History HollywoodHypeMachine / ExamplesThatDidntHoldUp

* '''Creator/SusanDey''' was a successful teen model before she landed her StarMakingRole role as Laurie Partridge on the [[The70s 1970s]] TV series ''Series/ThePartridgeFamily''. Following the end of its four year long run in 1974, Dey attempted to [[PlayingAgainstType play against]] the [[ContractualPurity wholesome teen girl image]] that she got from playing Laurie Partridge in MadeForTVMovie films such as ''Cage Without a Key'' and ''Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night'' as well as her portrayal of [[Characters/LittleWomen Jo March]] in a 1978 television adaptation of ''[[Literature/LittleWomen Little Women]]''. Dey also appeared in a few feature films, 1977's ''First Love'', 1981's ''Film/{{Looker}}'', and 1986's ''Echo Park''. None of these projects however, left as big of a cultural footprint as ''The Partridge Family''. She would eventually though, [[CareerResurrection land the second best known role of her career]] come 1986 in the form of district attorney [[Characters/LALaw Grace Van Owen]] on the Creator/{{NBC}} legal drama ''Series/LALaw''. Dey ultimately appeared in 126 episodes (that's more than ''The Partridge Family'', which only produced 96 episodes) before departing in 1992. During her time on ''LA Law'', Dey was nominated for multiple [[MediaNotes/EmmyAward Emmy awards]] and won the [[MediaNotes/GoldenGlobeAward Golden Globe]] for [[MediaNotes/GoldenGlobeAwardForBestActressInADramaSeries Best Actress in a Drama Series]] in 1988. In February 1992, while still a castmember on ''LA Law'', Dey guest hosted an episode of ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'', where she even participated in a sketch that [[AdamWesting poked fun]] at her ''Partridge Family'' past. Later that year, Dey would headline the Creator/{{CBS}} sitcom ''Series/LoveAndWar'' only to be ousted after the first season and replaced by Creator/AnniePotts due to a purported lack of chemistry with her co-star, Creator/JayThomas. While Dey would continue to work for the work (primarily in TV movies) after her abrupt departure from ''Love and War'', her acting career was for all intents and purposes, winding down by the end of [[The90s 1990s]]. And her final credited acting role before her retirement was on an episode of NBC's ''Series/ThirdWatch'' in 2004.

* '''Creator/SusanDey''' was a successful teen model before she landed her StarMakingRole role as Laurie Partridge on the [[The70s 1970s]] TV series ''Series/ThePartridgeFamily''. Following the end of its four year long run in 1974, Dey attempted to [[PlayingAgainstType play against]] the [[ContractualPurity wholesome teen girl image]] that she got from playing Laurie Partridge in MadeForTVMovie films such as ''Cage Without a Key'' and ''Mary Jane Harper Cried Last Night'' as well as her portrayal of [[Characters/LittleWomen Jo March]] in a 1978 television adaptation of ''[[Literature/LittleWomen Little Women]]''. Dey also appeared in a few feature films, 1977's ''First Love'', 1981's ''Film/{{Looker}}'', and 1986's ''Echo Park''. None of these projects however, left as big of a cultural footprint as ''The Partridge Family''. She would eventually though, [[CareerResurrection land the second best known role of her career]] come 1986 in the form of district attorney [[Characters/LALaw Grace Van Owen]] on the Creator/{{NBC}} legal drama ''Series/LALaw''. Dey ultimately appeared in 126 episodes (that's more than ''The Partridge Family'', which only produced 96 episodes) before departing in 1992. During her time on ''LA Law'', Dey was nominated for multiple [[MediaNotes/EmmyAward Emmy awards]] and won the [[MediaNotes/GoldenGlobeAward Golden Globe]] for [[MediaNotes/GoldenGlobeAwardForBestActressInADramaSeries Best Actress in a Drama Series]] in 1988. In February 1992, while still a castmember on ''LA Law'', Dey guest hosted an episode of ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'', where she even participated in a sketch that [[AdamWesting poked fun]] at her ''Partridge Family'' past. Later that year, Dey would headline the Creator/{{CBS}} sitcom ''Series/LoveAndWar'' only to be ousted after the first season and replaced by Creator/AnniePotts due to a purported lack of chemistry with her co-star, Creator/JayThomas. While Dey would continue to work for the work (primarily in TV movies) after her abrupt departure from ''Love and War'', her acting career was for all intents and purposes, winding down by the end of [[The90s 1990s]]. And her final credited acting role before her retirement was on an episode of NBC's ''Series/ThirdWatch'' in 2004.

* During the late [[UsefulNotes/The2000s 2000s]], '''Matt Prokop''' began to make a name for himself as a [[TeenIdol teen idol]] with the aid of Creator/{{Disney}}. He first appeared in an episode of ''Series/HannahMontana'' and then more prominently as Jimmie Zara in ''Film/HighSchoolMusical3SeniorYear''. This was followed by Prokop's appearances as Creator/BrendanFraser's son in the film ''Film/FurryVengeance''. Then in 2011, Prokop played the male lead in the Creator/DisneyChannel TV movie ''Film/GeekCharming'' alongside ''Series/ModernFamily'' star Creator/SarahHyland. Prokop later guest starred on ''Modern Family'' during its third season as Hyland's love interest. However, after four years of dating, Prokop and Hyland split. It was soon revealed that Hyland had gotten a three-year long restraining order against Prokop, claiming that he'd been physically and verbally abusive towards her during their relationship. Hyland ultimately managed to secure a permanent restraining order against Prokop, meaning that he was no longer able to have any contact with her at all. The revelation of Prokop's [[DomesticAbuse domestic abuse]] all but [[PersonaNonGrata killed his future acting prospects]]. He hasn't appeared in any film or TV projects since 2013 with his last on-screen acting credit being in 2013's ''April Apocalypse''.

* '''Creator/ChristopherAtkins''' was pushed in the early '80s as a new, teenage Hollywood hunk, only for studios' efforts at turning him into a star to go nowhere. He headlined ''Film/{{The Blue Lagoon|1980}}'' with Creator/BrookeShields and ''Film/ThePirateMovie'' with Creator/KristyMcNichol (each mentioned in Actresses), both of which were torn to shreds by critics and audiences (though ''The Blue Lagoon'' performed fine financially). He tried moving towards television with a recurring role on ''Series/{{Dallas}}'' which only lasted one season. Further efforts at reestablishing his film career failed after ''A Night in Heaven'' and ''Film/ListenToMe'' did, which netted him {{UsefulNotes/Golden Raspberry Award}}s. Since that decade, his screen career has been rather spotty at best.

* '''Creator/JamesFranco''' had a slower climb to the top than most, with noted roles in the short-lived ''Series/FreaksAndGeeks'' and the ''Film/SpiderManTrilogy''. His push didn't really pick up until his UsefulNotes/AcademyAward-nominated performance ''Film/OneHundredAndTwentySevenHours'' and being named the Sexiest Man Alive in 2009. For the next three or so years, he headlined a lot of big films – some did well and others less so. He took a step back from acting to focus on his education, and has leaned more towards becoming a producer and director in addition to acting. Things seemed to be going well for him when he won a UsefulNotes/GoldenGlobe for his role as Creator/TommyWiseau in ''Film/TheDisasterArtist'', but almost immediately afterwards, accusations of sexual misconduct (most of them from several of his former acting students) were thrown at him, which probably contributed to him not getting an Oscar nomination for the film. Following the scandal, he hasn't starred in a screen project since 2019.

* '''Creator/LorenzoLamas''' tried becoming a star in TheEighties. Though his film hopes quickly died after his [[UsefulNotes/GoldenRaspberryAward Razzie]]-nominated role in ''Body Rock'', he established himself decently on television with a role on the PrimeTimeSoap ''Falcon Crest'' alongside Creator/JaneWyman. It was a hit lasting nine seasons, with Lamas starring for its entire run. Lamas had a slight measure of success in the following decades with his lead role in the '90s action series ''Series/{{Renegade}}'' and a short stint on the daytime SoapOpera ''Series/TheBoldAndTheBeautiful'' between 2004 and 2006, but his acting career after the latter has fizzled out.

* '''Creator/RobSchneider''' got his start through stand-up comedy, which paved his path towards sketch comedy when he was hired as a staff writer for ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' late in TheEighties. He was soon upgraded to the cast at the dawn of TheNineties, providing several of that era's prominent impersonations and recurring bits. He also met many major comedians such as Creator/AdamSandler and Creator/DavidSpade during his tenure, with whom he would often collaborate in the future. Schneider left ''SNL'' in 1994 with hopes of becoming a movie star, frequently popping up in many of Sandler's films. Unfortunately for him, his own efforts as the lead begot a string of steadily worsening failures. ''[[Film/DeuceBigalow Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo]]'', ''Film/TheAnimal'', and ''Film/TheHotChick'' made enough of a profit despite each film receiving worse reviews than the last, but the sequel ''Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo'' became such a reviled disaster that he never headlined a live-action film solo again. It actually incited a noteworthy war of words when Schneider scolded ''Los Angeles Times'' film critic Patrick Goldstein for giving the film a bad review, proclaiming he had no authority to do so because he hadn't won a UsefulNotes/PulitzerPrize. Pulitzer-winning film critic Creator/RogerEbert promptly stepped in and gave his two cents about the matter, bluntly telling Schneider, "[his] movie sucks". Subsequently, he "won" a Razzie award for Worst Actor for his performance in ''European Gigolo''. He then starred as part of the ensemble for ''Film/TheBenchwarmers'' alongside the aforementioned Jon Heder, which ground his career further into the dirt. Schneider's screen presence has been barely sustained since by being part of the ensemble in Sandler's films, while he has now acquired more notoriety for his conservative views, Islamophobia, and anti-vaccine stance. His most-recent projects are limited to ones he finances himself and conservative Christian media. His daughter, singer Elle King, has acquired more recognition in recent years.

* '''Creator/LoniAnderson''' nabbed her StarMakingRole in 1978 as the savvy receptionist Jennifer Marlowe in the sitcom ''Series/WKRPInCincinnati''. Anderson remained onboard the series for its entire duration and was nominated twice for an MediaNotes/EmmyAward for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. However, her career after it concluded went nowhere as the bulk of her post-''WKRP'' TV appearances were recurring or guest spots. Her attempt at becoming a movie star failed when ''Film/StrokerAce'', which she starred in opposite Creator/BurtReynolds (whom she was briefly married to after this film was made), bombed badly with critics and audiences alike in 1983, with Anderson getting nominated for a Worst Actress UsefulNotes/GoldenRaspberryAward. She too has only worked intermittently since the '90s.

Three years later, Basinger was primed for a [[CareerResurrection comeback]] in the form of Creator/CurtisHanson's 1997 film noir, ''Film/LAConfidential''. Basinger's performance as a glamorous, sexy FemmeFatale earned her an [[UsefulNotes/AcademyAward Oscar]] for Best Supporting Actress, putting her back on Hollywood's A-list. Despite the overwhelming success of ''LA Confidential'', Basinger didn't jump right back into starring roles until ''I Dreamed of Africa''[[note]]A [[VanityProject passion project]] of Basinger's.[[/note]] and ''Film/BlessTheChild'' in 2000. Both received bad reviews and underwhelmed at the box office, [[StarDerailingRole killing the momentum]] of her Oscar win. Shortly after that one-two punch, Basinger and Alec Baldwin entered a tumultuous divorce proceeding and custody battle over their daughter, further [[OvershadowedByControversy overshadowing her professional work]]. Since then, her career has been on a slow decline with Basinger only starring in [[DirectToVideo low-budget]] movies (or participating in small, borderline "[[MoneyDearBoy money for hire]]" parts in films like ''Film/TheSentinel2006'', ''Film/CharlieStCloud'', ''Film/TheNiceGuys'', and ''[[Film/FiftyShadesOfGrey Fifty Shades Darker]]''[[note]]Which earned Basinger a UsefulNotes/GoldenRaspberryAward for Worst Supporting Actress in 2017.[[/note]]) and becoming a [[ReclusiveArtist recluse]]. Her most high-profile role since was in ''Film/EightMile'' with Music/{{Eminem}}, where she played his character's mother. Once she won her Oscar, it seemed as if Hollywood stopped paying her much attention even when she appears in high profile movies. To put things in proper perspective, Basinger appeared alongside Creator/RobertDeNiro, Creator/SylvesterStallone, Creator/AlanArkin, and Creator/KevinHart in 2013's ''Film/GrudgeMatch'' yet was [[MyFriendsAndZoidberg nowhere to be found]] in the movie's marketing. Nowadays, Basinger is more known for her failed marriage to Alec Baldwin, uncooperative ego, animal rights activism, and lack of financial success than her actual acting abilities. Even most of Kim Basinger's filmography, aside from films like ''Batman'', ''LA Confidential'', and ''8 Mile'', are only remembered largely as vehicles in launching the [[RetroactiveRecognition careers]] of such stars as Creator/BruceWillis (''Film/BlindDate''), Creator/BradPitt (''Film/CoolWorld''), Creator/JenniferLawrence (''The Burning Plain''), and Creator/ChrisEvans (''Film/{{Cellular}}'').

* '''Yasmine Bleeth''' was already known for her tenures on soap operas like ''Series/RyansHope'' and ''Series/OneLifeToLive'' before getting the role of Caroline Holden on ''Series/{{Baywatch}}'', co-starring alongside Pamela Anderson. She left the show after a couple of seasons to establish herself in film with the raunchy sports comedy ''Film/{{BASEketball}}'', only for its rather bad reception (which included a Worst Actress UsefulNotes/GoldenRaspberryAward nomination for Bleeth) to snuff that chance before it could go anywhere. Since that flopped in 1998, Bleeth worked infrequently on TV shows and films before her cocaine addiction (which was present for most of her career) got so uncontrollable she got arrested and checked into rehab multiple times. After 2003, Bleeth wouldn't appear in another screen project for eighteen years (which turned out to be a low-budget mob comedy that never got a wide release).

* '''Creator/LaraFlynnBoyle''' nabbed her StarMakingRole as Donna Hayward on ''Series/TwinPeaks'', and remained onboard the series for its initial run in the early '90s. Its popularity led to Boyle receiving a variety of high-profile roles including ''Film/WaynesWorld'' and ''Film/{{Happiness}}'', which left her unable to return for the prequel (she was [[TheOtherDarrin replaced]] by Creator/MoiraKelly for ''Film/TwinPeaksFireWalkWithMe''). Her biggest role after ''Twin Peaks'' finished was as Helen Gamble on ''Series/ThePractice'', which got her nominated for an MediaNotes/EmmyAward in 1999. However, a combination of the underperformance of ''Film/MenInBlackII'' (which was generally considered to have suffered {{Sequelitis}} after [[Film/MenInBlack the first one]], while Boyle's performance got particularly criticized and a UsefulNotes/GoldenRaspberryAward nomination) plus her dismissal from ''The Practice'' due to ExecutiveMeddling and budget cuts hindered her career. Her input since the mid-2000s has been rather erratic.

* '''Creator/LindaFiorentino''' made her theatrical debut in 1985 with three films: the drama ''Film/VisionQuest'', the action comedy ''[[Film/Gotcha1985 Gotcha!]]'', and the Creator/MartinScorsese-directed ''Film/AfterHours''. While she kept working throughout TheEighties, it was only in TheNineties that she truly had her breakthrough with the 1994 neo-noir ''Film/TheLastSeduction''. She garnered unanimous critical praise for her performance, with talk of her getting an [[UsefulNotes/AcademyAward Oscar]] nomination even circulating around Hollywood. However, the film, which premiered on Creator/{{HBO}} at the producers' behest before its theatrical release, [[AwardSnub was ineligible to receive any Oscar nominations]], not even for Fiorentino's performance. She did attain further fame with big roles in ''Film/MenInBlack'' and ''Film/{{Dogma}}''; unfortunately, Fiorentino also became entangled in HostilityOnTheSet of the latter film. Director Creator/KevinSmith often butted heads with the actress, bemoaning how difficult and demanding she had been to work with in the Main/DVDCommentary for ''Dogma'' (though the two would eventually patch things up many years later). Her films released in the early 2000s, ''Film/WhatPlanetAreYouFrom'', ''Where The Money Is'', and ''Liberty Stands Still'', were critically panned and underperformed financially. In fact, ''Liberty Stands Still'' had its theatrical release revoked in 2002 and was shunted DirectToVideo. She starred in one more film seven years later, ''Once More With Feeling''. It struggled to nab a theatrical run in 2009 before also going straight to video, leading Fiorentino to call it quits and vanish from the screen entirely.

* '''Creator/AmyIrving''' (who came from a big family in showbiz, with her father being theatrical director and producer Jules Irving and her mother being actress Priscilla Pointer) began working on the stage before making her film debut as Sue Snell in ''Film/Carrie1976''. Its success led Irving to reunite with director Creator/BrianDePalma as the lead in ''Film/TheFury''. Her popularity seemed like it could only rise up, only to come plummeting down in the early '80s when she won the UsefulNotes/GoldenRaspberryAward for Worst Supporting Actress for ''Honeysuckle Rose''. She later earned the dubious honor of getting a Razzie and an [[UsefulNotes/AcademyAward Oscar]] nomination for the same performance for ''Film/{{Yentl}}''. While she has continued working in Hollywood films (like collaborating with Creator/StevenSoderbergh with supporting roles in ''Film/Traffic2000'' and ''Film/{{Unsane}}''), her moment as an "it girl" has come and gone.
* '''Ann Jillian''' began her career working steadily as a child star, perhaps most notably as Millie Ballard, Steve Baxter's teenage receptionist on the fifth and final season of ''Series/{{Hazel}}'' and in a 1963 ''[[Series/TheTwilightZone Twilight Zone]]'' [[Recap/TheTwilightZone1959S4E5Mute episode]] as a mute telepath. Come 1980, Jillian was finally poised for her [[StarMakingRole big breakthrough]] in the form of the ABC sitcom ''Series/ItsALiving''. With her striking platinum [[SciFiBobHaircut bob hairstyle]], alabaster skin, and [[ImpossibleHourglassFigure voluptuous figure]], Jillian became an instant [[MsFanService sex symbol]]. Plus, Jillian on ''It's a Living'' as waitress Cassie Cranston, drew comparisons to Creator/JeanHarlow due to her sassy line deliveries. Despite her status as the BreakoutCharacter, ABC would cancel ''It's a Living'' after two seasons in 1982. Despite this setback, Jillian soon landed an [[MediaNotes/EmmyAward Emmy]] and [[UsefulNotes/GoldenGlobeAward Golden Globe]] nomination for her portrayal of Creator/MaeWest. A year later, Jillian had a predominate supporting role in the hit film ''Film/MrMom'' opposite Creator/MichaelKeaton. Later that fall, Jillian got another crack at sitcom stardom, this time, as a ghost on Creator/{{NBC}}'s ''Jennifer Slept Here''. Unfortunately for Jillian, NBC would cancel ''Jennifer Slept Here'' after its lone, 13-episode long season. Jillian soon would earn another Emmy nomination though, this time for the Creator/{{CBS}} [[{{Miniseries}} miniseries]] ''Ellis Island''. In 1985, Jillian portrayed [[Characters/AlicesAdventuresInWonderlandInhabitantsOfLookingGlassLand The Red Queen]] in ''[[Film/AliceInWonderland1985 Alice in Wonderland]]'' for CBS. Also in 1985, less than three years after its initial run on ABC ended, ''It's a Living'' was [[UnCanceled revived]] for the [[FirstRunSyndication first-syndication]] market. It was during this same time frame, that Jillian was diagnosed with breast cancer. Jillian would leave the revived ''It's a Living'' after only only season since it was her main condition in agreeing to come back in the first place. Jillian would later document her cancer battle in a 1988 MadeForTVMovie for NBC. This led to Jillian to be once again nominated for an Emmy and Golden Globe Award, the later of which, earned her the Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV. A year later, Jillian made one final stab at a sitcom in the form of ''Ann Jillian'' on NBC, which would be canceled after only 10 episodes of the 13 produced episodes were broadcast. After the ''Ann Jillian'' sitcom was canceled, Jillian primarily made sporadic appearances in TV movies before retiring in the year 2000. Jillian would ultimately begin work as a motivational speaker. Jillian's last credited screen performance was from [[Recap/WalkerTexasRanger an episode]] of ''Series/WalkerTexasRanger''.

* '''Creator/PamelaSueMartin''' was working as a child model before she got her big break on screen in 1972's ''Film/ThePoseidonAdventure'', which became an UsefulNotes/AcademyAward-winning and box office success. She became a major starlet in TheSeventies with many popular roles to her name, notably playing Literature/NancyDrew in ''Series/TheHardyBoysNancyDrewMysteries''. Her success continued into the next decade when she was cast as Fallon Carrington in the hit {{soap opera}} ''Series/Dynasty1981'', but she suddenly left after the fourth season (with the character written off as missing and presumed dead before [[TheOtherDarrin being recast]] with Creator/EmmaSamms). Following her departure from ''Dynasty'', she has only acted sporadically.

* '''Creator/KellyMcGillis''' had a spectacular debut in TheEighties: making her film debut in the 1983 dramedy ''Reuben, Reuben'' before reaching the A-list with roles in the smash hits ''Film/{{Witness}}'' and ''Film/TopGun''. She starred as a young Amish mother alongside Creator/HarrisonFord in the former, which made over $100 million worldwide and became lauded during awards season with eight UsefulNotes/AcademyAward nominations (while snubbed there, [=McGillis=] did get a Golden Globe nomination for her performance). The latter, where she starred opposite Creator/TomCruise, became one of the biggest movies and a cultural touchstone of the decade, grossing over $357 million worldwide. She amassed further critical acclaim with her performance in ''Film/TheAccused'', working alongside Creator/JodieFoster (who would earn her first Academy Award for it). She was on top of the world... and then her next film, ''Film/CatChaser'', sent her hype plunging back down. It became a TroubledProduction that got even worse when [=McGillis=] developed [[HostilityOnTheSet growing antipathy]] for director Creator/AbelFerrara and co-star Creator/PeterWeller. The finished film was consigned DirectToVideo after poor test screenings, while [=McGillis=] was so disillusioned by the experience she ceased acting for two years. Although she resumed in several made-for-TV films and onstage, she didn't reclaim the fame she had in the '80s. She wasn't even offered to reprise her ''Top Gun'' role for its 2022 sequel ''Film/TopGunMaverick''. Post-the '80s, her most notable theatrical film role was a minor part as an Amish mom (referencing her ''Witness'' role) in the critically derided 1994 BoxOfficeBomb ''Film/{{North}}''.

* '''Creator/KristyMcNichol''' started out as a child star in TheSeventies, before clinching a big popularity boost upon being cast in the TV series ''Series/{{Family}}''. The show got her two [[MediaNotes/EmmyAward Emmy Awards]] for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, with studios using that push to try making her into a leading lady. Things began pretty well with some hits early on in TheEighties like ''Film/TheNightTheLightsWentOutInGeorgia'' (for which she received a huge six-figure salary in 1981, unprecedented for a teenager back then) and ''Only When I Laugh'', only to soon worsen. First, she appeared in the Creator/SamuelFuller-directed ''Film/WhiteDog''. It was afflicted with significant controversy because of its touchy subject matter about a dog trained to attack black people, which reduced its distribution to a limited release abroad and cancelled outright from theaters in America. Though well-received by critics in its initial run and eventually reevaluated by the general public as a powerful anti-racism parable decades later, it still was an {{acclaimed flop}}. Her following project, ''Film/ThePirateMovie'', became a humongous critical and {{box office bomb}}, with [=McNichol=] nabbing a [[UsefulNotes/GoldenRaspberryAward Razzie]] nomination for Worst Actress thanks to it. In 1982, amidst filming of ''Film/JustTheWayYouAre'', [=McNichol=], who held a documented history of emotional disturbance, distress, and turbulence, suffered a mental breakdown, which delayed filming for over a year while she sought help. Decades later, she disclosed that her nervous collapse was provoked by a mix of the pressures of childhood celebrity plus anguish from her closeted homosexuality during an epoch of ingrained homophobia in the United States. While [=McNichol=] kept working in TheEighties and TheNineties (notably on the TV series ''Series/EmptyNest''), she didn't recover the popularity she had before officially declaring her acting retirement in 2001 and publicly coming out as a lesbian in 2012. Nowadays, [=McNichol=]'s happy and content living a normal, quiet life out of the limelight and liberated from the stresses of excessive stardom and publicity.

* '''Creator/CathyMoriarty''' went from being an amateur model in New York to a Hollywood sensation overnight upon getting the part of boxer Jake [=LaMotta's=] wife Vikki in ''Film/RagingBull'', directed by Creator/MartinScorsese and starring Creator/RobertDeNiro as the troubled boxer. Suggested for the role by Creator/JoePesci, who had already joined the film and was aiding the two with casting other parts, the movie, though not a box office success, was critically raved regardless, with her debut performance getting her nominated for many accolades like an UsefulNotes/AcademyAward. Her next film, ''Film/Neighbors1981'', which she starred alongside Creator/DanAykroyd and the late Creator/JohnBelushi, was a financial hit despite its mixed reviews, but then her career ascent halted after she was hurt in a car accident, thus resulting in her needing back surgery. Moriarty didn't act for six years afterwards, and when she returned it was often in minor parts. While she keeps on working till this day, her ''Raging Bull'' hype has dissipated.

* '''Creator/MaryKateAndAshleyOlsen''' catapulted to household name status overnight with the immense success of ''Series/FullHouse'' and they received a huge push after the show ended but never attained the same level of stardom. Their subsequent series of straight-to-[[UsefulNotes/{{VCR}} VHS]] films received a lukewarm critical reception but proved highly profitable financially even as the twins became more known for their presence in the tabloids than any particular acting performances. After 2004's ''Film/NewYorkMinute'' was a BoxOfficeBomb the Olsen twins retired from acting to focus on their fashion career, which has been incredibly profitable. They also continue to be paid well from royalties so the lack of acting work isn't an issue for them.

* Big things were expected for '''Creator/BrookeShields''' after she appeared in ''Film/PrettyBaby'', being compared often with Creator/ElizabethTaylor. However, attempts to turn into a major star InTheStyleOf Creator/HayleyMills with ''Tilt'', ''Wanda Nevada'' and ''Just You and Me, Kid'' all failed to impress either critics or audiences. ''Film/{{The Blue Lagoon|1980}}'', while a financial success and a CultClassic nowadays, didn't receive great reviews, and she was "awarded" the first UsefulNotes/GoldenRaspberryAward for Worst Actress. ''Literature/EndlessLove'' (1981) which was supposed to be her StarMakingRole, turned out to be a disappointment, only saved by its namesake BreakawayPopHit by Music/LionelRichie. Around the same time, she attempted to buy the negatives from a photo shoot her StageMom commissioned for a Playboy Press publication titled ''Sugar 'n' Spice'', but a judge rejected her plea. Two years later, she unsuccessfully fought to ban the distribution of the photos. She didn't appear in a major motion picture until ''Film/{{Sahara|1983}}'', but this time, her fall from grace became clear: she already became FamousForBeingFamous, other than being known as a model. She also declined the lead female roles in a few successful movies like ''Film/{{Splash}}'', ''Film/{{Footloose}}'', ''Film/ThePrincessBride'', ''Film/DirtyDancing'', and ''Film/PrettyWoman''. While Shields moved on to doing stage and television work, she did not become the star the mainstream press once hyped.

* '''Creator/MiraSorvino''' followed her father Creator/PaulSorvino into acting, being cast in and winning an UsefulNotes/AcademyAward for the Creator/WoodyAllen comedy ''Film/MightyAphrodite''. Sorvino, hence, got lead roles in diverse genres like romance (''Film/BeautifulGirls''), comedy (''Film/RomyAndMichelesHighSchoolReunion''), horror (''Film/{{Mimic}}''), action (''Film/TheReplacementKillers''), and drama (''Film/SummerOfSam''), but none of them were hits besides ''Romy and Michele''. She revealed decades later that Harvey Weinstein sexually harassed her and sabotaged her career, slandering her as a tough person to work with. She thus went on a mostly low-profile route while in between raising her family and supporting charitable causes. Starting in TheNewTwenties, she slowly made a return with roles in ''Series/{{Hollywood}}'', ''Series/AmericanCrimeStory: Series/{{Impeachment}}'', and ''Series/ShiningVale''. In 2023, she was on ''Series/DancingWithTheStars'' and starred in the SleeperHit ''Film/SoundOfFreedom''.

* '''Creator/KathleenTurner''' acquired her breakthrough part as a merciless FemmeFatale in the 1981 neo-noir ''Film/BodyHeat'' opposite Creator/WilliamHurt, with that film's critical and commercial success making her one of the most highly sought-after actresses in TheEighties. Her popularity reached its zenith when ''Film/RomancingTheStone'', ''Film/PrizzisHonor'', ''Film/PeggySueGotMarried'' (which got her an [[UsefulNotes/AcademyAward Oscar]] nomination), ''Film/TheAccidentalTourist'', and ''Film/TheWarOfTheRoses'' hit big, only to nosedive in TheNineties starting with ''V.I. Warshawski'', which was based off a book series and intended to be the first of several films derived from it, but instead became a StillbornFranchise. She soon developed worsening rheumatoid arthritis around this time which, in a sequence of increasingly bad misfortunes, ruined her good looks, made her easy fodder for negative press who called her ugly, then drove her to alcoholism. While she did acquire infamy in her heyday for supposedly being a difficult person to work with, those health problems exacerbated her mood while disinclining many filmmakers and actors from having her around. Turner's movies for most of the '90s, like ''Film/UndercoverBlues'', ''Film/SerialMom'', ''Film/ASimpleWish'', and ''Film/BabyGeniuses'', failed to be profitable, or were torn apart by critics and audiences (besides an adaptation of ''Literature/TheVirginSuicides'' by Creator/SofiaCoppola). She mostly does stage or television work following that decade, with occasional film roles like in ''Film/MarleyAndMe'' and ''Film/DumbAndDumberTo''. Still, that's a far cry from her glory days.

* '''Mary Cadorette''' got what was presumed to be her [[StarMakingRole big break]] in 1984, when she was selected among over 500 women to portray [[Characters/ThreesCompany Jack Tripper's]] love interest, Vicky Bradford in a [[SpinOff spin-off]] of the sitcom ''Series/ThreesCompany'' entitled ''Three's a Crowd''. Cadoret first appeared in ''Three's Company's'' final three episodes as a means of setting up ''Three's a Crowd''. During and around this time frame, Cadorette also appeared as a contestant on several game shows as a such as'' [[Series/{{Pyramid}} The $25,000 Pyramid]]'', ''[[Series/{{Password}} Super Password]]'', and ''Series/BodyLanguage''. Unfortunately however, [[Creator/AmericanBroadcastingCompany ABC]] would cancel ''Three's a Crowd'' after only one season in 1985. One of the big criticisms that was levelled at the series was Cadorette's apparent [[NoSparks lack of chemistry]] with her leading man played by Creator/JohnRitter. After ''Three's a Crowd's'' one and done season, Cadorette would never again get close to having such a leading role on-screen. A majority of her subsequent acting work was comprised of one-off guest starring roles on TV shows . In 1986, Cadorette appeared in the feature film ''Film/StewardessSchool'', which [[BoxOfficeBomb only grossed]] $136,158 against an estimated budget of $8 million. Cadorette's highest profile film role after her stint on ''Three's Company''/''Three's a Crowd'' was probably in a four episode stint from 1990-91 on ''Series/NightCourt'' as [[Characters/NightCourt Judge Harry Stone's]] love interest Margaret Turner. Cadoertte would continue to work on film and television through the year 2000 with her final on-screen credit being as "Marissa's Mother" on an episode of ''Series/BeyondBeliefFactOrFiction''.

* '''Mary Cadorette''' got what was presumed to be her [[StarMakingRole big break]] when she was selected among over 500 women to portray Jack Tripper's love interest, Vicky Bradford in a [[SpinOff spin-off]] of the sitcom ''Series/ThreesCompany'' entitled ''Three's a Crowd''. Cadoret first appeared in ''Three's Company's'' final three episodes as a means of setting up ''Three's a Crowd''. During and around this time frame, Cadorette also appeared as a contestant on several game shows as a such as'' [[Series/{{Pyramid}} The $25,000 Pyramid]]'', ''[[Series/{{Password}} Super Password]]'', and ''Series/BodyLanguage''. Unfortunately however, [[Creator/AmericanBroadcastingCompany ABC]] would cancel ''Three's a Crowd'' after only one season in 1985. One of the big criticisms that was levelled at the series was Cadorette's apparent [[NoSparks lack of chemistry]] with her leading man played by Creator/JohnRitter. After ''Three's a Crowd's'' one and done season, Cadorette would never again get close to having such a leading role on-screen. A majority of her subsequent acting work was comprised of one-off guest starring roles on TV shows . In 1986, Cadorette appeared in the feature film ''Film/StewardessSchool'', which [[BoxOfficeBomb only grossed]] $136,158 against an estimated budget of $8 million. Cadorette's highest profile film role after her stint on ''Three's Company''/''Three's a Crowd'' was probably in a four episode stint from 1990-91 on ''Series/NightCourt'' as [[Characters/NightCourt Judge Harry Stone's]] love interest Margaret Turner. Cadoertte would continue to work on film and television through the year 2000 with her final on-screen credit being as "Marissa's Mother" on an episode of ''Series/BeyondBeliefFactOrFiction''.

* '''Mary Cadorette''' got what was presumed to be her [[StarMakingRole big break]] when she was selected among over 500 women to portray Creator/JohnRitter's love interest, Vicky Bradford in a [[SpinOff spin-off]] of the sitcom ''Series/ThreesCompany'' entitled ''Three's a Crowd''. Cadorette first would appear ''Three's Company's'' final three episodes as a means of setting up ''Three's a Crowd''. During and around this time frame, Cadorette also appeared as a contestant on several game shows as a such as'' [[Series/{{Pyramid}} The $25,000 Pyramid]]'', ''[[Series/{{Password}} Super Password]]'', and ''Series/BodyLanguage''. Unfortunately however, [[Creator/AmericanBroadcastingCompany ABC]] would cancel ''Three's a Crowd'' after only one season in 1985. One of the big criticisms that was levelled at the series was Cadorette's apparent [[NoSparks lack of chemistry]] with her leading man played by Ritter. After ''Three's a Crowd's'' one and done season, Cadorette would never again get close to having such a leading role on-screen. A majority of her subsequent acting work was comprised of one-off guest starring roles on TV shows . In 1986, Cadorette appeared in the feature film ''Film/StewardessSchool'', which [[BoxOfficeBomb only grossed]] $136,158 against an estimated budget of $8 million. Cadorette's highest profile film role after her stint on ''Three's Company''/''Three's a Crowd'' was probably in a four episode stint from 1990-91 on ''Series/NightCourt'' as [[Characters/NightCourt Judge Harry Stone's]] love interest Margaret Turner. Cadoertte would continue to work on film and television through the year 2000 with her final on-screen credit being as "Marissa's Mother" on an episode of ''Series/BeyondBeliefFactOrFiction''.

* '''Creator/SusanAnton''' started out as Miss California before becoming the runner-up in the 1970 [[BeautyContest Miss America Pageant]]. In 1976, Anton beat out 400 hopefuls and became the spokeswoman for Muriel Cigars. Anton's new found notoriety lead to her appearing on talk shows, singing on variety shows, performing on Creator/BobHope specials, and being featured in her own [[AdmiringThePoster pinup posters]]. Anton also regularly popped up in the tabloids due to her romances with the likes of Creator/SylvesterStallone and Creator/DudleyMoore. Come 1979, Magazine/TimeMagazine would list her as one of the most promising faces to keep an eye on. Also in 1979, Anton would star in her prospective [[StarMakingRole breakout role]] as an actress, ''Film/{{Goldengirl}}'', which saw her as a genetically engineered athlete who was training to compete in the then real life upcoming UsefulNotes/OlympicGames in UsefulNotes/{{Moscow}}. While ''Goldengirl'' was a theatrical release, production for the film was partially funded by Creator/{{NBC}}, who had planned on later broadcasting a [[ReCut special four hour version]] of the film over the course of two nights during its own Summer Olympic coverage in 1980. However, following the United States' real life boycott of Moscow Olympics, NBC ended up delaying their broadcast of ''Goldengirl'' until January of 1981 in only a three hour time slot. To add insult to injury, at the box office itself, ''Goldengirl'' only made three million dollars against a seven million dollar budget. While Anton would continue to act, sing (Anton did land a top 10 [[CountryMusic country]] hit with her song "Killin' Time") and perform in movies, TV and on stage (perhaps most notably, in ''Film/CannonballRunII'' and in a recurring role on ''Series/{{Baywatch}}''), she would never get another high-profile starring role again following the failure of ''Goldengirl''.

* '''Antonio Sabàto Jr.''' initially became famous as a model before moving towards acting, which started out fine in TheNineties with a starring role on ''Series/GeneralHospital''. Further parts in shows such as ''Series/MelrosePlace'' and ''Series/TheBoldAndTheBeautiful'' followed, although he never became a major star. However, his popularity mostly dissipated when he, while talking at the 2016 Republican National Convention (already controversial in itself among Hollywood circles), publicly stated both his support for Creator/DonaldTrump and his belief that then-president UsefulNotes/BarackObama was a Muslim. This killed his career overnight when he lost all of his representation and got fired from many projects being filmed, while those that were finished were suspended pending distribution.

* '''Creator/ScottBaio''' made his screen debut as the title role in ''Film/BugsyMalone'', before going on to play Fonzie's cousin Chachi Arcola in the {{sitcom}} ''Series/HappyDays'': with his character becoming so popular he headlined his own spin-off, ''Joanie Loves Chachi'', alongside Erin Moran as Joanie Cunningham. While his film career attempts went nowhere following the horribly reviewed ''Film/Zapped1982'', Baio's television career continued thriving with ''Series/CharlesInCharge'' and ''Series/DiagnosisMurder''. But starting in the 2000s, Baio receded into reality TV and cameos (besides his recurring role in ''Series/ArrestedDevelopment''). Baio tried nabbing a comeback with the sitcom ''Series/SeeDadRun'', but low ratings and reception killed those hopes. He's become notorious lately for many controversies, notably spreading conspiracy theories that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax and being accused by ''Charles in Charge'' co-star Nicole Eggert of sexual assault.

* '''Creator/KristySwanson''' got a minor push in the late '80s and early '90s, first with OneSceneWonder roles in ''Film/PrettyInPink'' and ''Film/FerrisBuellersDayOff''. Lead roles came in the form of ''Film/FlowersInTheAttic'' and ''Film/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' - but the sequel to the former was cancelled and the latter got retooled into the more famous [[Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer TV series]] with Creator/SarahMichelleGellar as the lead. The failure of ''Film/{{The Phantom|1996}}'' caused high profile roles to dry up for her, and she drifted towards guest spots on TV and [[MadeForTVMovie TV movies]].

* '''Creator/KevinJames''' rose to become the next top comedy star with the popularity of ''Series/TheKingOfQueens'' and the success of ''Film/{{Hitch}}'' marking high notes in his career. Then, just two months after the cancellation of ''Queens'', he co-starred with longtime partner Creator/AdamSandler in ''Film/INowPronounceYouChuckAndLarry'', which critics everywhere tore apart for alleged [[UnfortunateImplications gay stereotyping]]. He bounced back a couple years later with ''Film/PaulBlartMallCop'', which was also panned but became the highest-grossing film released in January, only to take another downturn in the next two years with ''Film/GrownUps'' and ''Film/{{Zookeeper|2011}}'', both of which received bad reviews and did mediocre business at the box-office. After yet another Sandler-James collaboration, ''Film/{{Pixels}}'', bombed critically and financially, he decided to go straight back to television in the Creator/{{CBS}} sitcom ''Series/KevinCanWait''. That series got canned after its second season due to CBS attempting to make it more like ''The King of Queens'', going as far as to fire Erinn Hayes, [[ActorLeavesCharacterDies kill off her character]] and replace her with ''Queens'' co-star Leah Remini, a decision met with largely unfavorable reactions.

* '''Creator/AmandaBynes''' is a rather sad example. Debuting on ''Series/AllThat'' as a preteen before segueing into her own spinoff ''Series/TheAmandaShow,'' her knack for physical comedy drew multiple comparisons to Creator/LucilleBall. She was able to successfully graduate off the children's networks to the WB's ''Series/WhatILikeAboutYou'' and did moderately well in her ventures to lead roles in films (and even better in supporting roles such as ''Film/{{Hairspray|2007}}'' and ''Film/EasyA.'') However, in TheNewTens, it started to unravel. Several brushes with the law and bizarre behavior in real life and on Twitter made people worry for her mental health. As of 2022, she hasn't worked in over a decade and has repeatedly been put under psychiatric holds. During this period, Bynes was also placed under the conservatorship of her mother – although it has recently ended with approval from both of them and a judge. Only time will tell if she can properly make a comeback.

* '''Creator/LindsayLohan'''. This one wasn't related to any lack of talent – Creator/MerylStreep, of all people, vouched for her acting ability, as did her ''Film/MeanGirls'' co-star Creator/TinaFey. Instead, her decline came from a combination of a disastrous relationship with [[StageMom her parents]], chronic [[HardDrinkingPartyGirl partying]] and drug/alcohol abuse (which did quite the number on [[http://www.buzzfond.com/16-gorgeous-stars-who-have-aged-badly/9/ her looks]] and eventually led to legal troubles), and a reputation for being [[SmallNameBigEgo a diva]] who often showed up to the set late and hungover (if not completely missing filming days altogether). Attempts to revitalize her career – such as the {{Lifetime|MovieOfTheWeek}} biopic ''Film/LizAndDick'' – have mostly flopped, with the qualified success of her 2014 West End theatre debut in ''Speed-the-Plow'' the one exception. Nowadays, she's far better known for her appearances in the tabloids and is considered a cautionary tale for the FormerChildStar. It's also been joked that Creator/EmmaStone has the career she would have had. However, she has started making strides for the better in TheNewTwenties. After achieving sobriety, she released the song ''Back to Me'' in 2020, which was her first single in over twelve years. She also signed a deal in 2021 to headline three films for Creator/{{Netflix}}, with the first one ''Falling for Christmas'' released in 2022.

* '''Reiko Sato''', who played Helen in ''Film/FlowerDrumSong'', was a new contract player for both Fox and Universal, and was getting personal coaching from Creator/MarlonBrando. She got to play his wife in ''The Ugly American'' right after this, but nothing materialised, and she quickly retired from Hollywood.

** This actually happens to ''a lot'' of up and coming black actors, who ended up with mediocre or stalled careers after a fairly huge beginning. Examples include Creator/NiaLong, Creator/LarenzTate, Creator/BokeemWoodbine, Creator/ThandiweNewton, Creator/DerekLuke, Creator/GabrielleUnion, and Creator/SeanPatrickThomas. Basically, let's just say every black "it" actor/actress that's not Creator/WillSmith, Creator/SamuelLJackson, or Creator/DenzelWashington has faced this. Again, a mix of PopCultureIsolation, industry politics, and arguably racism play a part.

* '''Victoria Principal's''' screen career started with roles in ''Film/TheLifeAndTimesOfJudgeRoyBean'' and ''Film/{{Earthquake}}'', among other films. However, she only became a household name later in TheSeventies when she was cast as Pamela Barnes Ewing in the prime time soap ''Series/{{Dallas}}''. During her tenure, she held unexpected power as her own advocate in contract negotiations with Creator/{{CBS}} and autonomy that few actresses were lucky enough to possess. She stayed on the series for over ten seasons before departing in 1987, during which she expanded her media influence in music (notably collaborating with then-boyfriend Music/AndyGibb, on his cover single of "All I Have to Do Is Dream") plus print (writing three books on self-care). She mostly did TV films after leaving ''Dallas'', before retiring from acting in 2001. However, she also formed her own profitable cosmetics line post-''Dallas''. The huge success of Principal Skincare, which contributes to her massive $350 million net worth, shows that she has no need to worry.

* '''Creator/PaulyShore''', the son of The Comedy Store co-founders Mitzi and Sammy Shore, followed in his folks' stand-up comedy footsteps (and cultivated his onstage persona "the Weasel", a spaced-out, Californian stoner/surfer dude) before becoming an Creator/{{MTV}} VJ in 1989, a position he retained for five years. He starred in the comedy ''Film/EncinoMan'' during this period, which was a slight box office hit despite receiving mostly negative reviews. Shore tried turning himself into a comedic movie star with four consecutive films per year from ''Film/SonInLaw'' to ''Film/BioDome'', but each was greeted with worse reviews than the last. After ''Bio-Dome'' (which since earned a not-undeserved reputation as one of the worst films ever made) and his short-lived self-titled sitcom were ravaged, he retreated to stand-up comedy: where he's found a decent living. Shore's quick rise and fall on the screen, though, has made him the butt of jokes and a walking punchline. What little work he gets outside of stand-up is usually limited to voice work in animation.

* '''Creator/TomGreen''' did stand-up comedy in the early stages of his career before he was given his own self-titled VarietyShow in 1994. ''Series/TheTomGreenShow'' soon became notorious for its usage and blend of {{surreal|humor}} and shock humor, along with its recurrent implementation of the CandidCameraPrank (which became a potent influence on similar shows such as ''Series/{{Jackass}}''). This didn't stop Green becoming popular with younger audiences, and in fact led to him getting roles in hit movies like ''Film/CharliesAngels2000''. He also was temporarily married to his ''Charlie's Angels'' co-star Creator/DrewBarrymore for a year. In 2001, Green used the clout he earned to star in, co-write, and direct his passion project, ''Film/FreddyGotFingered''. It, though, was released to a widely negative response, became a BoxOfficeBomb, and went on to win five [[MediaNotes/GoldenRaspberryAward Razzie Awards]] including Worst Picture, practically killing his career, aside from the equally reviled ''Film/StealingHarvard'' the following year.

* '''Creator/KateNelligan''' mostly did theatre work (which got her nominated for a Tony Award four times) in her initial career, barring roles in ''Film/Dracula1979'' and ''Film/EyeOfTheNeedle''. But she got major exposure in the late '80s and early '90s, with her Emmy-nominated work in the Canadian drama ''Road to Avonlea'', followed by critically praised supporting performances in ''Film/FrankieAndJohnny'' and ''Film/ThePrinceOfTides'' (with the latter getting Nelligan an Oscar nomination). Despite efforts to extend her success over the rest of the decade, she unfortunately never reached the heights of that brief period. Her last major role was in 2010, with a guest appearance on ''Series/LawAndOrderSpecialVictimsUnit''.

* '''Creator/TomGreen''' did stand-up comedy in the early stages of his career before he was given his own self-titled VarietyShow in 1994. ''Series/TheTomGreenShow'' soon became notorious for its usage and blend of {{surreal|humor}} and shock humor, along with its recurrent implementation of the CandidCameraPrank (which became a potent influence on similar shows such as ''Series/{{Jackass}}''). This didn't stop Green becoming popular with younger audiences, and in fact led to him getting roles in hit movies like ''Film/CharliesAngels2000''. He also was temporarily married to his ''Charlie's Angels'' co-star Creator/DrewBarrymore for a year. In 2001, Green used the clout he earned to star in, co-write, and direct his passion project, ''Film/FreddyGotFingered''. It, though, was released to a widely negative response, became a BoxOfficeBomb, and went on to win five [[MediaNotes/GoldenRaspberryAward Razzie Awards]] including Worst Picture of 2001, practically killing his career.

* '''Creator/PaulyShore''', the son of The Comedy Store co-founders Mitzi and Sammy Shore, followed in his folks' stand-up comedy footsteps (and cultivated his onstage persona "the Weasel", a spaced-out, Californian stoner/surfer dude) before becoming an Creator/{{MTV}} VJ in 1989, a position he retained for five years. He starred in the comedy ''Film/EncinoMan'' during this period, which was a slight box office hit despite receiving mostly negative reviews. Shore tried turning himself into a comedic movie star with four consecutive films per year from ''Film/SonInLaw'' to ''Film/BioDome'', but each was greeted with worse reviews than the last. After ''Bio-Dome'' (which since earned a not-undeserved reputation as one of the worst films ever made) and his short-lived self-titled sitcom were ravaged, he retreated to stand-up comedy, where he's found a decent living. His quick rise and fall on the screen, however, has made him the butt of jokes and a walking punchline. What little work he gets outside of stand-up is usually limited to voice work in animation.

* '''Creator/TJMiller''' was a rising comedian in TheNewTens whose potential staying power was quickly destroyed by one RoleEndingMisdemeanor after another. He started out in the prior decade doing stand-up and improv comedy, before making his film debut with a role in 2008's ''Film/{{Cloverfield}}'' (having starred on a short-lived sitcom, ''Carpoolers'', the year before). By the 2010s, Miller was everywhere ranging from television on the popular Creator/{{HBO}} sitcom ''Series/SiliconValley'' to film. His extensive credits comprises animation (''Franchise/HowToTrainYourDragon'', ''WesternAnimation/BigHero6'') to live-action hits (including ''Film/ShesOutOfMyLeague'', ''Film/OurIdiotBrother'', ''Film/{{Deadpool|2016}}'', ''Film/OfficeChristmasParty'', ''Film/ReadyPlayerOne'', etc.). Even the occasional dud like ''Film/TransformersAgeOfExtinction'' (which got very negative reviews from critics despite being a box office smash) or ''WesternAnimation/TheEmojiMovie'' couldn't seemingly bring him down. However, he was impacted by a number of scandals in the months before the releases of ''Ready Player One'' and ''Film/Deadpool2'' in 2018. Not only was he named in the sexual abuse allegations that arose following the Weinstein effect, he also, in order, was accused of transphobia by a former friend and bullying his ''Silicon Valley'' co-stars on-set (which explains his departure from the show in 2017), had a vicious altercation with an Uber driver in 2016 come to light, and ultimately culminated in him phoning in a fake bomb threat at Penn Station during a tantrum, a move which got him booted off the train and ''very'' fortunately didn't lead to mass death. Miller had his lines for ''WesternAnimation/HowToTrainYourDragonTheHiddenWorld'' re-dubbed and was confirmed by ''Deadpool'' star Creator/RyanReynolds to not be coming back for ''Film/DeadpoolAndWolverine''. He hasn't been in any screen projects since 2020, after ''Film/{{Underwater}}'' and ''The Stand-In'' bombed.

* '''Creator/TomSelleck''' was supposed to be one of the biggest action stars in Hollywood thanks to his starring role in ''Series/MagnumPI'', one of the most successful action shows of the '80s. However, he preferred to [[PlayingAgainstType play against type]] when it came to movies. His first breakthrough film role was ''Film/ThreeMenAndABaby'', which got decent reviews and was the biggest box office hit of 1987. After ''Magnum P.I.'' was cancelled, Selleck decided to take his action personality to film with ''Film/AnInnocentMan'' and ''Film/QuigleyDownUnder''. Although neither were box office hits, they went on to become cult classics, and Selleck would continue to build up his film career throughout the '90s while still being a television favorite. And then came 1999's ''The Love Letter'', which despite Selleck being in a supporting role got poor reviews and failed to turn a profit. Not helping matters was when Selleck decided to show up on Rosie O'Donnell's talk show to promote the movie only to be confronted by O'Donnell over his appearance on a recent National Rifle Association advertisement, a move that O'Donnell received heavy criticism for and forced her to apologize. Even though the moment didn't harm Selleck as much, the failure of ''The Love Letter'' did, as he would only appear in three more films, with nothing since 2010. His TV career was also flagging simultaneously, eventually culminating in the romantic comedy ''Film/{{Killers}}'', which bombed and killed Selleck's film prospects for good. These days he's starring on the Creator/{{CBS}} cop drama ''Series/BlueBloods'', which has aired for 14 seasons.
* '''Creator/PaulyShore''', the son of The Comedy Store co-founders Mitzi and Sammy Shore, followed in his parents' stand-up comedy footsteps (cultivating his persona "the Weasel", a spaced-out, Californian stoner/surfer dude) before becoming an Creator/{{MTV}} VJ in 1989, a position he retained for five years. He later starred in the comedy ''Film/EncinoMan'' during this period, which was a slight box office hit despite receiving mostly negative reviews. Shore tried turning himself into a comedic movie star with four consecutive films per year from ''Film/SonInLaw'' to ''Film/BioDome'', but each was greeted with even worse reviews than the last one. After ''Bio-Dome'' (which has since garnered a not-undeserved reputation as one of the worst films ever made) and his short-lived self-titled sitcom were ravaged, Shore retreated to stand-up comedy, where he's found a decent living. His quick rise and fall on the screen, however, has made him the butt of jokes and a walking punchline as a WhiteDwarfStarlet. What little work he gets outside of stand-up is usually limited to voice work in animation.
* '''Creator/JussieSmollett''' got his start as a child actor with films like ''Film/TheMightyDucks'' and ''Film/{{North}}'', before appearing with his real-life siblings (including sister {{Creator/Jurnee|Smollett}}) on the short-lived ''Series/OnOurOwn''. He took a hiatus for over a decade before returning back to prominence in TheNewTens, gaining newfound exposure with his role as Jamal Lyon on ''Series/{{Empire}}''. Smollett collaborated with series creator Creator/LeeDaniels to shape the character based on their shared experiences as homosexual African-American men. ''Empire'' was successful and Smollett got particular praise for his performance, later landing roles in blockbusters like ''Film/AlienCovenant'' and ''Film/{{Marshall}}''. In January 2019, Smollett allegedly claimed to authorities that he had been physically assaulted by two men in what was very quickly designated a hate crime. Inconsistent details in the story, however, were reported by police, and the resulting investigation revealed that the attack was staged by Smollett himself, with the help of two work acquaintances who he paid to rough him up while using racist and homophobic language. The hoax killed his hype overnight as he was suspended from his ''Empire'' role before being fired, just as it came to light that he was caught in a pay dispute with Creator/{{FOX}}. Getting convicted on five of six charges of disorderly conduct in December 2021, before being sentenced to 150 days in jail, plus having to pay restitution and further fines, has left his career and reputation in ruins.

* '''Creator/TomSelleck''' was supposed to be one of the biggest action stars in Hollywood thanks to his starring role in ''Series/MagnumPI'', one of the most successful action shows of the '80s. However, he preferred to [[PlayingAgainstType play against type]] when it came to movies. His first breakthrough film role was ''Film/ThreeMenAndABaby'', which got decent reviews and was the biggest box office hit of 1987. After ''Magnum P.I.'' was cancelled, Selleck decided to take his action personality to film with ''Film/AnInnocentMan'' and ''Film/QuigleyDownUnder''. Although neither were box office hits, they went on to become cult classics, and Selleck would continue to build up his film career throughout the '90s while still being a television favorite. And then came 1999's ''The Love Letter'', which despite Selleck being in a supporting role got poor reviews and failed to turn a profit. Not helping matters was when Selleck decided to show up on Rosie O'Donnell's talk show to promote the movie only to be confronted by O'Donnell over his appearance on a recent National Rifle Association advertisement, a move that O'Donnell received heavy criticism for and forced her to apologize. Even though the moment didn't harm Selleck as much, the failure of ''The Love Letter'' did, as he would only appear in three more films, with nothing since 2010. His TV career was also flagging simultaneously, eventually culminating in the romantic comedy ''Film/{{Killers}}'', which bombed and killed Selleck's film prospects for good. These days he's starring on CBS' TV series ''Series/BlueBloods'', which has aired for 11 seasons.

* '''Creator/JustinWhalin''' started out as a child actor on various shows like ''Series/GeneralHospital'', before he played Andy Barclay in ''Film/ChildsPlay3'' ([[TheOtherDarrin replacing]] original actor Creator/{{Alex Vincent|Actor}} temporarily). He later portrayed Jimmy Olsen in Season 2 of ''Series/LoisAndClark: The New Adventures of Superman'' and stayed onboard until that show's conclusion. He got plenty of hype from the popularity of that series, which vanished after starring in the notorious ''Film/DungeonsAndDragons2000'' alongside Creator/ThoraBirch and Creator/ZoeMcLellan (see Actresses). Following numerous botched efforts to rebuild his career from that huge flop, he quit acting in 2009 and is now a teacher.

* '''Ariane Koizumi''' was prominent as one of the most successful Asian models in TheEighties before Hollywood tried making her a movie star, making her film debut alongside Creator/MickeyRourke in the 1985 thriller ''Film/YearOfTheDragon''. Unfortunately, that film, which was the first in four years from director [[Creator/MichaelCiminoDirector Michael Cimino]] after the disgrace that was ''Film/HeavensGate'', got a mixed reception upon its release, neither reaffirming his stature, nor affirming her stardom. Her performance, in particular, was lambasted as a caricature pandering to Oriental stereotypes. Besides a minor cameo in ''Film/KingOfNewYork'' from Creator/AbelFerrara, she never acted again. Koizumi later retired from modeling in 1989 and promptly vanished from the public eye.

* '''Creator/JamesFranco''' had a slower climb to the top than most, with noted roles in the short-lived ''Series/FreaksAndGeeks'' and the ''Film/SpiderManTrilogy''. His push didn't really pick up until his UsefulNotes/AcademyAward-nominated performance ''Film/OneHundredAndTwentySevenHours'' and being named the Sexiest Man Alive in 2009. For the next three or so years, he headlined a lot of big films – some did well and others less so. He took a step back from acting to focus on his education, and has leaned more towards becoming a producer and director in addition to acting. Things seemed to be going well for him when he won a UsefulNotes/GoldenGlobe for his role as Creator/TommyWiseau in ''Film/TheDisasterArtist'', but almost immediately afterwards, accusations of sexual misconduct (most of them from several of his former acting students) were thrown at him, which probably contributed to him not getting an Oscar nomination for the film. Franco since hasn't starred in a screen project since 2019.

* '''Creator/TJMiller''' was a rising comedian in TheNewTens whose potential staying power was quickly destroyed by one RoleEndingMisdemeanor after another. He started out in the prior decade doing stand-up and improv comedy, before making his film debut with a role in 2008's ''Film/{{Cloverfield}}'' (having starred on a short-lived sitcom, ''Carpoolers'', the year before). By the 2010s, Miller was everywhere ranging from television on the popular Creator/{{HBO}} sitcom ''Series/SiliconValley'' to film. His extensive credits comprises animation (''Franchise/HowToTrainYourDragon'', ''WesternAnimation/BigHero6'') to live-action hits (including ''Film/ShesOutOfMyLeague'', ''Film/OurIdiotBrother'', ''Film/{{Deadpool|2016}}'', ''Film/OfficeChristmasParty'', ''Film/ReadyPlayerOne'', etc.). Even the occasional dud like ''Film/TransformersAgeOfExtinction'' (which got very negative reviews from critics despite being a box office smash) or ''WesternAnimation/TheEmojiMovie'' couldn't seemingly bring him down. However, he was impacted by a number of scandals in the months before the releases of ''Ready Player One'' and ''Film/Deadpool2'' in 2018. Not only was he named in the sexual abuse allegations that arose following the Weinstein effect, he also, in order, was accused of transphobia by a former friend and bullying his ''Silicon Valley'' co-stars on-set (which explains his departure from the show in 2017), had a vicious altercation with an Uber driver in 2016 come to light, and ultimately culminated in him phoning in a fake bomb threat at Penn Station during a tantrum, a move which got him booted off the train and ''very'' fortunately didn't lead to mass death. Miller had his lines for ''WesternAnimation/HowToTrainYourDragonTheHiddenWorld'' re-dubbed and was confirmed by ''Deadpool'' star Creator/RyanReynolds to not be back for a potential ''Deadpool 3'' afterwards. He hasn't been in any screen projects since 2020, after ''Film/{{Underwater}}'' and ''The Stand-In'' bombed.

* '''Creator/JustinWhalin''' started out as a child actor on various shows like ''Series/GeneralHospital'', before he played Andy Barclay in ''Film/ChildsPlay3'' ([[TheOtherDarrin replacing]] original actor Creator/{{Alex Vincent|Actor}} temporarily). He later portrayed Jimmy Olsen in Season 2 of ''Series/LoisAndClark: The New Adventures of Superman'' and stayed onboard until that show's conclusion. He got plenty of hype from the popularity of that series, which vanished after starring in the notorious ''Film/DungeonsAndDragons2000'' alongside Creator/ThoraBirch and Creator/ZoeMcLellan (see Actresses). After many failed attempts to rebuild his career from that huge flop, he quit acting in 2009 and is now a teacher.

* '''Creator/JamiGertz''' became famous in TheEighties with a diverse variety of films (''Film/SixteenCandles'', ''Film/{{Crossroads}}'', ''Film/TheLostBoys'', ''Film/LessThanZero'', ''Film/ListenToMe'', etc.). Gertz's biggest project came in 1996 when she co-starred in ''Film/{{Twister}}'' alongside Creator/HelenHunt and Creator/BillPaxton, though her performance was widely panned as weak and got her a [[MediaNotes/GoldenRaspberryAward Razzie]] nomination for Worst Supporting Actress amidst the film's overall success. She hasn't had a role in a major film following ''Twister'', but found slightly more success on television afterwards (notably with a role on ''Series/TheNeighbors'').

* '''Susan George's''' acting career began in her native Britain with a series of risqué roles that established her as a sex symbol of TheSixties, with international fame coming her direction after she starred opposite Creator/DustinHoffman in ''Film/StrawDogs1971'' from director Creator/SamPeckinpah. Despite its controversy and graphic content, the movie received good reviews and was a financial hit. The boost it gave George led her to book several similarly scandalous films, though they weren't well-received. ''Straw Dogs'' still remains her most well-known work in her decades-long career, with none afterwards coming close.

* '''Creator/DamonWayans''' started off the 1980s with bit parts in movies and TV series as well as a run as a featured player on ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'', which infamously ended after he portrayed a bit role as a CampGay type. But as the 1990s began, he was finally put on the map when he was one of the cast members of the sketch comedy show ''Series/InLivingColor''. Becoming one of the breakout stars from the series, Wayans left after three seasons to begin his movie career. His first films, ''Film/TheLastBoyScout'' and ''Film/MoMoney'', were all modest box office successes. Then came ''Film/{{Blankman}}'', who blanked out with both critics and audiences. After another base hit with ''Film/MajorPayne'', Wayans attempted to break into the A-list with three pictures in 1996: ''Film/CelticPride'', ''Film/TheGreatWhiteHype'', and ''Film/{{Bulletproof}}''. All three films bombed critically and commercially, leading Wayans to go back to TV with very little success for the rest of the decade. After a dramatic turn in ''Film/{{Bamboozled}}'', which would go on to be a CultClassic, Wayans found success on TV once again with ''Series/MyWifeAndKids'', lasting five seasons. During his time on the show, Wayans would take one more crack headlining a motion picture with ''Film/MarciX''. The movie would flop with critics and audiences, permanently ending his movie career for good. After doing nothing noteworthy for the rest of the 2000s-into-the 2010s, Wayans would go back to television once more, playing Roger Murtaugh on the TV adaptation of ''Series/LethalWeapon''. While it lasted three seasons, it was notable for its TroubledProduction, with Wayans clashing with his co-star Creator/ClayneCrawford. Wayans would leave the series shortly before it got cancelled.

* '''Creator/KimCattrall''' started off as a promising [[TheIngenue ingenue]] in the late [[TheSeventies '70s]]. During that time, she appeared in some quality television series (''Series/{{Columbo}}'', ''Series/CharliesAngels'') and movies (''Tribute'', with Creator/JackLemmon). When the [[TheEighties '80s]] came, however, she found herself slumming in forgettable fluff (''Film/{{Porkys}}'', ''Film/PoliceAcademy'', ''Film/{{Mannequin}}''), indie movies, and [[BoxOfficeBomb flops]] (''Film/BigTroubleInLittleChina'', ''Literature/TheBonfireOfTheVanities''). In the [[TheNineties '90s]], before ''Series/SexAndTheCity'', she mostly landed [[OneShotCharacter one-off]] TV appearances and [[MadeForTVMovie Made-for-TV Movies]], with the exception being ''Film/StarTrekVITheUndiscoveredCountry'', the final film to feature the entire ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' cast, where she starred as Lt. Valeris (a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute for Lt. Saavik from ''Film/StarTrekIITheWrathOfKhan''). After ''Sex and the City'', she struggled to achieve any major success before landing the role of the narrator, Future Sophie, in the sitcom ''Series/HowIMetYourFather'', the spinoff to ''Series/HowIMetYourMother''. Cattrall herself mused on her place in Hollywood, saying that after ''Porky's'', she began losing roles to Creator/MichellePfeiffer, another actress of her physical type, leaving Cattrall as a PoorMansSubstitute to Pfeiffer. She could've reprised her ''Sex and the City'' role in the Creator/{{Max}} continuation ''Series/AndJustLikeThat'', but HostilityOnTheSet with erstwhile co-star Creator/SarahJessicaParker motivated her refusal.

* '''Creator/PamelaAnderson''' is one of the saddest cases of this, having been put through the wringer by the Machine in the worst ways possible. She started out on television with a slew of guest spots early in TheNineties before nabbing her StarMakingRole as C.J. Parker on ''Series/{{Baywatch}}'', which made her a sex symbol overnight. Hollywood at once began capitalizing on her MsFanservice qualities, giving her role after role in DirectToVideo schlock that emphasized her beauty. Her first theatrical release, ''Film/BarbWire'', became a BoxOfficeBomb and received a negative reception, with critics noting it barely was a cut above her DTV work. Anderson kept working on ''Baywatch'' before scandal struck in 1997 when her [[HomePornMovie sex tape]] with then-husband Tommy Lee (drummer of Music/MotleyCrue) was stolen from their home, and later publicly released without their knowledge or consent. She faced extreme scrutiny afterwards which reduced her career prospects post-''Baywatch'', with her following television work (''Series/{{VIP}}'', ''Series/{{Stacked}}'', etc.) being dismissed as opportunities to flaunt her sex appeal. Anderson hasn’t appeared in any major Hollywood films aside from a minor though plot-relevant cameo in ''Film/{{Borat}}'', with her screen appearances since that comedy mostly being limited to reality television.

* '''Creator/ChristopherAtkins''' was pushed in the early '80s as a new, teenage Hollywood hunk, only for studios' efforts at turning him into a star to go nowhere. He headlined ''Film/{{The Blue Lagoon|1980}}'' with Creator/BrookeShields and ''Film/ThePirateMovie'' with Creator/KristyMcNichol (each mentioned in Actresses), both of which were torn to shreds by critics and audiences (although ''The Blue Lagoon'' performed fine financially). He tried moving towards television with a recurring role on ''Series/{{Dallas}}'' which only lasted one season. Further efforts at reestablishing his film career failed after ''A Night in Heaven'' and ''Film/ListenToMe'' did, which netted him {{UsefulNotes/Golden Raspberry Award}}s. Since that decade, his screen career has been rather spotty at best.

* Australian actor '''Creator/JulianMcMahon''' came to national attention for his MrFanservice roles on ''{{Series/Charmed|1998}}'' and ''Series/NipTuck'', and got something of a push - even being considered as a potential James Bond. His turn as ComicBook/DoctorDoom in the blockbuster ''Film/FantasticFour2005'' was critically panned, but the movie was a success. His attempt at headlining a project alongside Sandra Bullock in ''{{Film/Premonition}}'' was a critical disappointment, and he didn't make another film after ''Film/FantasticFourRiseOfTheSilverSurfer'' bombed. He has stuck mainly to TV and smaller roles since ''Nip/Tuck'' ended its run. However, he did get a role as the BigBad in the Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse webseries ''{{Series/Runaways|2017}}''.

* '''Creator/FreddiePrinzeJr''' became known in the mid-'90s when he starred in the slasher ''Film/IKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer'' opposite Creator/JenniferLoveHewitt, Creator/RyanPhillippe and his own future wife Creator/SarahMichelleGellar (who’s also mentioned in Actresses). Despite receiving mixed reviews, the horror film was a profitable hit with audiences. Its success resulted in a sequel, ''Film/IStillKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer'', being made with Prinze reprising his role, which was still a box office hit despite receiving even worse reviews than the first one nor matching its financial gross. His next starring role after that film was as the male lead in ''Film/ShesAllThat'' opposite Creator/RachaelLeighCook (also mentioned in Actresses), which made him a sex symbol and THE go-to guy for leading men in teen romantic comedies overnight. Prinze enjoyed a comfortable run as a romantic lead for the next few years, until it came to a swift end in 2001 when ''Summer Catch'' failed to match the financial success of his past films while also being torn to shreds by critics. He got a temporary reprieve when he played Fred in the live-action adaptation of ''Film/ScoobyDoo2002'' and its 2004 sequel ''[[Film/ScoobyDooMonstersUnleashed Monsters Unleashed]]'' (reuniting him with Gellar, who played Daphne in those films), but promptly squandered the tiny amount of credibility he regained when he headlined his own eponymous sitcom, ''Freddie'', which was widely criticized as a shoddily-made vanity project. Besides a recurring role in season 8 of ''Series/TwentyFour'' [[note]] which he has no fond memories of, having [[HostilityOnTheSet butted heads]] with lead actor Creator/KieferSutherland out of exasperation with the latter’s alleged unprofessional behavior [[/note]], he has mainly stuck to voice-over work in animation, most notably with an acclaimed turn as Kanan Jarrus in ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsRebels''.

* '''Creator/KimCattrall''' started off as a promising [[TheIngenue ingenue]] in the late [[TheSeventies '70s]]. During that time, she appeared in some quality television series (''Series/{{Columbo}}'', ''Series/CharliesAngels'') and movies (''Tribute'', with Creator/JackLemmon). When the [[TheEighties '80s]] came, however, she found herself slumming in forgettable fluff (''Film/{{Porkys}}'', ''Film/PoliceAcademy'', ''Film/{{Mannequin}}''), indie movies, and [[BoxOfficeBomb flops]] (''Film/BigTroubleInLittleChina'', ''Literature/TheBonfireOfTheVanities''). In the [[TheNineties '90s]], before ''Series/SexAndTheCity'', she mostly landed [[OneShotCharacter one-off]] TV appearances and [[MadeForTVMovie Made-for-TV Movies]], with the exception being ''Film/StarTrekVITheUndiscoveredCountry'', the final film to feature the entire ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' cast, where she starred as Lt. Valeris (a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute for Lt. Saavik from ''Film/StarTrekIITheWrathOfKhan''). After ''Sex and the City'', she struggled to achieve any major success before landing the role of the narrator, Future Sophie, in the sitcom ''Series/HowIMetYourFather'', the spinoff to ''Series/HowIMetYourMother''. Cattrall herself mused on her place in Hollywood, saying that after ''Porky's'', she began losing roles to Creator/MichellePfeiffer, another actress of her physical type, leaving Cattrall as a PoorMansSubstitute to Pfeiffer. She could've reprised her ''Sex and the City'' role in the HBO Max continuation ''Series/AndJustLikeThat'', but HostilityOnTheSet with erstwhile co-star Creator/SarahJessicaParker motivated her refusal.