Parsons
Jim Parsons is an American treasure and we will not stand for any slander against him. Not only is he an incredible actor, but he’s also apparently extremely nice to work with. While filming The Big Bang Theory, people couldn’t stop singing his praises between scenes! Parsons not only was able to adapt to changes but encouraged them and was happy to try new things.
The showrunner of the series, Chuck Lorre, even went so far as to call Parsons a comic GENIUS. That seems fitting since he plays one on TV. Parsons’ easy-going nature, professionalism, and overall adaptability paid off. Thanks to his hard work, he’s considered one of the highest-paid TV actors of all time!
DIFFICULT: Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez is an internationally recognized actress and singer. One of her biggest hits “Jenny From The Block” is ironically not very applicable to her behavior behind the scenes. While the R&B number claims that J. Lo is still humble and down-to-earth, people who have worked with and for her claim otherwise. Lopez has a reputation for some major diva behavior.
They opened up about the ridiculous demands the singer has made during her time traveling the world. From asking for an entire floor of a hotel just for herself to refusing to speak or even look at flight attendants, maybe Jenny from the block is a bit more of a diva than she’d like to admit.
DELIGHT: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
As they grow into their careers, some stars let fame and success go to their heads. Others, like Dwayne Johnson, just seem to refine themselves and get better with time. According to multiple sources, Dwayne Johnson is more than just a fantastic wrestler and actor. He’s also one of the most professional people in the industry!
Johnson’s personal philosophy of surrounding himself with great coaches and people really paid off. His cheery disposition and intense work ethic have made him not only a great wrestler but one of the entertainment industry’s hardest working and most-respected people! We’re relieved that his charming persona isn’t just something he turns on for the camera.
DIFFICULT: Chevy Chase
Once you climb the ladder and reach the top of the Hollywood elite, it can be tough to go back down and mingle with newer or “less accomplished” actors. However, that’s the business. It can also be tough to work the long and arduous hours that a show demands, especially when you really just want to rest.
Chevy Chase, comedic powerhouse and legend, pretty much made this known while he worked on Community. Despite basically playing himself, multiple people on the crew said it seemed like he didn’t want to be there. Chase would even walk off set at times to go home (and then return a few days later to do whatever he missed out on)!
DELIGHT: Meryl Streep
Due to the character and word limits, we weren’t allowed to submit the 5,000+ word essay we have prepared to gush about the greatness of Meryl Streep. We also weren’t allowed to say anything bad about the Academy for only giving her three out of the TWENTY-ONE Oscars she’s been nominated for. Instead, we’ll say that all sorts of stars and professionals in the movie industry can’t stop raving about her.
Streep never fails to deliver an incredible performance in front of the camera. However, her attitude off-screen has helped endear her to everyone. Not only is she easy to work with and approach, but she has an ease about her whenever she’s in a room that people can’t help but gravitate towards.
DIFFICULT: Alec Baldwin
When you’re filming a sitcom it helps to have a little bit of fun on the set. Even if you’re not playing around, just getting along with your coworkers can make any sort of job more enjoyable. Nobody told that to Alec Baldwin. Despite 30 Rock being one of his funniest and most successful projects, Baldwin didn’t seem to enjoy his filming experience.
Multiple directors have done interviews and said he wasn’t the most pleasant, or fun, to work with. There was even a time when Baldwin approached a director and threatened to assault him if he directed him a certain way! We never thought Jack Donaghy could be so aggressive.
DELIGHT: Jennifer Lawrence
She didn’t just win eternal glory in the Hunger Games. She also won over everyone’s hearts (and respect). Jennifer Lawrence burst into the acting world with a bang. Most of her films have gone on to become massive blockbusters! A lot of them can be attributed to Lawrence’s ability to deliver a great performance. Despite starting her career so young, Lawrence has repeatedly been praised for her professionalism and fun-loving personality.
She’s also one of the brightest actors working in the industry today. Her ability to adapt to situations and roles, without losing her identity is honestly awe-inspiring. Throw in her incredible range, approachableness, and down-to-earth attitude, and you have the makings of a star who will shine brighter than most for many years to come.
DIFFICULT: Christian Bale
Even when you’re working on a serious film you have to lighten up a bit. It’s best to remember that most of the time you’re filming a fake story that’s not based on any sort of reality. Christian Bale seemed to forget this while on the set for Terminator Salvation. During a particularly daunting scene, Bale lost his cool on the crew!
He’s apparently so serious of an actor that nobody is allowed to make any sort of mistakes (even when they don’t involve him). Not only did he get annoyed over something small, he threatened to walk off the set and would refuse to return if the director wasn’t more serious. Are stars allowed to yell at the person making a movie?
DIFFICULT: Marlon Brando
Everyone has a method to their madness. Sometimes even the greatest actors of all time have to work a certain way to ensure they get their lines just right. Most people choose to memorize them, that way they seem prepared. Marlon Brando on the other hand didn’t agree with that method. Whenever he was filming a movie, people had to wear cue cards!
Why? He outright refused to memorize his lines. Instead, he opted to play with the pet raccoon he often brought with him to movie sets. While it doesn’t sound very professional, we can’t get mad at someone with a pet raccoon. We assume this was annoying for the crew, but we bet they still found it at least a little adorable.
DELIGHT: Paul Rudd
He’s dreamy, he’s cool, and he’s also a hyper-talented actor. Any guesses who we’re talking about? No, don’t look at the title. Okay fine, it’s Paul Rudd. No matter what film or role he’s attached to, no matter the genre, Rudd can’t help but crack up his co-stars whenever he has the chance.
Even while filming Ghostbusters, Mckenna Grace said that there could be an entire gag reel dedicated to the actor! He’s always the life of the party, but also willing to sit one-on-one with people and give them solid advice (or a kind ear). Plus, look at him. He’s just…ugh, he’s Paul Rudd. Enough said.
DIFFICULT: Jennifer Aniston
Rachel Green always liked to fight the good fight. Or was that Phoebe? Either way, Jennifer Aniston isn’t exactly like her character on Friends. Despite being cheerful, perky, and a little ditzy in front of the camera, she’s actually a very serious and sometimes on-edge actor. According to coworkers on some of her projects, Aniston prefers to keep her distance when the cameras are off.
In fact, she often eats her lunch alone in her trailer (which is parked far away from everyone else). That diva attitude isn’t always a bad thing. She once channeled and used it to launch a chair at a director! Apparently, they were berating another crew member and Aniston didn’t take too kindly to that.
DELIGHT: Adam Scott
Even though he played a villain (kind of) on Parks and Recreation, Adam Scott couldn’t be further away from his character. Ben Wyatt may be an unsentimental and somewhat realistic balance to the show, but Adam Scott is the polar opposite! According to his colleagues Amy Poehler and Paul Rudd, Scott is one of the most enjoyable and easy guys to work with.
Plus, he’s uproariously funny, despite having a passion as a dramatic actor! He can basically do anything (and he knows it). The best part? He’s also very humble and hasn’t let any of his fame go to his head. Wins all around!
DIFFICULT: Beyoncé
You don’t get a title like Queen Bey without using your royal influence to get some stupid demands met. Despite delivering some of the most popular music of our generation, some of Beyonce’s demands for her Super Bowl performance seemed ridiculously unnecessary. To start, she asked for a very specific $22,000 crib for her daughter to rest in during the show!
She also said that Jay Z (who didn’t even perform) needed a tray of $6,000 worth of cigars. Those were just a couple of obscene requirements she made just to appear for a performance that wasn’t even about her (it was a halftime show for a football game).
DELIGHT: Ted Danson
Ted Danson isn’t just an immortal demon hellbent on either going to Heaven or torturing humans for all eternity. He isn’t just an ageless and accomplished actor with a perfect head of hair. He’s both (and a whole lot more). The Good Place star has often been described as a “national treasure” by his co-stars!
That’s not all. He’s also been coined as “joy personified”! Those are some pretty loft accolades for a guy who made us all believe he was a literal demon from the Bad Place! Plus, that smile of his? He can get whatever he wants by flashing those pearly whites.
DIFFICULT: Mike Myers
Whether you’re an international man of mystery or the world’s best love guru, that doesn’t mean you can act like a jerk. Mike Myers has given the world some of the most unforgettable comedic characters. However, he’s apparently just as manic when the cameras aren’t rolling. Before going onto a talk show to promote something, Myers had people running ragged backstage!
Apparently, he wanted a VERY specific type of seltzer water. When he got it, he noticed it wasn’t the right brand. In true diva Hollywood fashion, he made the underpaid crew run out into the city to look for the exact type he wanted!
DELIGHT: Ryan Gosling
Sometimes a star can only shine as brightly as his co-star. Nobody knows that better than Ryan Gosling. This gentleman/amazing person wanted to make sure that even at an audition, anyone reading with him felt important. Before he showed up to read for a part, he made sure to find out as much as he could about everyone else auditioning. And it wasn’t to intimidate or get a leg-up on anyone.
Instead, he walked in, said hello, and knew something about every scene partner there! That way could they feel more relaxed, but he could also connect better with them! That’s a level of professionalism that more people should strive for these days.
DIFFICULT: Cybill Shepherd
When you’re as well-known and respected as model/singer/actor/mogul Cybill Shepherd, you can get away with a lot. Anyone with a CV as lengthy and packed as hers can demand practically whatever they want, whenever they want, and get it. But that doesn’t always mean the demands make sense. While filming her award-winning sitcom, Shepherd made sure the focus (and spotlight) were always on her.
In fact, she made sure people stay extra hours on set to ensure she was lit properly (from both the front and back) in EVERY SINGLE SCENE. Her diva attitude inspired Howard Gould (the showrunner) to write a play about her called DIVA.
DELIGHT: Robert Downey Jr.
Is RDJ here because he’s one of the best or worst actors to work with? Depending on the timeline, it could be either-or. Despite having a “bad boy” attitude and reputation from the early days of his career, Downey Jr. cleaned up his act before joining the Avengers. It’s hard to imagine anyone else playing Iron Man, and his co-stars agree!
Not only is he the face of the Avengers, but he’s also a chill and really supportive guy. Even Captain America had only the best of things to say about him! That’s a pretty great endorsement if you ask us.
DIFFICULT: Russell Crowe
Big egos and hot tempers seem to go hand-in-hand in the movie business. Some actors are so hot-headed and egotistical that they think they’re above (and beyond) any project that they’re associated with. Russel Crowe in particular has no problem mouthing off his opinion about something, even when it’s detrimental to his own movie.
While filming Gladiator (a FANTASTIC film), Crowe was caught saying that the movie’s script was absolute garbage. However, since he was, in his own words “the greatest actor in the world” he could make it work. Even though he did make it work, something like that tarnishes his shiny armor just a bit.
DELIGHT: David Tennant
In this timeline, and probably all others, David Tennant is a Time Lord with a heart of gold. After dominating as the Tenth Doctor on Doctor Who, this powerhouse performer has continued to win hearts around the world. Despite being one of sci-fi’s most powerful beings ever, anyone working with Tennant says he’s one of the most personable, kind, and easy-to-talk-to people around.
In fact, he’s so beloved by the acting community (and everyone else) that he received a special award just for being awesome. At the 2015 National Television Awards, Tennant was surprised with the Special Recognition Award! His unavoidable joy and love for what he does propelled him to a superstar status that is barely reached by many (on this planet or any others).
DIFFICULT: Edward Norton
Actors act. Writers write. Directors direct. The purpose of the job is literally in the name. However, crossing over isn’t completely unheard of in Hollywood. A lot of the time, experienced actors may try their hand at working behind the camera. While this is common and often celebrated, it usually doesn’t occur during the filming of a movie. Edward Norton didn’t realize this while shooting Red Dragon. Despite signing on as an actor, Norton took his responsibilities one step further.
One day, he walked on set with an entirely new script (which he wrote himself). Instead of asking politely for the director to look at the new pages, he demanded they change the schedule and shoot his new scenes! It eventually led to a tense argument during the shooting process that caused some rifts to form. And this isn’t even the first time Norton tried to pull this while shooting a movie.
DELIGHT: Keanu Reeves
It’s basically become a meme at this point, however, Keanu Reeves is just a great guy. Not only has he saved the world countless times, but he seems to genuinely care about people. When he’s not busy playing “the One” in almost all of his films, Reeves lives his life like a normal, well-adjusted, kind guy. You don’t have to take our word for it.
Almost daily, there’s a story or article about him hanging out with fans, answering questions, or just being cool. Even pop superstar Rina Sawayama said he was really chill and had a “calming presence” while filming John Wick 4. No matter how brutal their training regime was, he kept smiling through it!
DIFFICULT: Dustin Hoffman
Dustin Hoffman is a very respected actor. So is Meryl Streep. You’d think the two working together would lead to fireworks! Instead, the pair ended up burning bridges when they worked together on Kramer vs Kramer. Hoffman had an ax to grind against Streep for some reason. During filming, he kept screaming at her for her delivery.
When that wasn’t getting the reaction he wanted, he began to berate and taunt her about a partner of hers who passed away a few years prior! In what world is that okay to say to anyone (or even yell at Meryl Streep?!) Ever since Kramer vs Kramer wrapped, the two actors have remained frosty with one another.
DELIGHT: Drew Barrymore
No need to phone home or call on the Angels, it’s time to sing the praises of Drew Barrymore. Despite being in the entertainment industry since her single-digit years, Barrymore has always remained cool and collected. Even with international fame and acclaim, nothing seems to phase her or ruin her ridiculously kind disposition.
While working on a film with both Barrymore AND Adam Sandler, movie star Bella Thorne said they don’t really play characters. Both Barrymore and Sandler are as charming and fun off-screen as they are while filming! They’re both apparently extremely down-to-earth and love being silly! We love a fun-loving multi-millionaire having a good time with their friends.
DIFFICULT: Lindsay Lohan
Some actors have everything going for them and they still somehow manage to throw it all away. Lindsay Lohan had the world served to her on a silver platter at the height of her career. The Mean Girls superstar was everyone’s “must-have” for films thanks to her incredible skill and charming persona. Then somehow, things went south FAST. Her attitude and ego changed so much that she even had Jane Fonda upset with her!
While working with Fonda on a project, Lohan was late multiple times. Her tardiness became such a problem that it was affecting everyone else’s schedules. When Fonda confronted Lohan, Lindsay rolled her eyes and joked with her makeup artist that the Barbarella superstar seemed to enjoy yelling at her.
DELIGHT: Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks is insufferable, rude, and downright nasty. That’s something nobody has, and probably never will say about this man. Hanks’ reputation for being a consummate professional and easy-to-approach guy precedes him, even when he’s not expected to show up anywhere. Emma Watson even did an interview in 2017, going so far as to consider Hanks a literal hero!
There’s no departure between the kindness he exudes on screen and off! Even in a more serious role, Hanks has been able to keep spirits light on the set as well as professional, without missing any marks or lines. Give him a cape and we would gladly let him defend all of us.
DELIGHT: Robin Williams
You can’t even begin to formulate the thought that would eventually lead to this article without mentioning Robin Williams. To millions, he is the gold standard not only for comedy but for how to act as a human being. He was, and still is, everyone’s favorite doctor/teacher/comedian/genie/dreamer. Whatever the role, Williams had a way of making every single person on set feel like they were the star.
He was also a huge defender of younger actors finding their way through the Hollywood machine. While shooting the classic film Jumanji, Williams refused to have the child actors work past their required hours. It didn’t matter if they had to return and reshoot everything. They deserve a break to go home and rest, and he made sure it happened.