We already know that “ER” was the number one rated TV series during its time, tied with “Seinfeld,” but did you know fans tuned in weekly just to see that strapping George Clooney? Maybe you had to be there. After the run of that wildly successful primetime soap opera, he became the serious actor we know, winning two Oscars.
Now the celebrity entrepreneur is raking it in, earning over $200 million a year. “Forbes” ranked him the second-most profitable celebrity in earnings. He runs a tequila company—in case you haven’t heard. While Clooney continued to star in movies until the present day, none of them made the same splash as the ones he did way back when.
Mischa Barton
Picture it — the year is 2003, and you and your friends are anxiously awaiting the latest episode of the CW’s “The O.C.” to air. Among all of the CW network’s starlets, most of us wanted to be Mischa Barton. With her model looks, amazing “California girl” style, and famous friends, she seemed to be on top of the world. Unfortunately, that fame didn’t last as long as she had hoped.
After appearing on “The O.C.,” she failed to parlay her television fame into film and quickly disappeared. Barton recently starred in the movie "Invitation to a Murder" alongside Chris Browning and Bianca A. Santos.
Leighton Meester
During the early 2000s, Leighton Meester wasn’t just the queen of Hollywood starlets, but thanks to her role as Queen Bee Blair Waldorf on the hit television series “Gossip Girl,” she also reigned on the small screen. But after the show ended, it was time to hang up Blair’s trademark headbands.
Though she tried her hand at films like “Country Strong” and even a singing career, she could never achieve “Gossip Girl” heights. She had a recurring role in "How I Met Your Father" but hasn't been involved in many noteworthy projects since then.
Ashlee Simpson
Ashlee Simpson may have started her career as a backup singer for her more famous sister, but there was a time in the early 2000s when she wasn’t just living in the “shadow” of Jessica Simpson. With breakout hits like “Pieces of Me” and “Autobiography,” she was the quintessential pop-rock princess. That was until her disastrous 2004 appearance on Saturday Night Live, anyway.
When the world caught onto her lip-syncing performance that wasn't so live after all, her fledging music career quickly fizzled. Add on some plastic surgery and a messy breakup with ex Pete Wentz, and most people have forgotten about her.
Bill Clinton
It's intriguing how easily we forget that Bill Clinton was once an incredibly popular figure. His charisma was undeniable, as showcased by his saxophone performance on the iconic "Tonight Show" and his unparalleled ability to attract celebrities to the White House during his presidency.
However, as often happens with celebrities, a cheating scandal disrupted his widespread appeal. Though Clinton managed to weather the storm of impeachment and continued to enjoy popularity during his tenure, he never fully regained the same level of charisma and allure. The incident seemed to leave a lasting impact, dimming the radiance of his once-undeniable charm.
John Stamos
John Stamos started out in Hollywood as a star on the daytime soap opera "General Hospital." Upgrading his status as a doctor in "ER," his fame took off. Leading the fun at "Full House" as Uncle Jesse made him a superstar in earnest alongside the likes of Bob Saget and the Olsen twins.
By 2009, his star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame proved it. "Full House" came to a close, however, a Netflix series based on it is still out there. It’s called "Fuller House" and apparently critics call it vulgar with too many “cringe-worthy” jokes. Stamos' latest endeavors were voice acting and no camera action.
Janet Jackson
Recently, Janet Jackson’s 1989 album "Rhythm Nation" was designated for preservation at the Library of Congress. It reminds us what a pop star legend she was. Her fame, in fact, began to eclipse that of her brother for a minute at the time when that album came out.
The entire Jackson family was famous as a result of the "Jackson Five," but never as hot as Janet and Michael Jackson. In 2022, a limited-run documentary TV series was released that covered her entire life, from her early years as a child singer to her 2004 Super Bowl controversy, and everything in between.
George Clooney
We already know that "ER" was the number one rated TV series during its time, tied with "Seinfeld," but did you know fans tuned in weekly just to see that strapping George Clooney? Maybe you had to be there. After the run of that wildly successful primetime soap opera, he became the serious actor we know, winning two Oscars.
Now the celebrity entrepreneur is raking it in, earning over $200 million a year. "Forbes" ranked him the second-most profitable celebrity in earnings. He runs a tequila company—in case you haven’t heard. While Clooney continued to star in movies until the present day, none of them made the same splash as the ones he did way back when.
The Spice Girls
The Spice Girls were not only spicey, but Ginger, Posh, Scary, Sporty, and Baby Spice were sizzling hot! The quintette’s first record sold 23 million copies worldwide. They even made a movie. "Spice World" took in $100 million and the ladies are still regarded as one of the most influential girl groups in pop history.
Posh went on to marry soccer legend David Beckham. In 2007, the rest of the Spice team tried out for a comeback. It took off with a bang, but ultimately the superstardom of the Spice Girls was relegated to the catchy sound of “Tell me what you want, what you really, really want.”
Jerry Seinfeld
Seinfeld, often hailed as the TV equivalent of The Beatles, achieved unparalleled popularity and universal adoration. It transcended cultural boundaries, captivating audiences from all walks of life, and at its core was the brilliant mind of Jerry Seinfeld himself. His name became synonymous with the show's success, and the ratings soared to unprecedented heights, even reaching a tie with the acclaimed series "ER."
Fast forward to the present, and we find Seinfeld engaging in casual conversations over coffee with fellow comedians who happen to own cars. While this may bring some excitement, there's no denying that his relevance has evolved over time.
Donald Trump
It is not just the two impeachments or losing the election that makes Donald Trump famous no longer. It is not only being banned by Twitter and having his celebrity bullhorn repossessed. It’s that no one cares. His fame glowed in the '80s. Donald Trump lived the lifestyle of the rich and famous. He took photos with the Clintons in the White House.
His brand had solid gold value. Now it has none. Trump was in many ways the epitome of the decade; the way Wall Street and the me-generation were so big. "Celebrity Apprentice" was his comeback. What’s next?
Demi Moore
Demi Moore, renowned for her captivating performances in films like "St. Elmo's Fire" and "Ghost," the latter earning the distinction of being the highest-grossing film of 1990, seemed invincible in her status as an A-list star. Her romantic involvement with Bruce Willis further added to her allure, solidifying her place as a Hollywood power couple.
Moore, with her timeless beauty and undeniable talent, appeared to be an eternal fixture in the industry. However, a significant turning point arrived when she took on the challenging role of "GI Jane." Unfortunately, the film marked her third consecutive disappointment at the box office.
Kirk Cameron
Kirk Cameron, initially known as a child actor, rose to national fame through his portrayal of Mike Seaver on the beloved and long-running series "Growing Pains." As the mischievous yet endearing character, he captured the hearts of viewers and solidified his place in the ABC program.
In the 2000s, Cameron took on significant roles in the "Left Behind" film series, aligning the title with his career trajectory. Embracing his passion for faith, he embarked on a profound journey within the Evangelical Christian community, emerging as an influential figure and evangelical broadcaster. Cameron's commitment to his beliefs propelled him to become deeply involved in spreading the message of his faith.
Harrison Ford
Post-Han Solo, Harrison Ford was unstoppable. Film franchises formed at his feet. Besides "Star Wars," he headlined the Raiders of the "Lost Ark" and "Blade Runner franchises." And then there was Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan character which Ford portrayed in "Clear and Present Danger" and "The Fugitive."
He was the sexiest man alive in 1998, according to "People." To be fair, Ford starred in yet another "Blade Runner" film in 2017, "Blade Runner 2049". And, in 2019, he voiced a dog named Rooster in "The Secret Life of Pets 2." More recently, Ford starred alongside Jason Segel in the Apple TV hit series "Shrinking."
David Letterman
Late-night legend David Letterman is a legend no more. He was nominated for an Emmy 35 times for "Late Show with David Letterman." It ran for 30 years. His unconventional style from his desk out of New York gave him a rivalrous edge over Johnny Carson’s celebrity from Los Angeles.
In 2014, Letterman left the night-time talk show circuit behind. Since you probably don’t know, he has a Netflix gig now called "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman." Even on this show, he continued to interview some of the biggest stars on the planet such as Jay-Z and Robert Downey Jr.
Judd Nelson
After starring as "The Breakfast Club" bad boy, one would expect Judd Nelson’s career to have taken off as some other '80s stars had. These movies were like soundtracks of a generation. And Nelson did go on to star in another coming-of-age film, "St. Elmo’s Fire."
Perhaps things went wrong for Nelson while filming "The Breakfast Club." He was almost fired by John Hughes for pestering Molly Ringwald with his overzealous method of acting. Ringwald held a very tender spot with the filmmaker. These days you can check out his four books, released on Kindle, or his multiple Christmas-themed movies. (For real.)
Sean Penn
Sean Penn got his start, ironically, on "The Little House on the Prairie." But "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" gave him his famous bad boy image, and he maintained it off-camera too. He once punched a fan and did time for it. But these days, his temper fit defending his personal charity, CORE, barely made media waves.
The Oscar-winning actor appeared on "Morning Joe" tousled. Fans and media ribbed him for his “homeless look.” He was annoyed at CORE employees who complained about working conditions to "The New York Times." Penn tweeted about it. Despite this, Penn is still starring in films until this very day.
MC Hammer
"Can't touch this!" Those words, immortalized by MC Hammer, reverberated through the late '80s, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. If the rhythmic chant doesn't ring a bell, it's likely you missed the era entirely. "U Can't Touch This" etched its place in history by becoming the first rap song to secure victories in both the Best R&B Song and Best Rap Solo Performance categories at the 1991 awards.
Though the flamboyant rap star has transitioned from the limelight, his presence remains. While his iconic baggy "Hammer pants" may have faded from fashion, MC Hammer ventured into a different realm altogether, embracing a role as a preacher.
Michael Jordan
If you want to get an idea of how famous Michael Jordan was, check out "The Last Dance," a 2020 documentary about his indomitable days with the Chicago Bulls back in the '90s. Jordan was the LeBron James of his time and even had shoes named after him.
Jordan is the richest athlete in the world and the best NBA player of all time, arguably. The billionaire pulls in over $140 million per year today, which is about double his earnings when he played for the Bulls. He may be making more, but the magic of being Air Jordan is relegated to the past.
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres is the epitome of kindness, the ambassador of adorability. Or she was. After a toxic work environment scandal rocked her world in the summer of 2020 things changed. She tried to laugh the issue off saying, “If anybody’s thinking of changing their title or giving yourself a nickname, do not go with the ‘be kind’ lady. Don’t do it.”
The news of employees speaking out about toxic work culture and even allegations of inappropriate office behavior signaled a drop in sponsors, ratings, and A-list celeb guests. And since then, the show has come to an unceremonious end. Ouch!
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy was so funny in the 80s, there is literally no comedian to compare him with today. His weekly SNL skits were the stuff that made the “Live from New York” show great. He did movies like "48 Hours" and "Trading Places," which were instant comedy classics.
In the '90s, he fizzled out. He tanked sincerely with a bad sci-fi comedy about "Pluto Nash." Now he’s back with an NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame induction. But no one in any generation younger than Gen X knows who he is unless they've seen him in "Coming 2 America."
Sigourney Weaver
It’s hard to imagine how popular "Ghostbusters" was in the 80s. There was major hype about the film all around the world and Ghostbusters merch was on sale just about everywhere. Sigourney Weaver starred in that movie, but you probably know her as the queen of the "Alien" franchise.
Weaver’s past fame is hard to estimate because she was a cultural icon. One can point at her two Oscar nominations or her seven Golden Globe noms, but it’s not that easy to explain her influence. Now, of course, she also has the "Ghostbusters Afterlife" remake under her belt, now that her reprises of Ellen Ripley are about done.
Winona Ryder
Starring with Johnny Depp in "Edward Scissorhands," Winona Ryder was one of the cool kids too back in the day. Did you know she was engaged to Depp for three years? She was also edgy and cool in "Reality Bites," "Beetlejuice," and Bram Stoker’s "Dracula."
Before Tim Burton got his hands on the actress, Ryder made her film debut in "Lucas." The movie also starred Charlie Sheen and Corey Haim was named by Roger Ebert as a top ten 1986 movie. Her role in "Stranger Things" is the only thing keeping her in the public eye at the moment.
Johnny Depp
Long before he embarked on the iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp had already established himself as a formidable talent in the entertainment industry. After gaining recognition in the '80s with his role in the hit TV series "21 Jump Street," which catapulted him to teen idol status, Depp continued to mesmerize audiences with his unforgettable performance in "Edward Scissorhands." With his enigmatic aura and unique style, he effortlessly embodied the epitome of cool.
However, the present days have been marred by a distressing spectacle as the public witnesses the tumultuous legal battle and media frenzy surrounding the tumultuous relationship between Depp and his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
Tom Cruise
The last time Tom Cruise was voted “Sexiest Man Alive” was in 1990. He may have soared to the top after his "Risky Business" stardom, brought on by his popularity in 80s flicks like "The Outsiders," "Taps and All the Right Moves," but his fame is simmering on the back burner these days.
Case in point, "The Mummy." A super big hit but kind of a “meh” movie. "Mission Impossible," one might observe, did not become a massive franchise for nothing, but then again, it tapped out in 2018. Even still, Cruise is still churning out those movies left, right, and center every year, it seems. He even made a sequel to "Top Gun," though matching the success of his heyday is probably not in the stars.
Molly Ringwald
Brat Pack ringleader Molly Ringwald was so famous one can only compare her legendary pop status to someone like Bruce Willis, back then. If only she stayed as famous as the "Die Hard" star did! But, ultimately, Ringwald decided to leave Hollywood on purpose.
The '80s film diva suffered a humiliating incident while auditioning for a role. She told her agent how she was forced to wear a dog collar. He didn’t care, so she fired him. She took off for Paris and never turned back. Until recently. Ringwald appeared in "Riverdale" and starred in the TV show "Feud" alongside bug names like Demi Moore.
Ricky Schroder
There is no denying that Ricky Schroder was an adorable child actor back in the day. This young blondie melted hearts in "The Champ" (1979). It's amazing to think that literal decades have passed since then. That role as a son of a boxer led to his own successful TV series, "Silver Spoons," playing rich kid Ricky Stratton.
Disappearing without a trace, he struggled with the industry of being locked in a cute kid persona after "Silver Spoons" ended. Then, suddenly, Schroder was back on the map in 2020 when it was discovered he raised funds for the infamous Kyle Rittenhouse. Can't quite place the name? Look him up. (Or better yet, don't.)
Vanilla Ice
Ever wonder where “Ice, ice, baby” comes from? Look no further. Vanilla Ice rapped “Ice Ice Baby” in 1983. He was 16. The sound was incredibly intoxicating and impossibly catchy. The one-hit-wonder scored big. It was the first hip-hop song to reach No. 1 on the pop charts.
Meanwhile, seasoned music enthusiasts recognized the central riff right off. It was the opening of “Under Pressure,” David Bowie and Queen’s chart-hitting collaboration a decade earlier. Freddie Mercury laughed when he heard the rip-off, mistaking it for his song at first. Queen drummer Roger Taylor scoffed, “A white rapper from Florida, great.”
Jason Bateman
Jason Bateman, the talented brother of Justine Bateman, captured the hearts of teenagers as a beloved heartthrob during his early career. The Bateman siblings established themselves as prominent figures in Hollywood, with Jason's notable roles in highly successful shows like "Silver Spoons" and "The Hogan Family," where he portrayed the rebellious and charismatic "bad boy" character. His magnetic presence on screen earned him a dedicated following and adoration from countless teenage fans.
However, in recent times, the spotlight has shifted, and many are unaware that Bateman's acting prowess earned him a prestigious Golden Globe award for his exceptional performance in the critically acclaimed series "Arrested Development." Like several other teenage stars, he experienced a challenging period marked by struggles with substance abuse, a phase that he has successfully overcome.
Justine Bateman
The Batemans are a really talented pair of siblings, let's be real. Justine Bateman was super famous on "Family Ties." She played Mallory Keaton, Alex P. Keaton’s pretty sister. They starred in that 80s sitcom which pretty much defined the times. Who’s Alex, you may ask? Well, it's the role that made Michael J. Fox famous.
Bateman dated teen idol Leif Garrett back then, but now she’s a mom with a pilot's license and a degree from UCLA. Which is nice since she said Paramount wouldn’t let her go to college as a teen actor. She’s still in the business. Perhaps you know she dropped into an episode of "Arrested Development?"
Arsenio Hall
Arsenio Hall, a prominent figure in Hollywood, enjoyed an extensive career that spanned numerous years. His undeniable talent led him to host his own late-night talk show, catapulting him to immense fame and recognition. Such was his stature that Sinéad O'Connor once publicly accused him of enabling his friend Prince's alleged substance dependency.
However, she later issued an apology following Arsenio's $5 million lawsuit against her. Today, after a considerable passage of time, Arsenio is gradually reclaiming his presence in the entertainment industry. Notably, he has resurfaced as Eddie Murphy's trusted sidekick in the long-awaited sequel to the beloved film "Coming to America," aptly titled "Coming 2 America."
LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes was the biggest thing country music had ever seen at one point. For a minute, she seemed comparable to country legend Patsy Cline. At just 16, her fame exploded with the debut album "Blue."
She got so famous that Hollywood wanted her. She recorded soundtracks for two blockbuster films. Then, an ill-fated career move threatened to erase her fame. She starred in a Lifetime movie and fell in love with the male lead. Both stars were married. She spent years managing the fallout played out on social media. LeAnn’s still recording, but she had to promote it on "The Masked Singer."
Jim Carrey
Jim Carrey is pretty famous. But if you compare him to his "Dumb and Dumber" days, he is a shadow of his former fame. One thing that has taken his celeb-o-meter down a notch or two is his foray into political cartoons on Twitter. His management warned him he would lose half his audience. Carrey, not one to submit to authority, responded, “Lose them.”
At the height of his fame, Carrey moved toward real acting roles like "The Truman Show," which earned him considerable acclaim from both moviegoers and critics alike. His fans, for the most part, would have preferred to yuck it up with his zany sidekick instead.
The Olsen Twins
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen started on the celebrity track pretty early, appearing in the eighties sitcom "Full House," acting in tandem as a single character. Their early filmography was packed with stunt casting as twins, identical strangers, and sisters, and their star power grew.
However, as time went on, their teen personas had people losing interest, and their output started to dip in quality. They also refused to participate in the revival of their original show, "Fuller House," disappointing lots of fans. They might have been a little more relevant, but it seems these twins are content to let their younger sister Elizabeth take the spotlight now.
Tyler Perry
This artist's influence can be hard to overstate. His films brought black filmmaking back in a big way, mostly thanks to the "Madea" films. While derided by critics, they might as well be gospel in certain circles. However, countless spin-offs and other failed projects have proven to be too much for this director.
Celebrity exists in a “what have you done for me lately” kind of world. Perry revealed in 2019 that he was retiring the Madea character. He hinted that she might return one day, but for now, this filmmaker is starting to fade from the public consciousness.
Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen was the sarcastic star of the legendary sitcom "Two and a Half Men" after starring in a slew of films in the eighties and nineties. Of course, we're all aware of exactly what happened to him.
You've probably heard of his public romance with an adult film star, his bizarre interview that had him saying he was full of tiger blood, or his derogatory language toward his boss Chuck Lorre. He got fired from his million-dollar role on his famous sitcom, and since then, he has done nothing at all. Except announce that he has HIV. Which is sad. But he isn't a celeb anymore.
Jeremy Lin
Linsanity was the only thing people could talk about while Lin was playing. He put his all into every game he played with the Knicks, Rockets, Lakers, Hornets, Nets, Hawks, and Raptors. He was one of the feel-good stories of the era when he played, and people everywhere tuned in to cheer him on.
He inspired plenty of Asians and Asian-Americans to hit the court, but he faded just as quickly. He's now part of the Taiwanese men's professional basketball league, Plus League, and despite the fact that he's probably still good enough to make it to an NBA team, he's been whining and crying about his lack of opportunities, claiming the NBA gave up on him.
Billy Ray Cyrus
There were few hits that hit the charts harder than Cyrus' “Achy Breaky Heart” did in the '90s. He joined his daughter, Miley Cyrus, on the four-season show "Hannah Montana," which made her a household name and extended his fame a little bit. But the younger Cryus soon overtook him, and not in a great way.
Whether she was swinging around on a wrecking ball or shaking what her momma gave her on a big stage, Billy Ray was forced to stand aside and let the new generation do her thang. He collaborated with Lil Nas X on the 2019 “Old Town Road,” and it was cool, but it didn't last long.
Madonna
The Queen of Pop had everything back in the '80s. Madonna had the public's ear with every one of her singles. Every statement Madonna seemed to make would ruffle up the feathers of someone, for better or for worse. And if you listen hard enough, you can still catch them on the radio or even while you are shopping.
But those are about the only places you'll find them after the 2015 Grammy Awards fiasco. She started to parrot the moves of younger stars, and her desperate attempts to shock and awe the listening and watching public smelled like desperation and an era that is too long gone.
Kato Kaelin
Who? Born Brian Gerard Kaelin, Kato got his nickname from the character Bruce Lee played on the television series "The Green Hornet." His biggest claim to fame was the fact that he was a witness in the O.J. Simpson case. At one point, seventy-five percent of the general public could recognize him, compared to twenty-five percent recognizing then-vice-president Al Gore.
His movies range from B-movie schlock to barely-remembered comedies, and his attempts at TV fame – and there are plenty – have gone nowhere. He's had plenty of chances on reality TV, but all of them ended quickly and without much fanfare.
Cher
She was once known as the Goddess of Pop, which only proves that false idols should be destroyed. Since the sixties, this wax figure of a woman has been making music, a lot of the time, alongside her husband, Sonny Bono. But ever since the nineties hit and people grew out of only having one name, she's fallen out of favor.
Every once in a while, she comes out with a little bit of music, but her bizarre and ramble-filled social media presence has made her less of a celebrity and more of an old lady down the street who throws empty tin cans at passing kids.
Aubrey O'Day
Thanks to being part of the girl group Danity Kane and the TV show "Making the Band," Aubrey O'Day had a legitimate music career. After a couple of nice hits, the group broke up, with some of the members going under P. Diddy's wing. O'Day wasn't one of them. She spent years floating around Hollywood before disappearing altogether, but she couldn't handle not being famous.
She started a reality show about her career, which failed just like her career. She's moved on to form a duo with her ex-band member Shannon Bex. It's produced nothing of note, and someone might have to eventually take her aside and tell her she's just not going to make it.
Macklemore
Yeah, remember this guy? Boy, he disappeared fast. His rap song “Thrift Shop” stuffed his pockets with far more than twenty dollars, and his follow-up hit “Can't Hold Us,” featuring Ryan Lewis, added to his star power, but his original album wasn't to be topped.
His collaboration with Lewis came to an end in 2017, and so did Macklemore's relevance. Don't call it a comeback – because there isn't one. This recording artist has fallen out of favor with the public and is unlikely to regain any of his former power. As long as he sticks to popping tags, the money he earned from his hit song will be plenty.
Kendrick Perkins
In the NBA, nobody was tougher than Perkins. This hard-nosed defender used his immense physical presence and skills to intimidate opponents. On the other hand, he became little more than a glorified role player, with stats that amounted to not much at all. He just so happened to be on a great Boston Celtics team making a championship run.
Now he spends his days firing hot takes left and right. He's confronting others, contradicting himself, and making opinions that are more or less pulled out of midair. He's even started to rub long-time fans from his time in the NBA the wrong way.
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino
When you think about it, it's hard to figure out how “The Situation” even became famous. What did he do, flaunt a disproportionate bicep? Everybody from "Jersey Shore" got their fifteen minutes, but almost all of them have gone on to bigger and better things, at least a little bit.
He got his fame from showing off his admittedly impressive six-pack, but his other ventures have failed. He tried making it in stand-up comedy, but it didn't pan out. He's been charged with tax evasion, and he's taken to playing himself on reality TV, but audiences got tired of his shtick quick.
Shia LaBeouf
Long after people forget about "Even Stevens" (it was a show on the Disney channel), Shia LaBeouf will long be remembered as the “Just Do It” guy. After a Daytime Emmy Award in 2003, LaBeouf's career has been one mildly entertaining movie after another, with public breakdowns dispersed throughout.
He had a resurgence with the "Transformers" franchise, but his acting was overshadowed by the dizzying spectacle and the emergence of Megan Fox. He may keep popping up here and there, and he can still deliver when he needs to (check out "Fury" from 2014 if you need to see for yourself), but his outbursts and weird behavior have sunk his star.
Ray J
As an actor, singer, songwriter, reality star, and chef, Ray J is a jack of all trades, but a master of none. The reason he's known at all is he had an adult video escapade with Kim K – which is also the reason she's famous, now that we mention it. Ray J ended up thinking he was more important than he actually was.
He released a song based on the tape (“I Hit It First”), which might be the most classless thing we've ever heard of. Plenty of reality TV shows, such as "Love and Hip Hop: Hollywood," had him on, but it's likely his fanbase numbers no more than ten people.
Caitlyn Jenner
While this infamous name got started as an Olympic gold medalist, Caitlyn Jenner was dragged back into the limelight. Apparently, the Kardashian clan sucks people into the madness of celebrity whether they want it or not. And this certainly applied to Caitlyn, especially back in her pre-transformation days.
Since her transformation, intense scrutiny has befallen this figure, including a brief, failed reality TV series called "I Am Cait." Caitlyn also had a controversial statement that squashed any attempt of having future relevancy, saying: “I wasn't in favor of gay marriage” in a 2015 interview on Ellen.
Kim Kardashian
Let's get down to brass tacks here — while Kim Kardashian was already the daughter of a famous lawyer; she got even more famous because someone filmed a bedroom video of her. Unlike Paris Hilton, she was able to mutate the attention into an actual career, but she was still the kind of person you know of without knowing why.
From reality TV to public feuds with other celebrities to business ventures, Kim kept the entire Kardashian (and Jenner) family in the spotlight, which led to careers for other members, such as Kylie and Khloe. And while she still makes the tabloids, it's clear she's on the way down from her once legendary heights.
Tonya Harding
For those who may be unaware, Tonya Harding gained widespread notoriety when it was alleged that she orchestrated a plot to harm her fellow figure skater, Nancy Kerrigan, by hiring someone to injure her right before the 1994 Winter Olympics. Remarkably, the film "I, Tonya," starring the talented Margot Robbie, unexpectedly opened new doors for Harding.
This enabled her to secure endorsement deals in insurance commercials. It's often said that almost everyone finds a place in the advertising industry. Now, however, let's redirect our attention to the light-hearted banter and jesting aimed at other notable personalities, as the world of celebrities always offers fodder for amusement.
Kristen Stewart
Thanks to the worldwide phenomenon "Twilight," Kristen Stewart became a household name. Once people realized "Twilight" was a pile of vampiric teenage angst, their critical eye turned to Stewart. She cheated on co-star Robert Pattinson with director Rupert Sanders, which broke up the remaining people who still believed "Twilight" had anything to offer.
Since her big break, Stewart has been in a bunch of movies, such as "Happiest Season," "Charlie's Angels," and "Snow White and the Huntsman." What's that? You've never seen, nor even heard of, any of those movies? Yeah, we know. Her biggest claim to fame is being a wet paper bag for Edward to cry into.
Tony Hawk
For many households in the nineties and into the new millennium, the name Tony Hawk was synonymous with skateboarding. Thanks to his great video games, the “Birdman” wowed audiences with his incredible tricks. His video games started to falter, and age caught up with him, making it hard for him to stay relevant.
Nowadays, the only thing people know him for is having the same name as the skateboarding guy (according to his Twitter account, anyway). The stories are funny, but this athlete and skateboarding game pioneer is content to let younger faces show themselves. There's not much reason to stay relevant if you're Tony Hawk. You know you were the greatest, once.
Katherine Heigl
Heigl, once a star on "Grey's Anatomy" and a big fashion model, brought herself down with her prima donna behavior. She won the Best Supporting Actress for Drama award in 2007 but turned down a nomination for the same the following year, believing that her role wasn't worthy to win. The creators, crew, and other cast members of "Grey's Anatomy" started to get tired of her “it's all about me” behavior, and she disappeared from the show.
Numerous negative reports about her conduct on set have made her a name to avoid when trying to put together a new show, which means now Heigl's chances at regaining her minor amount of fame have become near impossible.
Stephen King
King is legendary for his horror and fantasy novels, and plenty of them still command your attention (did anyone say "Misery"?). However, ever since his “retirement” in 2013, he's been writing books at almost the same pace as his heyday.
That being said, the problems some readers found with his writing started to become more and more prevalent, and it's clear that he's having problems branching out from his traditional format. A lot of his later books seem more like parodies of his early work, and they haven't gotten the same kind of attention. Nowadays, more people know him for being an old crank on Twitter.
Owen Wilson
His career was once legitimate, no one could doubt that. Wilson continues to act, and he has had some good films in recent years, but a lot of his work has gone unnoticed. Earlier films like "Wedding Crashers" and "The Royal Tenenbaums" got him lots of attention, but what's the last Wilson film you watched? Chances are, it wasn't recent.
Or, you went to see the movie without even knowing it included Wilson. He's got skills, but he struggles to get acting roles that really let him do something good. With new actors always looking for an in, it seems Wilson might be on the way out.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton is one of those names you recognized ten years ago, but you really did not know why. As the star of an X-rated film called "1 Night in Paris", this beauty shot to “stardom” on the basis of her money and looks, moving to a reality TV show titled "The Simple Life."
Her prevalence as a socialite was quickly overtaken by the Kardashian-Jenner clan (don't worry, they're here too). She has done nothing of note for the last half a decade, which tracks with how she got famous in the first place – doing little more than just being there.
Christina Milian
Apparently, Milian was once at the top of the recording artist game. At the tender age of nineteen, she signed with Def Jam Records. She put out a pair of popular singles with “AM to PM” and “Dip It Low.” Her chart success led her to a short career in films such as "Love Don't Cost a Thing," "Be Cool," and "Pulse."
Before too long, her career slowed to a stop, and she did what every celeb does to try and bring themselves back: she went to Reality TV! Her show, "Christina Milian: Turned Up," featured her mom and sisters. Her career got a quick jolt, but people were long past caring.
Nicolas Cage
He's still acting, of course, and every once in a while, one of those movies ends up doing well in one manner or another. But Cage is stuck in eternal meme-dom. He's been in more than a hundred films since his debut in his 1982 "Fast Times." While classics such as "Face/Off" and "National Treasure" helped him define himself as a versatile actor, his last two decades have been lackluster at best.
It's been littered with strange and self-destructive behavior. His movies might not get the number of eyes they used to, but plenty of people still know the name, if only to make a joke at Cage's expense.
Jonathan Cheban
A publicist by trade, Jonathan Cheban became famous for being Kim Kardashian's best friend. He was always at her side, went on every trip with her, and practically lived with her. His regular appearances on "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" got him into more tabloid shots than real celebrities.
But Cheban isn't famous, and really never was, so why does he keep trying to prove his credentials? Does he even still do his job? He appears at red carpet events regularly, and it's kind of weird to keep seeing him there. It's even clear that he gets regular work done to his mug, in order to try and maintain the fleeting taste of fame.
Iggy Azalea
Iggy Azalea, an Australian rapper, rose to prominence in the early 2010s with an array of infectious tunes and visually stunning music videos. Much like Nicki Minaj, she seemed destined for greatness, but her journey took a different turn, leading to a swift downfall due to an inundation of rap-pop artists with explicit and sexualized personas, including Minaj herself.
Detractors heavily criticized Iggy for her mediocre rapping abilities and allegations of cultural appropriation. Subsequently, she seemingly vanished from the spotlight after her debut album in 2014, leaving fans wondering about her future. However, in 2019, she made a surprising return with "In My Defense," only to be met with a lack of interest, fading into the background once more. She kept working on her music, releasing singles, working on albums, and even taking a hiatus she came back from to no one's attention.
John Travolta
He struck it big with world-famous movies like "Grease," "Saturday Night Fever," and "Pulp Fiction," but Travolta's star has fallen. A clear beginning of his fall out of the public graces began when he introduced Idina Menzel (the singer and voice of Elsa from "Frozen") as “Adele Dazeem” at the 2014 Oscars.
He went on to kind of photobomb a bunch of female stars, such as Scarlett Johanssen, and though he will always have offers for roles, the world is no longer suffering from Travolta fever. There is always a new guy or gal to bring the heat. He's still working though, to be fair.
Snooki
“Famous” might not be the best word here. “Infamous” is a little bit of a better word. Also known as Nicole Elizabeth LaValle, but certainly better known as Snooki, she got her start in the limelight thanks to the oft-maligned (and for good reason) "Jersey Shore."
Her iconic hair is gone, and she desperately tries to stay in some sort of fame with other reality TV gigs, interviews, appearances on WWE (she isn't being slammed into the mat, though), and the show "How Far Is Tattoo Far?", which people watched with a morbid fascination. Before long, she'll be off our screens for good.
Hilary Duff
Oh, that's right, Hilary Duff. Many people will ever only know her as Lizzie McGuire, and that's because she's had roles that were few and far between. She also married twice and had four children, so good for her, but fame isn't really waiting for her to come back.
At best, she's a solid C-list celeb, but it's starting to look like she doesn't care that much. Her latest big projects were younger and how I met your father but neither of them could match up to the success that she had during her merry Disney days. Plus, now she's a mom, which is the most important thing someone could be. And if Hilary has discovered her time has passed, that doesn't mean she can't still do good.
Azealia Banks
Did you know Banks signed her first contract when she was only seventeen? People were calling her the second coming of Missy Elliot, but she's done little for music and a lot for the feuding business. Her controversies include big beefs with Lady Gaga, Iggy Azalea, Zayn Malik, Russell Crowe, and even Elon Musk!
This girl needs some help. Beefs are one thing, but how's the music? What music? She's putting out plenty, but good luck knowing that unless you follow her. And it's becoming harder to do – Banks has been banned from Twitter, arrested, and lost pretty much all of her endorsements. We call those wake-up calls.
Shaquille O’Neal
Once the biggest name – and body – in the NBA, Shaquille O'Neal, also known as the Shaq Attack, retired from basketball in 2011, unfortunately for fans all over the world. At one point, he was a big face, both on the court and the big screen. However, it is safe to say that this immense star never really disappeared.
He found his way into a couple of ill-thought-out movie projects like "Steel" and "Kazaam," which tragically flopped. Nowadays, he has a few small TV series he's working on. He is also a sports analyst for "Inside the NBA," where he has a good time talking about the thing that made him famous in the first place.
Britney Spears
Britney became the biggest pop star in the world overnight with the release of her single “...Baby One More Time.” She shot to fame with her high school persona and controversial music videos and kept things moving with one album after another.
It all came crashing down with a fifty-five-hour marriage, a publicized divorce from Kevin Federline, multiple public breakdowns, attacking paparazzi with an umbrella (which is, apparently, a bad thing?), falling in and out of mental health facilities, and accidentally setting fire to not one but *two* buildings by knocking over candles. It all combines for a star that has become a sad story.
Hulk Hogan
Hulkamania was no joke – it was one of the driving pop-culture forces of the eighties. But after movies that starred the wrestler, reality TV shows that uncovered a seedy family, and a scandalous tape, this lovable and high-energy persona lost his mojo.
Hogan won a lawsuit against the online tabloid Gawker (who posted the tape), which has been the only thing people know about his last ten years. Nowadays, the only Hulk that people are thinking of is big, green, and part of the Avengers. Despite Hogan making token appearances here and there on WWE or other places, his time in the spotlight is long done.
Amanda Bynes
Between 1990 and 2000, every young guy and gal tuned into "The Amanda Show" to have some fun with Bynes. Her spin-off, "All That," got her even more attention, but it wasn't to last. Amanda faded from view not long after her shows ended.
She's made one attempt after another, but she could do little more than jump into movie projects like "Hairspray," "She's the Man," "What a Girl Wants," and "Easy A," her last project. She had a Britney Spears-like breakdown in 2013 and postponed a 2018 comeback, which surely upset her fans. She's been going through lots of style changes, including bad facial tattoos.
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston became famous because she wore a nearly-there bra on the chilly set of "Friends" and because of how she thought it would be enough to take her through the rest of her life. The show is still popular on Netflix, but let's be honest - what isn't these days?
She tried her hand at acting and being married to famous people, but neither of those pursuits got her very much. Her current pursuit, the TV show "The Morning Show," is getting modest reviews, but viewers seem to be watching out of curiosity about what the star is up to nowadays.
Lindsay Lohan
Lohan got her first taste of stardom after starring in the 1998 remake of "The Parent Trap," but she began as a recurring young actress on the soap opera "Another World." She'd go on to star in projects like "Freaky Friday" and "Mean Girls," which made her a household name, but her reputation and antics got the better of her.
Stories about her tardiness on set, theft, and her bad problems with substance abuse saw her star fall fast. She became box-office poison, and producers started staying away. She gave it a good try with "Lindsay Lohan's Beach Club," which was canceled after one season. Time to get a real job, Lindsay.
Roseanne Barr
She used to be the down-to-earth, blue-collar mom from her show "Roseanne," alongside John Goodman and other funny characters. But after a controversial ninth season which included Dan Conner dying and the entire season being a story written by Roseanne (the character), the show came to an end.
A revival sprang up in 2018, but that very same year, Roseanne decided it was a good idea to badmouth a government official's ethnicity. The second season of the revival got trashed, and the show was retooled with Roseanne out of the picture. Since then, she has been pretty quiet.
Tyra Banks
Usually, celebrities are pretty famous (even for those who specifically ignore them) because they actually want to get things done with their lives. Such isn't the case for model and actress Tyra Banks. Her biggest movie? "Life-Size" from 2000!
She was a judge in the reality show "America's Next Top Model," which wasn't more than making catty comments at young women who just wanted a chance. Banks has also become a host of the show "Dancing With the Stars," which is perfect since the best that show can attract is D-list celebs (as well as Super Bowl champion Donald Driver of the Green Bay Packers).
Cameron Diaz
It's rare for an A-list actor to completely abandon Hollywood, but Cameron Diaz did it very stealthily, without many people even seeming to notice. Maybe we don't notice that she hasn't been in a new movie in years because we find ourselves re-watching "There's Something About Mary," "Charlie's Angels," "In Her Shoes," and of course, arguably the best romantic comedy, "The Holiday."
It seems that Cameron Diaz simply grew tired of her years of hard work and has since settled down with now-husband Good Charlotte's Benji Madden. In fact, she has been out of our screens since 2014, rendering her celebrity status invalid.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson
Fiddy's rapping career sent him to stardom in the 2000s, regularly topping the charts. But once he stopped producing music, that fame slipped away. He tried to start a number of businesses, including footwear, headphones, mattresses, champagne, and cognac, but pretty much all of them ended up nowhere.
He had big success by investing in Vitaminwater, but combining a lack of listenable music and numerous failed acting jobs, he's become irrelevant. His music remains, and it still bumps, but he's not going anywhere else. Based on the rap world, when he was getting big, he probably considers himself lucky to be alive.
Lea Michele
Somebody can be quite talented without being famous. Lea Michele doesn't want to let her fame go, even though "Glee" is long gone. She got another chance thanks to Ryan Murphy on "Scream Queens" and started her own music career. But, nothing she's released or done has made much impact.
She's still walking down red carpets, desperate for the cameras to find her again. She got her start in musicals, and she still has a great voice, but she might not realize nobody cares a whit until she heads back to what actually got her started in the first place.
Tyga
He began as a rapper, but almost everyone knows him because he used to be Kylie Jenner's too-old-for-her boyfriend, even though they maintain they never dated. His hit song “Rack City” brought plenty of eyes onto him, but those same eyes also turned away when they realized he was dating Kylie while she was too young to vote.
Tyga is still putting out music, but nobody's listening to it. Tyga barely had a career, to begin with – even some of the one-hit wonders on this list stand above him. Kylie, who is a paparazzi magnet, has since moved on to other men and other endeavors, which would explain why he isn't getting any spotlight action now that they're apart.
Rita Ora
While pop stars are often international figures, they can sometimes have trouble crossing the pond, no matter which side they started on. Rita Ora is one such name. She had huge success in Europe and the UK, but ended up being a one-hit-wonder with “I Will Never Let You Down.”
Even her record label dropped her – that says a lot. She's been trying to keep her career going, but she's done it with reality TV – the last stop of the previously famous. She's become a judge on "X Factor UK" and "America's Next Top Model" because anyone has the ability to say whether or not someone is pretty. She's in the spotlight, but it's ever-shrinking.
Mariah Carey
Sorry, Mariah, but you're gone. This singer used to be known for her big holiday hit, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” as well as umm...? But now, hardly anyone knows her. Her seasonal song will get plenty of play, but people are already starting to dread hearing it – not because they hate Christmas, but because they hate the song.
Her diva attitude was marketable during the pop star era, but nowadays, it's turned tacky. She lip-synced her way through a 2016 New Year's Eve performance, and listeners are now more likely to criticize her vocals than listen. She insulted Nicki Minaj's voice during "American Idol," which landed her in more hot water.
Tara Reid
In the late '90s and early 2000s, Reid was on her way up. We fell in love with her thanks to her role in "American Pie" and her appearance in "The Big Lebowski," but we got to know the real her thanks to her time on "Wild On!". It was later renamed "Taradise," and then things started to fall apart.
Her once-promising career has turned into a classic case of too many jägerbombs. She's been appearing in a lot of small projects recently, but in small parts that don't get a lot of press. She's still working, and it looks like she's cleaned things up, but she's unlikely to get back to her fleeting stardom.
Jaden Smith
Jaden Smith has one claim to fame: He's the son of Will Smith. That's it. He was cute in "Pursuit of Happyness," got the job done in the 2010 remake of "Karate Kid," and his 2013 sci-fi flick "After Earth" flopped hard. Other than those outings, he's done little.
His little sister pushed him aside with “Whip My Hair.” His weird Twitter posts have revealed that he might need more help than Mr. Miyagi can offer. Despite his unorthodox persona, Jaden is unfortunate in that he's part of a family in which his dad, his mom, and his sister regularly create more headlines than him.
Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag
By including Pratt's name here, we've guaranteed that he'll find it on his daily Google search of his own name. Pratt and Montag were...ah well, we don't know. Montag may not be a famous scholar, but she might still beat Pratt in a game of checkers.
They've bounced as a blonde pair from one insipid reality show to the next, with none of them reaching anywhere near the heights they hoped for. Both of them have appeared on a number of "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here" shows, which is pushing the word celebrity to an incredible limit. One day soon, it may burst, and this couple will fade forever. Finally.
Haley Joel Osment
No conversation about child actors who are no longer famous would be complete without a mention of Haley Joel Osment. Beginning with his critically acclaimed role in “The Sixth Sense'', the young star seemed destined for a long Hollywood career. Unfortunately, as Haley Joel Osment got older, the roles seemed to dry up.
In 2006, he was involved in an accident where he was driving under the influence. Today, the former child actor is sober and has returned to acting. He has recently appeared in several popular shows, including “The Kominsky Method,” "The Boys," and “What We Do In the Shadows.”
Jesse Bradford
The early 2000s had no shortage of eye candy — from teen magazine pinups to dashing leading men on the CW, everyone had a Hollywood crush. For many, that crush was on actor Jesse Bradford. After a successful career as a child actor, Jesse made the transition to bonafide teen heartthrob as Cliff in “Bring It On” and “Swimfan.”
Though he showed promise in the 2006 war drama, “Flags of Our Fathers,” Jesse’s career seemed to stall. These days, he stays largely out of the spotlight except to show off his adorable family and outdoorsy lifestyle on social media accounts.
Chris Noth
When “Sex and the City” first premiered at the end of the ‘90s, everyone suddenly wanted to know more about “Mr.Big,” aka actor Chris Noth. As the dashing commitment-wary character, Chris became a leading man on television. He followed up this role with critically acclaimed roles in “The Good Wife” and “The Equalizer.”
In recent years, following some controversial events that have come to light, the actor has been noticeably absent from our screens. Luckily for “Sex and the City” fans, Chris Noth has made a rare, but welcome appearance on the show’s latest revival, HBO’s “And Just Like That…”
Freddie Prinze Jr.
There was a time in the late ‘90s when it was hard to find a movie without Freddie Prinze Jr. The tall, dark, and handsome heartthrob starred in everything from horror movies like “I Know What You Did Last Summer” to teen comedies like “She’s All That.” After years of being a film star, Freddie tried his hand at television with less-than-spectacular results.
Though he has found some success as a voice-over actor in shows such as "Star Wars Rebels," it’s nothing compared to his fame of decades ago. Fans can still catch him as the host of WWE Rivals and in “Clerks III.”
Renée Zellweger
Before we ruffle any feathers, there’s no doubt that Renée Zellweger is an amazing actress. Starting in the ‘90s, Renée lit up the screens in films like “Jerry Maguire” and later in the film “Nurse Betty.” It was her roles in “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and “Chicago” that made her a major movie star.
By 2008, her career momentum seemed to have stalled, and she was starring in flop after flop. These box office bombs, combined with some questionable plastic surgery that left her looking completely different, have resulted in less notable film roles. However, she did recently win Best Actress at the Oscars for her role in the film "Judy."
Mickey Rourke
During the '80s, few leading men could make women swoon, and men wish they could be them, quite like Mickey Rourke. Sensual roles in films like “Body Heat” and the erotic drama “9 ½ Weeks” made him one of the most attractive and sought-after men in Hollywood.
Unfortunately, that heartthrob status quickly changed when the actor decided to change his looks with plastic surgery following years of damage done to his face during his boxing career. Though he has appeared in films like “Iron Man 2” and “The Expendables,” his career today is a shadow of what it once was.
Helen Hunt
In a sea of famous blondes in Hollywood, there seemed to be something special about actress Helen Hunt. After a string of made-for-television movies and flops, she became one of the highest-paid women on television with her role on the sitcom “Mad About You.”
Roles in films like “Twister,” “As Good As It Gets,” “What Women Want” and “Cast Away” proved that she could be a movie star as well. Unfortunately, by 2001, her career began to drop off completely. Though she has had a couple of interesting roles, it seems her time in the Hollywood spotlight was very short-lived.
Dane Cook
In the early 2000s, Dane Cook was considered one of the funniest men in Hollywood. With his 2003 best-selling comedy special, “Harmful if Swallowed,” Dane quickly became popular with the college-aged demographic. His stand-up comedy eventually led to roles in critically panned films like “Employee of the Month” and “Good Luck Chuck.”
After allegations involving plagiarism of comedic material emerged, Dane soon became a persona non grata in the comedy world. These days, he is mostly in the news because of his relationship with a woman almost 30 years his junior! One of his most recent roles came in the film "American Exit."
Richard Gere
Richard Gere once had one of the most enviable careers in Hollywood. From films like “Primal Fear” to the rom-com classic “Pretty Woman,” few actors have shown the range that Richard has. Though he starred in the academy-award-winning film “Chicago” as the tap-dancing lawyer Billy Flynn, his career came to a screeching halt after.
Richard has often blamed his politics (especially his views on China) as being the reason why he has been pushed out of show business. Whether that is true or not, fans are quite sad not to see this talented actor on screen. He recently starred alongside Diane Keaton in the film "Maybe I Do."
Chevy Chase
Few films have the ability to make us laugh as hard as the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” films, especially Chevy Chase’s character Clark W. Griswold. A talented comedic actor and writer, Chevy was a fan-favorite on “Saturday Night Live” and in films like “Caddyshack” and “Spies Like Us.” His appearance on the cult-favorite sitcom “Community” introduced Chevy to younger audiences.
While there is no doubt that Chevy is hilarious, he soon grew a reputation for being extremely difficult and unpleasant to work with. Today, he has largely disappeared from the public eye, much to the dismay of his many fans.
Ashley Judd
Ashley Judd may have been born the daughter of the late country music icon Naomi Judd, but her rise to fame was largely due to Ashley’s hard work and talent. In the ‘90s, Ashley appeared in films like “Norma Jean & Marilyn,” “A Time to Kill,” “Kiss the Girls,'' and “Double Jeopardy.”
Though the early 2000s brought her some success with films like "Frida" and "Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood," Ashley Judd’s career has cooled off to the point where there were years between movie releases. Today, Ashley Judd receives more attention for her political beliefs and her activism.
Chad Michael Murray
Admit it — at one point, you (or someone you knew) had a poster of Chad Michael Murray hanging on the bedroom wall. The heartthrob was a constant fixture in teen magazines and in movies and television. In the early 2000s, Chad was a familiar (and handsome) face to television audiences with roles in shows like "Gilmore Girls," "Dawson’s Creek," and "One Tree Hill."
Although he had some success in teen flicks like “Freaky Friday” and “A Cinderella Story,” Chad Michael Murray’s career seemed to slow down. In recent years, he has returned to the screen with several made-for-television movie roles.
David Schwimmer
Starring on a show as famous as “Friends” can sometimes be more of a curse than a blessing. No one knows this more than actor David Schwimmer, who many of us just know for his role as Ross Geller on the popular sitcom. Though David tried to branch out into films, none of his movies seemed to make an impact.
After starring in some critically acclaimed theater performances, David returned to television with a role in FX’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson.” While this role was well-received, nothing can really top his “Friends” level of fame. Still, Schwimmer will always be Ross to most people.
Orlando Bloom
Orlando Bloom gave audience members an appreciation for the “Lord of the Rings” films with his role as the dashingly handsome elf, Legolas. This role, followed by roles in “Pirates of the Caribbean” as Will Turner and “Troy” as Paris made him one of Hollywood’s most popular (and desirable) actors. By 2005, however, his career seemed to lose steam.
Though Orlando has reprised his roles as Legolas and as Will Turner, he no longer commands the attention he used to. He most recently appeared in the action drama “Red Right Hand” and the television series “Carnival Row.” Still, he is in a relationship with Katy Perry.
Pauly Shore
While it is rare to have a film career spanning decades, most actors don’t anticipate becoming irrelevant in just a few years. A popular MTV VJ in the late ’80s, Pauly Shore managed to land a role in the movie “Encino Man.” This role soon resulted in films like “Son in Law,” “Jury Duty,” and “Bio-Dome.”
Unfortunately, Pauly Shore’s films were shredded by film critics, and he was even compared to “fingernails on the blackboard” by the late film critic Roger Ebert! These days, Pauly has largely disappeared from show business, and we’re sure that film critics are probably thrilled!
Chris Kattan
As a cast member on “Saturday Night Live,” Chris Kattan was considered one of the funniest men on television, that was until he tried to become a movie star. In 1998, he appeared alongside “SNL” cast member Will Ferrell as one-half of the Butabi Brothers in the film “A Night at the Roxbury.” Though the film went on to become a cult favorite, it was panned by critics.
Several flops, including “Corky Romano” and “Monkeybone,” followed, destroying his chances of becoming a leading Hollywood man. These days, he works mostly as a voice-over actor. He did have a memorable cameo on "How I Met Your Mother" though.
Billy Zane
Though many of us would rather not admit it (given his character’s cruel and snarky personality), many of us had a crush on Cal Hockley in the epic romantic drama “Titanic.” Cal, who was played by actor Billy Zane, quickly became one of the most recognizable characters, or rather villains, of the ‘90s.
Unfortunately, with the exception of the critically acclaimed film “The Believer,” Billy’s role in “Titanic” didn’t really lead to any significant film roles. Today, many people simply know him as Cal or have forgotten about him entirely! Still, Zane has been in a happy relationship with Candice Neill for more than a decade.