9 Crazy Behind-The-Scenes Stories From James Cameron Movies

James Cameron isn’t called “Iron Jim” because he’s an avid weightlifting aficionado. He’s a perfectionist to his core with a very aggressive approach to filmmaking, especially when someone tells him, “You can’t do that.” Cameron tends to be right in the mess with everyone else, pushing for the exact shot, the exact timing, and the exact physics (unless the story needs him to ignore physics for emotional damage)—all to get that one perfect shot.

Here are some of the wildest behind-the-scenes stories from James Cameron’s productions.

The Terminator (1984): Casting Nearly Went in a Very Different Direction

Early casting ideas for The Terminator included Arnold Schwarzenegger as the human hero Kyle Reese and, get this, O.J. freaking Simpson as the killer cyborg, which, in hindsight—wow. The twist is that when Schwarzenegger met with Cameron, he couldn’t stop thinking about the villain. He reportedly broke down how the Terminator should move and behave: no joy, no flair, no monologuing, just pure machine. Cameron realized Arnold was basically explaining the character better than it was currently written. The rest is sci-fi history.

Aliens (1986): How Cameron Got Sigourney Weaver Back

The classic sci-fi horror Aliens feels like a waste of time without Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley, but did you know she had other plans at the time? But Cameron had an eye only for her and refused to accept a half-hearted “maybe.” And so, our boy Jimmy called Arnold’s agent, Lou Pitt, and claimed he’d decided he could simply rewrite the sequel without Ripley, straight up removing her character. This little gambit paid off, as he knew the message would reach Weaver (Hollywood is just a big village). As a result, the deal was back on the table, and even though Cameron didn’t actually intend to cut Ripley, he went all-in, and they didn’t call his bluff.

The Abyss (1989): The Shoot Was Basically “What If Filmmaking, But Underwater, Forever”

If you’ve heard stories about the brutality of shooting The Abyss, they’re not unfounded. Large parts of production took place in a giant tank, with cast and crew spending long days submerged, sometimes at significant depth. Even basic operations got ten times harder because humans weren’t meant to be in the water for hours. Ed Harris nearly drowned during production in a genuinely terrifying incident that he later described as the crew being Cameron’s guinea pigs. Even Jimmy himself almost ran out of oxygen at the bottom of the tank, tried to surface, and swallowed a bunch of water.

11 Best TV Shows About Sisters That Nail the Love/Hate Bond

There’s something wildly comforting (and occasionally unhinged) about a great “sisters” show. Sisters are the people who can read you in one glance, defend you like it’s their job, and still bring up that one embarrassing thing you did in 2009 at the worst possible moment.

The best series about sisterhood don’t just give us matching outfits and heartfelt hugs. They show us the messy and contradicting parts of having a sister. The constant rivalry that somehow also comes with deep-rooted loyalty, constant bickering that goes hand in hand with inside jokes for days and the weird telepathy that only comes from growing up together (or surviving something together). These are the shows that showcase all the intricacies of a sisterhood in all sorts of scenarios, from mundane and painfully realistic to magical and otherworldly.

Charmed—Sisterhood as a Literal Superpower

If you want the gold standard of “sisters first, everything else second,” Charmed is it. The series centers on the Halliwell sisters—Prue, Piper, and Phoebe—whose bond activates their magic (“the Power of Three”), and later expands when Paige joins the family.
What makes Charmed work isn’t just the demon-fighting. It’s the way the show treats sisterhood like the engine of the story. The sisters engage in arguments about responsibilities, clash over life decisions, experience jealousy and fear, yet consistently support each other during crucial moments. Even when their lives are chaotic—jobs, relationships, grief, identity—the one constant is that they keep coming back to the idea of “we’re a unit.”
In a genre that can easily lean into melodrama, Charmed earns its emotional beats because the sister dynamic feels like the real plot twist: magic is the background noise; family is the main event.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch—The aunts who feel like sisters

Technically, Sabrina the Teenage Witch is about a teenage girl discovering she’s actually a witch. But her homelife is run by two sisters who are raising her—Zelda and Hilda Spellman. Their relationship has that classic sibling energy. They bicker all the time, they tease each other mercilessly bickering, but they also love each other deeply and can work as a surprisingly good team when things get serious.
Zelda and Hilda represent two archetypes of adults—one more practical, one more chaotic—and it’s their push-pull dynamic that makes the household feel lived-in. The plotlines in this show can and often do get very silly, but the emotional takeaway is very real. Families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but they thrive on a good routine, patience, and people who stick around while you figure it out. If you like “sisters raising a kid together” energy, this one’s a cozy classic.

The Powerpuff Girls—Sisters, but make it tiny and feral

If you grew up with The Powerpuff Girls, you already know the deal: Blossom is the planner, Bubbles is the heart, Buttercup is the chaos gremlin. They’re “created” rather than born, but the show writes them like siblings in the purest sense—different personalities, shared upbringing, shared mission, and a lot of screaming before bedtime.
What makes it such a smart sisters show is how often the conflicts are emotional, not just superhero-based. They constantly learn how to collaborate as a team without sacrificing their individuality. And honestly? That’s basically the lifelong sister challenge in one sentence.

Modern Family—The sibling dynamic that sneaks up on you

Modern Family is an ensemble about interconnected relatives, but one of its most consistent “sisters” threads is in the Dunphy household—especially the Haley/Alex relationship. The show lets them evolve from classic teen sister stereotypes (popular vs. nerdy) into something more nuanced: two sisters who annoy each other, misunderstand each other, and still quietly root for each other when no one’s watching.
The best part is that Modern Family doesn’t force big speeches every time. It gives you small moments—support during breakups, pride during milestones, the occasional “only I’m allowed to make fun of her” protective instinct—that feel extremely true to life.

7 Famous ’90s On-Screen Couples—And Their Real Lives Decades Later

The ’90s didn’t just give us dial-up internet and questionable eyebrow choices—it gave us on-screen couples who basically raised our expectations for romance (and emotional chaos). Years later, these couples still hold a special place in our hearts. But the lives of these actors have changed so much and gone in so many different directions (sometimes even circling back). Let’s take a look at what happened since then.

Ross Geller & Rachel Green (Friends)

Ross and Rachel were the blueprint for “will they/won’t they” torture. We watched them fall in love, implode, reunite, break up again, get accidentally married, un-marry-ish… and somehow still end up being each other’s person.

In real life, Jennifer Aniston never really left the spotlight—she’s been leading and executive producing The Morning Show, proving she can do sharp drama just as easily as comedy.

David Schwimmer’s been doing a mix of acting, directing, and voice work, and every time he pops up, it’s like your brain goes, “Oh wow, I missed Ross’s stressed-out energy.” And yes, the Friends reunion gave everyone that moment: Aniston and Schwimmer admitted they had crushes on each other back in the day—which immediately sent the internet into a spiral.

Jack Dawson & Rose DeWitt Bukater (Titanic, 1997)

Jack and Rose represented the pinnacle of cinematic romance: an iconic ship, a tragic love story, and a door that has sparked more arguments than politics during Christmas. Titanic wasn’t just a hit—it became a full cultural event, winning 11 Oscars and basically living rent-free in pop culture ever since.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, meanwhile, have stayed close in real life—the kind of friendship that’s genuinely sweet and weirdly rare in Hollywood. They still show up for each other, and they reunited in 2024 at a screening event where DiCaprio introduced Winslet. Their friendship gets brought up constantly because it’s one of those “aw, not everything is fake” stories.

Winslet’s also kept doing big, interesting projects (including the Lee Miller biopic Lee).

Mulder & Scully (The X-Files)

Mulder and Scully weren’t your average TV romance—it was all tension, unresolved feelings, and intense eye contact under fluorescent FBI lighting. The chemistry was so powerful it basically became its own phenomenon.

Gillian Anderson has had one of those careers that just keeps leveling up. She’s done prestige TV, big streaming hits, and in 2024 she played journalist Emily Maitlis in Netflix’s Scoop.

David Duchovny has stayed busy too, bouncing between acting, writing, and projects that lean into his “smart-but-a-little-weird” vibe—including hosting a docuseries about mysterious stories and secrets.

And the best part? They still seem genuinely fond of each other, which is exactly what you want from two people who spent years pretending to be emotionally repressed soulmates.

Carrie Bradshaw & Mr. Big (Sex and the City)

Carrie and Big were messy, addictive, and somehow always pulling each other back in—like a designer shoe you know will hurt but you wear anyway. Sex and the City made Carrie and Big iconic, while And Just Like That… revived their story for a new era.

Sarah Jessica Parker has basically remained the CEO of Carrie Bradshaw energy, and she’s stayed deeply involved in the sequel series. And speaking of the sequel: And Just Like That… is set to end after season 3, with a two-part finale.

Chris Noth’s real-life story took a much darker turn. In late 2021, multiple women accused him of sexual assault; he denied the allegations and said the encounters were consensual. After the accusations, he was no longer set to film additional episodes of The Equalizer.

So while Carrie’s story kept going, Big’s future on-screen got complicated fast.

7 Sitcom Stars of the ’90s: Where Did They End Up 30 Years Later?

The sitcom era of the 1990s was like a weekly ritual where you turned on the TV, laughed at the same familiar faces, and somehow those characters became part of your brain forever. But once the 2000s came around and later the streaming services replaced your usual programming, the casts scattered, and the shows somehow got worse.

Some actors stuck to comedy, some turned into serious awards magnets, and some took life detours nobody saw coming. Here’s where seven of the most recognizable ’90s sitcom stars landed decades after their Prime Time.

Jerry Seinfeld

After the conclusion of Seinfeld in 1998, Jerry Seinfeld chose to focus on his expertise in stand-up comedy shows, rather than reinventing himself. He kept touring for years and later turned his “hangout with funny people” energy into Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, a series built around low-stakes conversation, fancy vehicles, and caffeine—basically, the same premise as Seinfeld but with cars. He’s also stayed active as a writer/producer, and in 2024, he added a big new line to his resume, which was not the Bee Movie: Unfrosted, a Netflix comedy loosely inspired by the creation of Pop-Tarts. Sheesh, that must have been difficult to write.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston will always be Rachel Green to a huge chunk of the planet, but she’s much more than just that. After the show ended, Aniston stacked her IMDb with big comedies and romance flicks and then pivoted hard into prestige TV. Off-screen, she’s also leaned into producing and business ventures. One of the most profitable ideas is her haircare brand, LolaVie, which launched in 2021 with Aniston as founder/creator.

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry’s silly little character Chandler was the sarcastic inner core of Friends, and Perry’s delivery made even throwaway lines feel iconic and hilarious. After Friends ended airing, he kept working steadily in TV and film, but the bigger story of his later life was what he chose to share publicly. In 2022, he published a memoir in which he discussed his addiction struggles and recovery in a way that felt brutally honest. Barely a year later, Perry tragically died on October 28, 2023, at age 54, but even his death was a messy ordeal for the police. In August 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced charges against multiple people (including doctors) tied to allegedly supplying him with ketamine, and in 2025, his doctor was found guilty of supplying Perry with ketamine.

Courteney Cox

Courteney Cox has one of the best post-sitcom careers of the whole Friends crew, largely because she never tried to outrun Monica. She joined the Scream franchise as journalist Gale Weathers and later starred in the comedy series Cougar Town for six whole seasons. More recently, she starred in the horror-comedy series Shining Vale, which was canceled after two seasons. Her personal life has also been fairly consistent by Hollywood standards. Johnny McDaid (Snow Patrol) has been her partner for years, and they engaged in 2014. However, Cox later clarified that they are not “fiancés.” And yes, Scream 7 is slated for February 27, 2026, which likely means Gale will be back!

11 Most Shocking Celebrity Scandals of 2025

Celebs have been busy this year, and it’s not all good press — controversies, scandals, and backlash have had the whole world talking, from public feuds and getting canceled to jokes about inappropriate topics and legal disputes. Here are the biggest celebrity scandals that made headlines in 2025.

1. J.K. Rowling attacking Emma Watson

Rowling, who is known for making controversial comments, said that Watson has “so little experience of real life she’s ignorant of how ignorant she is.” She called the actor guilty of “trashing women’s rights” after Watson said on a podcast episode that she disagreed with Rowling’s views on transgender rights. Watson added, “I just don’t want to say anything that continues to weaponize a really toxic debate and conversation, which is maybe why I don’t comment, or continue to comment.”

2. Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively’s insane legal battle

After they filmed “It Ends With Us,” there were allegations that Blake Lively challenged Justin Baldoni’s leadership on the show. The conflict escalated when Lively accused Baldoni of misconduct on set and of attempting a smear campaign. He accused her of pressuring him to rewrite scenes; she accused him of harassment and a “hostile work environment.” It ended in lawsuits that reportedly cost hundreds of millions of dollars. It was an epic (and expensive) feud, resulting in Justin’s case being dismissed.

3. Erika Kirk’s “inappropriate” hug

At an event where Erika introduced Vice President J.D. Vance, their hug was a little too intimate for the public’s liking, and the photo soon went viral, showing Erika touching the back of Vance’s head as he touched her waist. It was quickly dubbed inappropriate, given that he’s a married man, and it was made worse by Kirk saying on stage, “No one will ever replace my husband, but I do see some similarities with my husband in JD. I do. And that’s why I am so blessed to be able to introduce him tonight.”

4. The Sydney Sweeney American Eagle ad

What could have been a lucrative brand partnership turned into a PR crisis for Sweeney, who was accused of promoting racist ideas of genetic superiority, as it was seen as a play on the words “jeans” and “genes” in the phrase: “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color. My jeans are blue.” She later came out with a lukewarm statement months after the fact.

The Dynasty Cast’s Darkest Secrets

The 1980s show “Dynasty” was all about shoulder pads, campiness, and drama. Four years after its launch in 1981, it became the most-watched show in America and took home a Golden Globe in 1984 for “Best Television Series.” It turns out, their main characters’ personal lives were just as messy as the roles they played on-screen. Here are stars on “Dynasty” who hid dark secrets.

1. Linda Evans was in a racist cult

After playing Krystle Carrington, Linda Evans turned into an instant soap opera legend. In real life, however, she fell into the teachings of a spiritual guru called J.Z. Knight, who claimed to be channeling the voice of Ramtha, an ancient warrior. She even moved to Washington so she could be closer to his School of Enlightenment. While “channeling” the 35,000-year-old warrior, she was accused of spewing homophobic and racist views, encouraging her ex-husband not to get treated for HIV, which resulted in his death.

2. Joan Collins slept with a married man

Collins’s character was known for getting into many a catfight, but her love life was just as eventful in real life. She engaged in an affair with the married director George Englund. Collins called it “utter hell” to The Guardian and swore never to do it again but admitted she was charmed by the older man’s charm, wit, and good looks. The scorned wife wrote about the event in her autobiography, including how Collins called her late at night and admitted it all.

3. James Farentino stalked Tina Sinatra

This actor played the vengeful doctor Nick Toscanni, and he was just as shady in real life, targeting a well-known Hollywood player. In 1994, he was charged with stalking Frank Sinatra’s youngest daughter, Tina, whom he had dated on and off years before. He was put on probation for 36 months and ordered to attend AA and psychiatric counseling sessions.

4. Heather Locklear got arrested for domestic violence

This blonde bombshell played Krystle’s niece, Sammy Jo, and in real life, she had lots of legal problems, romantic problems, as well as a domestic abuse arrest. In 2008, she was charged with a DUI after driving recklessly. A decade later, she was arrested for domestic violence and also lashed out at a police officer during the incident. Months later, she was arrested on more battery counts.

6 Richest Young Sheldon Cast Members

You don’t need Sheldon’s IQ to guess that starring in a mega-hit sitcom comes with a pretty nice paycheck. But the Young Sheldon crew isn’t just doing “okay,” some of them are sitting on actual millions of dollars.

From the original grown-up Sheldon to the kid genius himself and the hilarious relatives appearing around him, this show quietly created a small army of millionaires.

Jim Parsons

Surprise-surprise (not really), Jim Parsons is the financial king of this nerdy universe. His TBBT paychecks were legendary! By the series finale, he and his co-stars were reportedly offered around $50 million for a 2-year contract, plus a little something from the show’s profits. Parsons decided to walk away anyway, and considering Celebrity Net Worth has him sitting at around $160 million, he’s probably not losing any sleep over a couple more mils. His Young Sheldon salary has been rumored at $500,000 per episode as narrator and executive producer, though that’s never been confirmed. Even without exact numbers, Sheldon Cooper made it big.

Wendie Malick

Wendie Malick didn’t show up until Season 4. Her net worth is estimated to be about $16 million, and that’s thanks to a career that stretches all the way back to the ’70s. Dream On, Just Shoot Me, Hot in Cleveland, Hallmark movies, and numerous voice roles have all featured her. Basically, if you’ve watched TV in the past 30 years, you’ve seen Wendie Malick get a paycheck. These days, she lives off the grid in Topanga Canyon, supports environmental causes like ClientEarth, and proudly re-wears her clothes. This lifestyle is remarkably frugal for a TV star.

Annie Potts

Annie Potts, aka the iconic Memaw Connie Tucker, is worth around $8 million. Some reports have speculated she made up to $125,000 per Young Sheldon episode, but that’s never been officially confirmed. She’s been in Designing Women, Love & War, Any Day Now, Joan of Arcadia, and, of course, Ghostbusters. Still, before landing Memaw, she admitted that she was in “a bit of a career slump” and had actually moved to New Orleans to be with her husband. Then Young Sheldon called, so of course she moved back to L.A. and had a career renaissance.

Nickelodeon Stars Then vs. Now: Who’s Still All That?

Nickelodeon basically raised an entire generation, and then when their star kids started getting older, casually pushed them into adulthood like, “Good luck out there!” Some, like Ariana Grande, rocketed into global superstardom, but others slid quietly into regular, normie jobs, or the mysterious place called “What-happened-to-them-landia.”

From the cowboy chaos of Hey Dude to the orange soda–fueled mayhem of Kenan & Kel, here’s what some of your favorite ’90s and 2000s Nick icons are up to now, and what they look like these days.

Drake Bell

Drake Bell went from The Amanda Show side character to half of the legendary Drake & Josh duo. After the show wrapped, he leaned hard into three things: music and voice acting. Off-camera, his life’s been a bit rocky.

Bell’s dealt with multiple DUIs and a very public rift with Josh Peck over that infamous wedding non-invite, though they eventually hugged it out, restoring the delicate balance of the Nick universe.

Christine Taylor

If you remember Hey Dude, you remember Melody Hanson, the pretty lifeguard who made everyone want to move to a dude ranch. Christine Taylor traded the ranch for Hollywood, starring in The Brady Bunch Movie, Zoolander, and The Wedding Singer, plus tons of TV guest spots.

She married comedy star Ben Stiller in 2000, became a mom, and quietly built a life away from the Nick crowd. Their marriage later ended, but Taylor still pops up onscreen, looking basically like Melody just without the horses.

Ross Hull

Remember the glasses kid from Are You Afraid of the Dark, who gathered everyone around a campfire? That’s Ross right there. After the spooky anthology wrapped, Hull took a wildly practical turn and became a meteorologist.

These days, he’s on TV in Canada delivering forecasts instead of ghost stories. No more creepy Midnight Society intros like in the good old days.

What Happened to the It Girls Of The 1970s

The 70s were an iconic era, and we couldn’t mention them without bringing up the many famous women who defined the time. But who exactly were the “it girls” of the 1970s? Well, their beauty and charm didn’t just make them celebrities. It influenced the culture and the fashion world as we know it today.

Shelley Duvall left Hollywood to reconnect with her loved ones

After taking the world by storm in the 1970 flick “Brewster McCloud,” Shelley Duvall became director Robert Altman’s muse, and he was her ticket to fame with the 1975 hit “Nashville” before starring in movies like “The Shining.” Her beauty and talent also led to a high-profile love story with Paul Simon. In the 90s, her brother was tragically diagnosed with spinal cancer, which led her to move back home to Texas and take a 20-year break from acting. She returned to the public eye during a “Dr. Phil” episode, appearing mentally unwell.

Bo Derek went from a household name to a dwindling career

Originally named Mary Cathleen Collins, she adopted the name Bo Derek after marrying her 49-year-old husband at the age of 19. After appearing in “Jaws” and “10,” she became one of the bombshells of the 70s. After several starring roles, she moved to supporting roles, and now she only acts occasionally. She remained with her husband until he died in 1988, and a few years later, she dated and ultimately married actor John Corbett, aka Aidan from “Sex and the City.”

Suzanne Summers earned millions from the ThighMaster

After starring as a ditzy blonde on the 1977 hit “Three’s Company,” she revealed that she was paid 10-15 times less than her male co-stars and was eventually written out of the show after asking for a raise. She appeared in a few sitcoms after that, like “Step by Step,” but her real success was in the fitness industry when she rebranded herself as a workout guru like Jane Fonda, making millions hawking the ThighMaster on infomercials.

Dark Secrets Of These Disney Channel Stars

On TV, Disney Channel looks like one long sleepover party: vibrant outfits, perfectly timed jokes, and a life lesson before the next commercial. But for the kids carrying those shows, fame hits fast and smashes them into a wall called “life.” Demi Lovato once warned would-be stars to “take it easy” and live a little first, because the job can swallow your teenage years whole. Other individuals have also openly discussed the unspoken challenges of fame.

From wrecked finances to image policing to flat-out inappropriate behavior, these former Mouseketeers have stories that everyone should listen to.

Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds and Body Dysmorphia

At 11, Cyrus stepped into the glitter rocket ship called Hannah Montana and left the world behind her. For a while, at least. She says that all that stress later fed her body dysmorphia and anxiety. And of course, there’s the existential crisis: who was Miley without Hannah? Turns out, the answer was a loud punk prince who managed to crawl out of that trap just fine.

Christy Carlson Romano: From “Kim Possible” to Living in Debt

Romano was everywhere in the 2000s: Even Stevens, Kim Possible, Cadet Kelly—you name it. But success didn’t come with a lifehack on what to do with all that cash. In her candid YouTube confessions, she revealed that she lacked basic financial knowledge, dropped out of school, and unexpectedly found herself with a substantial amount of money without a plan. This led to spending sprees on cars, designer items, and various other luxuries. She wishes she’d invested early instead of treating cash like a mood stabilizer. To make matters worse, she says psychics scammed her out of nearly $100k, which is not at all surprising for a kid.

Bella Thorne: Voice Notes from a Puppet

Thorne joined Shake It Up at 12, partly to help her family after her father’s death. Then they started putting pressure on her: change your natural speaking voice, don’t post this photo, don’t say that thing, don’t even think—we’ll do it for you. She says she felt like a puppet and that any misstep could make her homeless. It’s challenging to “find yourself” when the job requires you to be someone else.

80s Child Stars Who Live Like Normal People Now

A child star’s life is intense and often ends quickly. From struggling to maintain career momentum to dealing with typecasting as they age (combined with mental illness, substance abuse, and neglect or abuse from industry members or family and friends), there are many horror stories about child celebrities managing life after stardom. While some stars, like Christina Applegate and Sean Astin, decided to stay in the spotlight, or others made a comeback later in life, there are many child stars who decided to drop out of Hollywood altogether and give up fame and fortune for a normal life. 

1. Jeff Cohen of The Goonies Is an Entertainment Lawyer

Remember Chunk from The Goonies? Yeah, the “Truffle Shuffle” kid grew up and got a law degree. Jeff Cohen used his acting money to fund his education and now works as a partner at his own firm, Cohen Gardner LLP, representing entertainment clients. He hasn’t acted since 1991 — unless you count acting like he loves reading contracts. And yes, he grew up to be kind of a total babe.

2. Josh Saviano of The Wonder Years Went Into Law Too

Josh Saviano — aka Paul Pfeiffer, Kevin’s nerdy but lovable bestie on The Wonder Years — left acting after the show ended. He went to Yale, became a lawyer, and eventually founded two advisory firms that help entertainers, influencers, and entrepreneurs manage their careers. He even popped up on Law & Order: SVU, proving once again that former child stars can’t resist a little TV cameo.

3. Danny Lloyd from The Shining Became a College Professor

Imagine starring in one of the scariest movies ever made… and then deciding, “Yeah, I think I’ll teach biology.” That’s exactly what Danny Lloyd did. After playing little Danny Torrance in The Shining at just six years old, he retired from acting, worked on a farm to pay for school, and eventually became a biology professor at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College in Kentucky. “Here’s to normal careers, Johnny!”

4. Carrie Henn from Aliens Became an Elementary School Teacher

Carrie Henn was only 10 when she starred opposite Sigourney Weaver in James Cameron’s Aliens. But instead of chasing fame, she chose a quiet life teaching elementary school in Atwater, California. Aside from one voice role in 2020, she’s been shaping young minds instead of fighting space monsters — which honestly sounds way less stressful.

9 Acting Careers Ruined by A Single Role

Some flops you walk off. Others stick to your IMDb page like glue. One polarizing performance, a bad studio decision, or the wrong role at the wrong moment, and suddenly the “next big thing” is doing press for something else entirely. Is it fair? Often not. From an outsider’s perspective, it can be fascinating!

Here are nine cases where a single movie reshaped a star’s trajectory for years.

1. Elizabeth Berkley in Showgirls (1995)

We old people remember when Elizabeth Berkley was touted as the next Sharon Stone back in the ’90s. But then, well, we saw Showgirls. The box office collapsed, the knives came out, and Hollywood treated Berkley like she had personally written, filmed, and ruined the whole thing.

Decades later, the film’s reputation has flipped to cult-camp masterpiece, and many now appreciate how fearless and hypnotic her performance was. But in 1995, the blowback was brutal — Berkley said no one publicly defended her. She was iced out and left for the sharks.

2. Shannen Doherty in Mallrats (1995)

Fresh off Beverly Hills, 90210 and looking to pivot into movies, Doherty headlined Kevin Smith’s slacker comedy alongside then-unknowns like Ben Affleck and Jason Lee. When Mallrats tanked at the box office, guess who got the blame? The only recognizable name on the poster.

Doherty has said bluntly that the flop killed her film momentum. It’s the classic “star carries the can” story — the ensemble fails, and the famous one pays.

3. Pamela Anderson in Barb Wire (1996)

On paper, this was her big moment — a comic-book action flick designed to turn a tabloid bombshell into a legitimate big-screen lead. In reality, Barb Wire fizzled from the start. The leather-and-lipstick noir vibe never landed beyond the marketing, and Hollywood decided Anderson was safer as a cameo than a headliner.

Had it worked, we might be talking about a trilogy and spinoffs. Instead, the movie bombed, and Anderson’s film career retreated into winks and guest spots.

10 Canceled Hollywood Stars Making a Comeback

Hollywood loves a redemption arc almost as much as a box-office win. Some stars apologized, some were acquitted, and others just kept working until the phone rang again. Here are ten once-canceled names edging back into the frame via prestigious indies, fan-fueled franchises, or sheer stubbornness. 

1. Liam Neeson

In 2019, Neeson narrated an astonishing tale of roaming the streets decades ago, seeking violent retribution following a friend’s assault, particularly against a Black man. Cue backlash, a canceled premiere, and a very public apology tour. He’s since kept working and even poked at the controversy with a meta cameo on Atlanta. Is he fully forgiven? Depending on who you ask, the answer may vary. But box-office math is cold, and casting directors know he still sells the “cool justice” in 100 Minutes or Less.

2. Mel Gibson

From Mad Max to “mad rant,” Gibson’s fall was a train wreck. It started with a DUI and vile tirades, and resulted in an imploded reputation and a career put on ice. But Hollywood loves a narrative arc, and his cameos-as-villains era (Machete Kills, The Expendables 3, Boss Level) kept him visible. Then Hacksaw Ridge reminded everyone he can direct a mean war movie, and later he popped up in The Continental. He’s hardly back to the old untouchable A-lister, but he’s busy, bankable in the right projects, and surprisingly dependable.

3. Casey Affleck

Casey Affleck’s 2010 harassment lawsuits resurfaced just as Manchester by the Sea crowned him awards royalty. That’s the kind of timing only Hollywood could script. Post-Oscar, the smaller roles started coming in, along with some lower-profile indies and one famous performance in A Ghost Story, and he was pretty much ready to fully come back. Recent stops include The Old Man & the Gun, The World to Come, and a short cameo in Oppenheimer. He’s not chasing Marvel capes or algorithm bait, just quietly rebuilding with character work.

4. Winona Ryder

Winona went from a Walk of Fame A-lister to a career in shoplifting in 2001, and her career paid for it. She kept getting work, like Black Swan and a Star Trek cameo, but the parts shrank. Then came Stranger Things, and suddenly everything’s changed. Since then, she’s been treated with more leads, prestige TV roles, and nostalgic treats like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Still, her comeback feels earned. Turns out the ’80s icon found the perfect megahit set in the ’80s to remind everyone why they loved her.

Shocking Kardashian Transformations, Then And Now 

We all change over time—if you take a look at a photo of yourself from 2007, you might not even recognize yourself. The Kardashian-Jenner clan experiences their transformation on a much greater scale due to cosmetic enhancements, filters, and genetics. This famous reality TV family looks entirely different from how they did almost two decades ago, and it’s not just due to Facetune and Photoshop. Here’s a look at how they looked back at the beginning of KUWTK versus today, and the evolution that brought them there. 

Kim Kardashian

2007 Throwback: Back in 2007, Kim K rocked chunky side bangs and minimal makeup (maybe a frosted eye look). That’s right—no super-contoured looks, meticulously sculpted brows, or signature nude lip. However, we find ourselves captivated by those bangs, a style she would never consider wearing today.

Now: Today, much of Kim’s transformation is due to her pro-level makeup artist skills (and her glam squad, who put in some serious hours). While she denied having a nose job, she did admit to Botox, and she claims her appearance changes are due to her pregnancies. We’re not sure that’s how bone structure and genetics work, but either way, her face has become one of the most imitated on earth, and we see why.

Kylie Jenner

2007 Throwback: In the first season of KUWTK, Kylie was just a baby. She was an innocent, unmarred 10-year-old void of pouty fillers, lip kits, and her now-iconic billion-dollar beauty empire. In most of the premiere season’s episodes, she was mostly a background character instead of being the center of attention.

Now: Today, she’s practically unrecognizable. She’s been open about lip fillers and her breast implants, and while many have assumed she’s had dramatic surgeries done, like extensive facial reconstructions, she’s denied anything more extreme.

What On Earth Happened To NCIS Star Cote de Pablo?

The majority of actors spend the majority of their lives just waiting for that breakout role, but unfortunately, most of them never get that role. That’s why, when an actor does experience a breakout, they try to stick with that role for as long as possible, milking those 15 minutes of fame before it fades. However, some actors are willing to take risks and go into uncharted territory. In fact, one of the most popular actors on TV did exactly this, leaving the well-known TV show she starred on as she skyrocketed to fame. Cote de Pablo, who achieved worldwide fame for her role as the popular Ziva in the iconic crime show “NCIS,” left the show in season 11. Today, she has her own “NCIS” spinoff, and ever since its premiere, people have been wondering: What happened to Cote de Pablo after she left “NCIS”?

Cote transforms into a star

The amount of competition in the TV world makes it very difficult for new television shows to succeed. However, “NCIS” has cemented its status as TV royalty with over 22 seasons on air and has become an instant classic, in turn transforming its key players into household names and instant stars. This is what happened with Cote de Pablo. She was brought on in Season 3 as Ziva Davis, a Mossad agent who ultimately joins NCIS’s crime-fighting team. She portrayed a character that was intelligent, tough, and had fantastic chemistry with the rest of the team (specifically Tony). However, in Season 11, fans were shocked when she left the show that made her so famous. 

The Biggest Scandals Behind the Scenes of Criminal Minds

Criminal Minds wasn’t just scary because of how unnerving the “unsubs” were. The show captivated viewers by revealing the mental processes of real monsters. But the creepiest twists weren’t always on-screen. Some of the biggest shocks happened behind the scenes. From sudden cast cuts to explosive exits and a very public fight for fair pay, here are the real-life dramas that changed the BAU forever.

Mandy Patinkin Walked Away Because the Show Was Too Dark

Mandy Patinkin was already famous for The Princess Bride and a slew of acclaimed roles before joining the BAU. But before Season 3 started, he decided to leave. Fast. He didn’t leave for a higher salary or a more glamorous role, but rather because he found the series’ violence emotionally draining.

He later called signing on “the biggest public mistake I ever made,” saying he didn’t realize just how relentlessly grim the show would be—particularly the violence against women, week in and week out. For him, it wasn’t just a creative issue; it was spiritual and psychological. He worried he’d torched his TV career by bailing so dramatically. But his career was just fine. Patinkin rebounded with Homeland, one of the buzziest prestige dramas of the 2010s, proving that leaving the BAU didn’t mean leaving television success behind.

Thomas Gibson Was Fired After an On-Set Altercation

Aaron Hotchner is the definition of calm authority, so fans were stunned when Thomas Gibson, who played him, was booted from the show in 2016 over a confrontation with a writer/producer. Reports said he kicked the staffer during a dispute and was immediately suspended and then dismissed.

Gibson later gave a softer version of events, saying the other person brushed past him, his foot “tapped” the leg, words were exchanged, and he apologized. Even so, this wasn’t his first dust-up. He’d previously been sent to anger management after verbally lashing out on set and allegedly shoving an assistant director. Whether you buy his explanation or not, the pattern mattered. The “kick” became strike three, and Hotch disappeared from the BAU’s bullpen for good.

Kirsten Vangsness Fought for Equal Pay and Respect

On-screen, Penelope Garcia is the BAU’s glitter-coded IT specialist. Off-screen, Kirsten Vangsness showed the same backbone, just with fewer neon accessories. Over the years, reports surfaced that she and A.J. Cook were paid significantly less than their male co-stars, despite being central to the team and beloved by fans. Vangsness spoke up, took a risk, and pushed for parity rather than just “being grateful” and quietly accepting a smaller slice.

She’s also been very open about how contract disputes and cast cuts take an emotional toll on the entire crew, but especially when your character is a fan favorite. Her fight wasn’t a tabloid “scandal,” exactly, but it revealed real power imbalances that long-running shows can hide. Popularity doesn’t automatically equal leverage, and even in a hit series, women have to demand the respect and compensation they deserve.

Two Fan Favorites Were Dropped, And Fans Didn’t Like That

The abrupt departure of A.J. Cook and Paget Brewster from the show around the same time left the official line unclear. People whispered about budget cuts, and the whole thing felt cold. Then Brewster clarified years later that it wasn’t about money at all. According to her, network higher-ups simply wanted “new women.” Wow.

A.J. Cook took a gentler public tone, calling it a classic “it’s not you, it’s me” situation, but the message to viewers was loud and clear: no one was safe. The fandom, however, had other plans. Devoted fans launched a passionate campaign to bring the BAU queens back, and it somehow worked. Cook and Brewster were back on the team, picking up their character arcs like they never left (almost). This is one of those rare times the audience actually won a behind-the-scenes battle, and the BAU felt right again.

Eric Dane’s Heartbreaking Decline: McSteamy’s Toughest Battle Yet

This kind of news is gut-wrenching. It seems like only yesterday Eric Dane made fans of Grey’s Anatomy swoon as “McSteamy” and captivated the audience of Euphoria with his intensity, and now he’s in a wheelchair and having trouble speaking. His friends and family are saying that the decline of his health has been unexpected, swift, and heartbreaking to watch. 

From “McSteamy” to a Tough Diagnosis

We found out that Eric has ALS in April of 2025, when he did an exclusive article with People magazine, revealing his diagnosis. When speaking to People, Eric mainly focused on staying strong, figuring out how to navigate this next chapter of his life, and being grateful for the support of his family.

He was also appreciative of the fact that he was still able to work and was looking forward to returning to the set of Euphoria at the time. But he knew what was coming and that it wouldn’t last long. Only months after he shared his diagnosis with the world, he admitted that he’s losing control of his body. His right side has completely stopped working, and he only has one functioning arm on his left, dominant side.

ALS is a devastating degenerative disease that has no cure. It causes progressive paralysis of the muscles. The first signs of ALS are usually weakness and twitching in a limb, and then it progresses to slurred speech. Unfortunately, the progress of the disease is very quick and eventually the patients lose their ability to walk, eat, speak, and breathe independently. In most cases, people live up to five years after the diagnosis.

However, some people beat the odds. Stephen Hawking was diagnosed when he was only 21, and the doctors gave him only 2 years to live, yet he went on to do great things and lived another 55 years.

A Shadowed Path: When Simple Things Get Hard

Nowadays the situation has gotten more difficult for Eric. He was recently spotted outside of an airport being pushed in a wheelchair. A photographer asked him whether he has anything to say to his fans who are rooting for him, and Eric replied with a short “keep the faith, man” in a strained voice—but it was clear he was struggling to speak.

Sources close to Eric are saying that he’s determined to fight this disease, but it’s getting harder. Yet he’s putting on a brave face and trying to live in the moment. He doesn’t want people to grieve him while he’s still here—he’s focusing on love and positivity.

A Fall, a Hospital Stay, and the Emmys He Missed

Dane had a scary setback in October that landed him in the hospital instead of at the Emmys. He was supposed to make an appearance at the awards with Grey’s Anatomy co-star Jesse Williams, but he fell in his kitchen and hit his head pretty hard. So instead of basking in the glamour of the Emmys, Eric ended up in the hospital, getting stitches on his head.

That must’ve been a harsh day for Eric, and a nasty reminder that ALS doesn’t stop for anything—even if you’re a Hollywood star.

’90s Sitcom Stars Who Disappeared From Hollywood


The ’90s were basically the peak sitcom era. From Seinfeld and Home Improvement to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Ally McBeal, our TV screens were packed with laughs, drama, and one-liners we’re still quoting today. Some of those stars went on to become Hollywood royalty… and some? Well, they just kind of vanished. So where did they go? Let’s check in on the familiar faces who walked away from the spotlight and ended up living totally different lives.

Karyn Parsons — From Hilary Banks to Children’s Books

You probably know Hilary Banks best as the sassy fashionista cousin from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. But while that was a fun role, getting new ones after the show ended wasn’t easy. Karyn even co-created a sitcom Lush Life but it never went anywhere, and FOX cancelled it after 4 episodes due to poor ratings. 

That’s when Parsons decided to pivot. She moved to New York, and launched a nonprofit called Sweet Blackberry, which shares stories of unsung Black heroes with kids. She’s published novels, raised a family, and found her voice outside of the Hollywood system. Every now and then she still acts, but her real legacy now lies in the stories she tells.

Jonathan Taylor Thomas — Teen Idol Turned Bookworm

Back in the ’90s, Jonathan Taylor Thomas (or JTT, if you were a Tiger Beat subscriber) was everywhere. He was Randy on Home Improvement, the voice of young Simba in The Lion King, and basically the dream crush of a generation. But instead of chasing Hollywood fame into adulthood, JTT walked away.

He has some guest roles here and there but then chose to ditch acting and go back to school. He pursued education at Harvard, Columbia and even the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Nowadays he is enjoying a quiet life in LA. Jonathan sometimes dabbles in writing and directing, but isn’t interesting in working in that Hollywood spotlight or acting anymore. 

Heidi Swedberg — From Seinfeld to Strumming Ukuleles

Remember Susan, George Costanza’s fiancée on Seinfeld? Yup, that’s Heidi. While getting that role on a hit show like Seinfeld must’ve felt like a huge success, it didn’t exactly launch her into the Hollywood elite. She appeared in a few movies, got a few guest spots on famous big shows like Bones, Gilmore Girls, but eventually acting just felt like a grind and she chose to step away from it around 2010. 

What came next was totally unexpected: she picked up her childhood instrument, the ukulele, and never looked back. These days she teaches, performs, and spreads joy through music — and she seems a lot happier playing chords than chasing casting calls.

Vonda Shepard — Music Over Movies

If you watched Ally McBeal, you’ll always remember its theme song, “Searchin’ My Soul.” That was Vonda Shepard, and her soulful voice became synonymous with the show. She also appeared regularly on-screen, often singing in the bar scenes.

But once the series wrapped, Shepard didn’t chase acting gigs — she doubled down on her first love: music. She’s toured the world, released albums, and never stopped performing. And yes, she still closes her shows with the Ally McBeal theme, because fans won’t let her leave without it.

You’d Do A Double Take If You Saw Lorenzo Lamas Now

When you think about classic TV hunks from the 80s and 90s, Lorenzo Lamas has to pop up. He was everywhere — that smoulder, that hair, and of course his role in Renegade as the broody ex-cop on a motorcycle. Back then, he was basically the dictionary definition of a Hollywood heartthrob.

But here’s the plot twist: the Lorenzo you remember? He looks pretty different these days. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing — just… not what you’d expect if you froze him in your mind as “Renegade Lorenzo.”

Born in 1958, Lorenzo was basically destined for the screen. His parents were actors Fernando Lamas and Arlene Dahl — so let’s just say his career wasn’t exactly a lucky accident. His good looks didn’t hurt his chances either. Who does’t like a tall, charming, charismatic man with a jawline most men can only dream of. He doesn’t look out of place as a hero in a movie or a model in a fancy men’s cologne ad.

His big moment? Playing Reno Raines in Renegade in the early ’90s. Long hair flowing, leather jacket, dangerous squint — he was every bit the action hero poster boy. And fans ate it up. For a while, Lorenzo was everywhere, splitting his time between TV and movies like the busiest man in Hollywood.

But, as happens in Hollywood, things slowed down. Aging in the entertainment industry is tough, and Lorenzo eventually stepped back from the spotlight. That’s when fans started noticing… he wasn’t the same guy with the perfect hair and sharp jawline. The years had done their thing.

BAU Legends Today: Where Is The Criminal Minds Cast Today

Twenty years ago, viewers got to meet the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) special agents with the premiere of Criminal Minds in September 2005. Helmed by Jeff Davis, the show followed a team of FBI profilers who hunted killers down before they could strike again and wreak havoc. In each episode, fans were introduced to a new case and got to learn more about the team members’ personal lives, like special agent Dr. Spencer Reid and tech analyst Penelope Garcia. After 15 seasons, the series finally came to an end in 2020. However, some of the OG cast members did reprise their original roles in the Paramount+ revival “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” which first debuted in 2022 and was just renewed for a fourth season. Here’s where the “Criminal Minds” cast is today.

Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia

Vangsness played the eccentric communications liaison and tech analyst for 15 seasons. She was the only member of the cast to appear on all the show’s spin-offs and was an essential part of the team. She also had a great sense of humor and provided comedic relief as well as some flirtation with Shemar Moore’s character, Derek Morgan. After the show ended, she appeared in “The Chicago 8” and “Kill Me Deadly.” Today, she stars in the Paramount+ revival, “Evolution.”

Matthew Gray Gubler as Dr. Spencer Reid

Spencer was a boy genius on the BAU team, but he was also incredibly socially awkward. He was a main character on the show throughout its duration, and in 2015, he called it a “real honor” to Glamour, likening his cast members to family and saying he couldn’t believe so much time had passed. He’s acted in many movies, including “RV,” “(500) Days of Summer,” “Life After Beth,” “Zoe,” and the Hulu show “Dollface.” He’s also dabbled in kids’ content, doing voice work in four “Alvin and the Chipmunks“ movies. He returned to “Evolution” for one episode in Season 3.

A.J. Cook as Jennifer Jareau

Cook was only 27 when the show premiered, and she played “JJ” for 15 seasons, calling the series finale “nostalgic” in a TVLine interview, comparing the experience to starting kindergarten with the same friends you graduate high school with, and likening the finale to “going off to college” and wrapping up all the good memories. Cook has appeared in TV shows like “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “9-1-1” and has acted in movies as well, like “Least Among Saints” and “Mother’s Day.“ She is married to Nathan Anderson, has two kids, and is starring on “Evolution” currently.

Joe Mantegna as David Rossi

Mantegna came on the show in Season 3, where he took on a father figure role amongst the team. In 2019, he filmed his final episode, writing on X, “I will miss playing David Rossi, and I’ll miss the wonderful writing that brought him to life, but mostly I will miss seeing my fellow cast mates and our fantastic crew every day.” After, he appeared on the Prime Video show “As We See It” and made a cameo on HBO’s “Barry.” He also still voices Fat Tony on “The Simpsons,” which he has done since 1991. He is still married to Arlene Vrhel, with whom he shares two kids, and he returned for “Evolution.”