Back To Life, Back To Reality
Hollywood may be the land of glitz, glam, and golden statuettes—but it's also known for serving up a cold dish of career cancellation when stars fall from grace. Whether it’s a scandal, a bad attitude, or just an unfortunate box office flop, plenty of actors have faced the industry’s unofficial blacklist.
But some stars don’t stay canceled. Whether by redemption arc, image overhaul, or just sheer talent, the following actors managed to claw their way back into the spotlight.
Robert Downey Jr—The Ultimate Comeback King
Once known more for his mugshots than his movies, Robert Downey Jr was considered uninsurable after multiple arrests and substance-related incidents in the late '90s and early 2000s. But then came Iron Man (2008), and everything changed. Tony Stark wasn’t just a superhero—he was Downey's redemption wrapped in a red-and-gold suit.
Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images
Brendan Fraser—From Obscurity To Oscar
Fraser was once a leading man thanks to The Mummy franchise and George of the Jungle. But personal struggles, a painful assault, and injuries from years of stunt work saw his career stall. In 2022, his heartbreaking role in The Whale earned him a standing ovation and eventually an Academy Award for Best Actor. The Brenaissance is real—and it’s glorious.
Winona Ryder—From Shoplifting Scandal To ‘Stranger Things’ Star
In 2001, Ryder was taken in by authorities for shoplifting from Saks Fifth Avenue, and the backlash was swift. Studios distanced themselves, and her once-sparkling career dimmed. But in 2016, Stranger Things resurrected her image, proving the world was still ready to root for this beloved ‘90s icon.
Mondadori Portfolio, Getty Images
Colin Farrell—Reformed Bad Boy Turned Respected Actor
Farrell had a reputation for hard partying and inconsistent performances in the early 2000s. His tabloid antics overshadowed his talent—until he cleaned up his act. Recent roles in The Lobster, The Banshees of Inisherin, and The Batman cemented him as a serious actor with impressive range.
Wesley Snipes—Tax Trouble To Franchise Fave
Snipes went from slaying vampires in Blade to serving time for tax evasion. After a stint behind bars, his star power waned—until a clever role in Dolemite Is My Name (2019) reminded fans of his charisma. Rumors of a Blade return are only fueling his resurgence.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia Commons
Will Smith—Slap Heard Round The World
When Smith slapped Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, the fallout was immediate. He resigned from the Academy and faced intense scrutiny. But with Emancipation and upcoming projects in the pipeline, Hollywood hasn’t turned its back entirely—and time may yet heal this headline-making moment.
Charlie Sheen—Tiger Blood And Redemption
Sheen’s 2011 meltdown saw him fired from Two and a Half Men, after bizarre rants, rehab stints, and “winning” catchphrases. Though many counted him out, Sheen has since made moves toward recovery and reflection. A slow comeback might just be in the cards for this sitcom legend.
Ellen DeGeneres—From Daytime Darling To Damage Control
DeGeneres's image took a hit after allegations of a toxic workplace environment on her talk show surfaced in 2020. Once considered the queen of kindness, her reputation suffered. But the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show didn’t end her career—she’s been pivoting toward behind-the-scenes work and may return to stand-up.
Paul Reubens—Pee-Wee’s Not Done Yet
After an arrest in the early ‘90s that effectively derailed his career, Reubens kept a low profile for years. Then came a surprising comeback: Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016) and roles in TV and film brought him back to fans who never stopped loving the quirky character.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia Commons
Mickey Rourke—Boxing, Burnout, And ‘The Wrestler’
Rourke’s career nose-dived in the ‘90s after he left acting for professional boxing—and his face changed so much from injuries and surgery that directors didn’t recognize him. But The Wrestler (2008) was a thunderous return, earning him an Oscar nomination and a place back at the top.
Laura Dern—Canceled Before Cancel Culture
In the ‘90s, Dern was quietly blacklisted after appearing as Ellen DeGeneres's girlfriend in the historic coming-out episode of Ellen. She didn’t work for a year. But fast forward to Big Little Lies, Marriage Story, and Jurassic World—and Dern is now a fixture of prestige TV and film.
Jude Law—Tabloid Fodder To Prestige Performer
Law’s career was overshadowed by cheating scandals and paparazzi drama in the 2000s. But his talent eventually outshone the gossip. With roles in The Young Pope, Captain Marvel, and Fantastic Beasts, he’s back on Hollywood’s nice list.
Harald Krichel, Wikimedia Commons
Hugh Grant—Scandalous Then Self-Aware
In 1995, Grant’s arrest made global headlines. Many thought it was curtains for the charming Brit—but his self-deprecating honesty won fans back. From Notting Hill to Paddington 2 (yes, really), Grant has aged into a cheeky elder statesman of cinema.
Natasha Lyonne—Rehab To Red Carpet
Lyonne was a rising indie darling until substance issues and health problems derailed her career in the mid-2000s. But she bounced back, big time, with Orange Is the New Black and Russian Doll. She's now a creative force both in front of and behind the camera.
Gilbert Carrasquillo, Getty Images
Christian Slater—From ‘It Boy’ To Voice Actor Extraordinaire
Slater’s brushes with the law and substance issues in the ‘90s cost him leading roles. But he reinvented himself in TV, with standout performances in Mr. Robot and voice work in animation and games. The bad boy grew up—and found a new groove.
Rob Lowe—Scandalized, Sanitized, And Surging
A leaked tape in the late '80s nearly destroyed Lowe’s career. But with a smart pivot to comedy (Parks and Recreation, anyone?), he transformed into a reliable character actor with lasting appeal—and a surprisingly wholesome social media presence.
Kristen Stewart—From Twilight Shade To Critical Darling
Once dismissed for her “stoic” acting in Twilight, Stewart also faced backlash over a cheating scandal with director Rupert Sanders. But she’s made a full 180 with fearless roles in Spencer, Personal Shopper, and Crimes of the Future. Now, she’s firmly in the “serious actress” club.
Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images
Johnny Depp—Courtroom Drama, Career Whiplash
Depp’s lengthy court battle with ex-wife Amber Heard made him Hollywood’s most polarizing figure for years. Disney dropped him from Pirates of the Caribbean, and studios went silent. But a 2022 defamation trial victory led to a wave of support—and a slow trickle of comeback roles in Europe and beyond.
Gareth Cattermole, Getty Images
Shia LaBeouf—Wild Child In Search Of Redemption
LaBeouf’s talent has long warred with his self-destructive tendencies. From plagiarism scandals to court woes, he seemed destined to flame out. Yet performances in Honey Boy and The Peanut Butter Falcon reminded audiences of his depth. If he can stay grounded, his best work may still be ahead.
Megan Fox—From ‘Difficult’ To Desirable Again
After publicly criticizing Transformers director Michael Bay, Fox was labeled “hard to work with” and dropped from the franchise. Her career stalled—until her candid takes on Hollywood sexism and her return in indie films and Jennifer’s Body cult revival reminded people she had more to offer than just looks.
Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images
Final Take
Hollywood loves a comeback as much as it loves a scandal. And while the court of public opinion is notoriously fickle, these actors prove that a good role, some humility, and a bit of time can turn even the coldest spotlight back on.
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