Johann Hunt
Behind every smooth-running series sits a team working to hold the cast together. But off-screen behavior and unexpected scandals can push things beyond repair. When that happens, directors reach for the quickest solution—removal. These 10 actors couldn’t escape the controversy, and so, their exits became some of the most talked-about events in TV history.
Charlie Sheen From “Two And A Half Men”
At nearly $2 million per episode, Charlie Sheen was television’s highest-paid actor. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop him from publicly attacking the show’s creator Chuck Lorre, and spiraling into drug-fueled behavior. This led to a production shutdown mid-season. CBS fired Sheen soon after they replaced him with Ashton Kutcher for four more seasons.
Isaiah Washington From “Grey’s Anatomy”
An on-set argument turned career-ending when Isaiah Washington used a homophobic slur against T. R. Knight. Media outlets ran the story for weeks. And despite issuing a public apology, Washington was fired. He later called the decision racially motivated, and years later, ABC brought him back for a single guest spot.
Selma Blair From “Anger Management”
On the set of “Anger Management,” Selma Blair criticized Charlie Sheen’s work ethic in conversations with producers. Once Sheen found out, he demanded that she be fired. Blair threatened legal action for her remaining contract, but her character disappeared without explanation, and the situation quickly escalated into a public feud.
Roseanne Barr From “Roseanne”
The reboot of “Roseanne” was a ratings hit until Barr tweeted an intense comment on race, comparing a former Obama adviser to an ape. ABC canceled the show immediately and killed off her character off-screen. Even before this, Barr’s political views had sparked controversy, which made the fallout even more explosive.
Katherine Heigl From “Grey’s Anatomy”
The controversy surrounding Katherine Heigl ignited in 2008 when she publicly withdrew from Emmy consideration, claiming her “Grey’s Anatomy” role lacked material. This perceived slight against the writing team and reported tension with Shonda Rhimes ultimately precipitated her departure from the series in 2010, well before her contract concluded.
Thomas Gibson From “Criminal Minds”
As the lead actor playing Aaron Hotchner on “Criminal Minds,” Thomas Gibson was central to the show’s storyline. But that changed after he kicked a writer during an on-set argument. He already had a history of physical aggression after shoving an assistant director in 2010 and was fired immediately.
Leah Remini From “The Talk”
When fan petitions started circulating, the drama behind Leah Remini’s exit from “The Talk” became impossible to ignore. She later accused Sharon Osbourne of pushing for her firing and blamed producers for targeting her outspoken personality. Not long after, she became one of Scientology’s most vocal critics.
Damon Wayans From “Saturday Night Live”
Midway through a live sketch, Damon Wayans flipped the script—playing his character in a flamboyant style that showrunner Lorne Michaels had specifically warned against. Michaels fired him immediately after the broadcast, and this incident remains one of “SNL’s” most infamous behind-the-scenes controversies.
Kevin Spacey From “House Of Cards”
Production on “House of Cards” came to a sudden stop when multiple sexual misconduct allegations against Kevin Spacey became public, also involving a minor. As the scandal grew, Spacey tried to shift focus by coming out as gay and faced heavy backlash. Netflix fired him by killing off his character and rewriting the final season.
Jussie Smollett From “Empire”
Jussie Smollett was written off “Empire” after claiming a hate crime in 2019, which Chicago police found out to have been staged. He was convicted of filing a false report in 2021, ultimately receiving jail time and restitution. Although the Illinois Supreme Court overturned this conviction in 2024 due to double jeopardy, his career remains severely impacted.