History Main / HollywoodHypeMachine

* An episode of ''Series/{{Angel}}'' dealt with a young actress who, knowing that she'd be spit out by the Hype Machine in a few years, tries to become a vampire so that she could retain her youth and beauty (and, by extension, her career) forever.

* Creator/LouisCK started out as a struggling hack comedian with a few unsuccessful projects under his belt like Pootie Tang, which he wrote and directed, and his HBO show "Lucky Louie" which only lasted one season. Eventually he revised his comedy act using George Carlin's method of writing new material every year and scrapping his old material, since then he has become one of the most popular stand up comedians in the world. He parlayed his success with stand-up into other forms of entertainment, giving well received performances in films like ''Film/AmericanHustle'' and ''Film/BlueJasmine''. He also created and starred in ''Series/{{Louie}}'', a semi-autobiographical TV show that became popular with both audiences and critics. He also had a leading role in hugely successful animated film WesternAnimation/TheSecretLifeOfPets. \\

** Creator/GeorgeLazenby is the unluckiest of all Bond actors and many people have mixed feelings on his performance in ''Film/OnHerMajestysSecretService''. After Bond, he starred in a bunch of TV movies, commercials, various recurring roles in TV series, several Bond movie spoofs and several Hong Kong action films, using his martial arts expertise which he learned from the legendary Creator/BruceLee.

* Emile Hirsch was a rising star who had built up much acclaim from films such as ''Film/IntoTheWild'' and ''Film/AlphaDog''. Then the failure of ''Film/SpeedRacer'' (an attempt to turn him into a big star) more or less led his hype to dry up, as he would not appear in another lead role until the 2011 flop ''Film/TheDarkestHour''. Though he still has the occasional supporting role, Hirsch's time seems to have passed.

However, he developed a reputation for being egotistical and tough to work with, walked out of a planned movie adaptation of the ''SNL'' "Sprockets" sketches, and the ''Austin Powers'' sequels were met with frostier critical reactions (primarily due to vulgarity and {{Sequelitis}}) than the original had. A StarDerailingRole came with his critically roasted turn as ''Film/TheCatInTheHat'' in 2003, which was so terrible that Creator/DrSeuss' [[FranchiseKiller estate has prohibited any more live-action adaptations of his works]], and it was his last live-action leading role for five years. In the interim he continued with the ''Shrek'' franchise, but ''that'' went into decline with the third installment. 2008's ''Film/TheLoveGuru'' was intended as a comeback vehicle but bombed spectacularly. With the ''Shrek'' saga closing out quietly in 2010, and no leading roles in the pipeline, early hopes that he would be the second coming of Creator/PeterSellers have proven unfounded. In the summer of 2017, Creator/{{ABC}} is relaunching ''Series/TheGongShow'' with "English presenter" Tommy Maitland, who just happens to be Myers under heavy makeup and a Scottish accent (though of course the network is denying that). Time will tell if it helps Myers' career.
* Myers' old costar, Creator/DanaCarvey, had it even worse. After a few minor roles, he got his big break in 1986 with ''Tough Guys'', where he managed to hold his own alongside Creator/KirkDouglas and Creator/BurtLancaster. Shortly thereafter, he joined SNL, and was one of the people to help reverse its declining popularity and make it "must-see TV" once again. After his success in the ''Wayne's World'' movies, it seemed like he was destined for great things.\\

However, his work afterwards was a story of disappointment and missed opportunities. His first movie after ''Wayne's World 2'' was the critical flop ''Film/CleanSlate'', a pattern that would continue for ''Film/TheRoadToWellville'' and ''Film/TrappedInParadise''. In 1995, he turned down a role in ''Film/BadBoys'' because he felt overwhelmed by fatherhood. 1996 gave him a chance at a return to form with ''The Dana Carvey Show''. However, Carvey made the ill-advised decision to try out raunchier, edgier material, despite the show airing during primetime. While it was notable for launching the careers of Creator/SteveCarell and Creator/StephenColbert (''The Ambiguously Gay Duo'' first appeared on the show), ratings declined and the show was cancelled after only seven episodes. His attempted comeback vehicle, ''Film/TheMasterOfDisguise'', failed in its intended purpose. Since then, Carvey has mostly retired from the screen and stuck to stand-up.

** Creator/AnthonyMackie is a weird case. Some of his supporters find it frustrating that Mackie has been touted as one of Hollywood's future A listers (has appeared on the Hollywood issue of ''Vanity Fair'' along with Creator/RyanReynolds, Creator/AnneHathaway, Creator/JenniferLawrence, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Creator/RashidaJones, Creator/JesseEisenberg, Creator/GarrettHedlund, Creator/NoomiRapace, Creator/MilaKunis, Creator/OliviaWilde, Creator/AndrewGarfield, and Creator/JakeGyllenhaal) and yet remains the only male up and comer featured there that has yet to headline a major movie. People started saying he's stuck playing supportive roles as the BlackBestFriend. He was cast as ComicBook/TheFalcon in ''Film/CaptainAmericaTheWinterSoldier'', though, so only time will tell if he will ever break out.

* Creator/MichaelCera came out with a ''vengeance'' after ''Series/ArrestedDevelopment'' [[ScrewedByTheNetwork went off the air]], appearing in several films that got mainstream recognition ''and'' artistic credibility (particularly ''Film/{{Juno}}''), and things were looking up. Then ''Film/YearOne'' put him in a bumpy road before his push fell apart in 2010, as both of his films that year (''Film/ScottPilgrimVsTheWorld'' and ''Film/YouthInRevolt''), [[CriticalDissonance despite positive critical reception]], flopped badly. His problem? Cera [[TypeCasting played the exact same nerdy-shy-guy character in every film he's been in so far]], right down to specific mannerisms and vocal style. This eventually stuck to him in a big way, and his career took a tumble. He hasn't had a major hit or appearance in years, and now Jesse Eisenberg (who has a similar appearance and acting style) has gone on to become a bigger star.

** Creator/JasonBiggs tried playing the [[{{Expy}} same down-on-his-luck regular guy character]] (especially in ''The Loser'') a bit too much, and he now mostly plays supporting roles in films like ''My Best Friend's Girl'' and ''Over Her Dead Body''. His luck seems to be improving as of late following a stint as the voice of Leonardo on the [[WesternAnimation/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles2012 latest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series]] and a role on ''Series/OrangeIsTheNewBlack''. However, he ruined this opportunity by turning his Twitter feed into a place where he boasted about questionable sexual practices with his wife, terribly sexist jokes about the wives of Republican candidates, and racist jokes about the Malaysian Airlines missing plane. This, along with tantrums over ''TMNT'' fans and parents who criticize him for his off-screen vulgarity made him seem like poison to anyone hoping to promote their products. The only reason his character existed in ''OITNB'' is because of the source material, and fan response to Larry has been of him as TheScrappy of the show. He was written out of season 3 of the latter with a nearly-closed invitation to return only when needed, and season 3 of the former saw him be permanently replaced by Seth Green, which may mean he's again on a downward slope.
** Similar to Biggs, Seann William Scott did mostly the same kind of "big dumb happy guy" roles and mostly vanished from the limelight after the HotterAndSexier ''Series/TheDukesOfHazzard'' film came out. He now mostly plays supporting roles in films like ''Film/CopOut'', however his roles in the ''WesternAnimation/IceAge'' franchise has made him the most ''financially'' successful of his former cast mates.

* Creator/JudeLaw spent years as a bit player as well as earning two Oscar nominations for both ''Film/TheTalentedMrRipley'' and ''Literature/ColdMountain'' before receiving a huge, notable Hollywood marketing push in 2004, starring in ''Film/SkyCaptainAndTheWorldOfTomorrow'', the remake of ''Film/{{Alfie}}'', and half a dozen other films. Creator/ChrisRock engaged in some LampshadeHanging at his expense at the Oscars ceremony, making fun of how this "Creator/TomCruise [[PoorMansSubstitute Lite]]" was receiving so much hype and so many pictures for what seemed to be no reason ("If you can't get Tom Cruise... just ''wait''!"). Of course, every film either bombed or was a disappointment, and then he got caught cheating on his then-fiance Sienna Miller with his children's nanny, shattering any hopes for him as an A-Lister. Even with his career damaged, however, Law has continued plugging away, with major roles in ''Film/SherlockHolmes2009'', ''Film/RepoMen'', and other recent Hollywood films. It's a serviceable career, although not nearly the highly bankable, Cruise-style A-lister that the studios were hoping he would be. This might changed after he was cast as the younger version of Albus Dumbledore in ''Film/FantasticBeastsTheCrimesOfGrindelwald'' and as Yon-Rogg in ''Film/CaptainMarvel'' which shows that he's still around.

* Lauren Holly first gained notice on the critically-acclaimed series ''Series/PicketFences'' and gained even more notice as Linda Lee in ''Film/DragonTheBruceLeeStory'' and as Mary in ''Film/DumbandDumber'', where she met, and later married, Creator/JimCarrey. It was assumed that Holly would successfully make the transition to movies, but she unfortunately wound up in a string of high-profile flops, including ''Film/DownPeriscope'', ''Film/{{Turbulence}}'', and ''A Smile Like Yours''. Ultimately, Holly was destined to become only known for being Jim Carrey's wife, but their marriage was short-lived. Nowadays, she's been stuck doing B-movies and supporting roles on TV, including a recent turn on the third (and last) season of ''Series/DesignatedSurvivor''.

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 glamorous, sexy [[FemmeFatale femme fatale]] 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 ''Film/IDreamedOfAfrica''[[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 ''The Sentinel'', ''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 (''Film/TheBurningPlain''), and Creator/ChrisEvans (''Film/{{Cellular}}'').

* Creator/CameronDiaz got tons of publicity after ''Film/TheMask'' became a Top 10 box-office hit and for several years after she was in many critically and/or commercially successful films such as ''Film/MyBestFriendsWedding'', ''Film/GangsOfNewYork'', ''Film/TheresSomethingAboutMary'', and ''Film/BeingJohnMalkovich''. She is the second actress to earn $20 million for a film, after Creator/JuliaRoberts. Also branched out into voice work and struck gold with the ''Franchise/{{Shrek}}'' film series.
* Creator/GwynethPaltrow got a huge amount of hype right from around ''Film/{{Se7en}}'' and several high-profile romances with major Hollywood hunks (including Creator/BradPitt and Creator/BenAffleck). Unlike most flash-in-the-pan hotties with famous boyfriends, she proved her acting chops and won an Oscar for ''Film/ShakespeareInLove'', had several hits (enough to offset the occasional bombs -- and she was in her fair share, enough to derail almost ''any'' career), and has managed to become a legitimate star in her own right. Her movies are rarely blockbusters (''Film/IronMan'' notwithstanding), but she has artistic cred and enough of a name to get almost any role (it's unlikely anyone regrets her being on ''Series/{{Glee}}'', especially after she won an Emmy).

* Creator/CatherineZetaJones made a ''major'' splash with her {{Fanservice}}-y role in ''Film/TheMaskOfZorro'', and instantly became a household name (internationally, anyway - she had already been fairly well-known for a while in the UK). Unfortunately, before she could get much work, she hooked up with Creator/MichaelDouglas and practically vanished for years, only making the occasional movie like ''Film/{{Chicago}}'' (for which she won an Oscar). She doesn't seem to mind her current obscurity, but she could have been as A-List as anybody given enough of a push.

** Creator/ShannonElizabeth became [[MsFanservice a sex sensation]] after ''Pie'' came out. She showed up in countless [[PublicExposure men's magazines]] (including an all-nude shoot in ''Magazine/{{Playboy}}'') and got a half-dozen roles in films like ''Film/JayAndSilentBobStrikeBack'', ''Film/Thir13enGhosts'', and ''Tomcats''. Just a couple of years later, she was a bit player and was essentially gone from any mainstream Hollywood attention. This may or may not have to do with her decision to no longer do nudity in film, even though that was [[BestKnownForTheFanservice what made her a star]] in the first place. She's since become more famous as a professional poker player and as a ''Series/DancingWithTheStars'' contestant, and though she does still act, most of her films now go DirectToVideo and it's unlikely she'll do anything noteworthy anytime soon.

* Creator/GalGadot started out playing a supporting roles in ''Film/TheFastAndTheFurious'', but her big break came when she played Franchise/WonderWoman in the Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse. Although the character deubted as a supporting character in the polarizing ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'', Gadot's performance was well-received even by the film's harshest critics. The subsequent ''Film/{{Wonder Woman|2017}}'' origin movie was a critical and commercial success with many critics positively comparing Gadot to Robert Downey Jr. and Christopher Reeve as the generation's most iconic superhero actor. Not only that, but a ''Wonder Woman'' sequel was fast-tracked while many other DCEU movies linger in DevelopmentHell, ensuring that she will keep playing Wonder Woman even as her co-stars Creator/HenryCavill and Creator/BenAffleck leave the franchise. Outside of the DCEU, she had a voice role in ''Disney/RalphBreaksTheInternet'' and managed to surprise many by being not only a decent voice actor but also a good singer. If anything, Gadot may become the new face-of-the-brand player just like Robert Downey Jr and Scarlett Johansson have become for the rival MCU.
* Creator/TomHolland. Although he started out in the stage adaptation of ''Film/BillyElliot'' and ''Film/TheImpossible'', his mainstream break-out performance came when he played Spider-Man in the MCU starting with ''Film/CaptainAmericaCivilWar''. Holland's performance was highly praised for balancing both the wisecracking action hero and nerdy everyman aspects of Spider-Man. Although his role was primarily comedic, many fans and critics noted how Holland was also surprisingly adept at dramatic performances in scenes with Holland improvising [[spoiler: the much lauded death of Peter Parker in ''Infinity War'']]. Even with his tendency to occasionally spoil movies hasn't hurt his popularity since he goes out of his way to show utmost humility and avoid burning bridges.

* Australian star Jason Clarke, similar to Creator/JeremyRenner, is an older actor who is gaining huge success in his forties with roles in ''Film/ZeroDarkThirty'', ''Film/{{Lawless}}'' and ''Film/TheGreatGatsby'' as well as a leading role in the ''Film/DawnOfThePlanetOfTheApes'' and ''Film/TerminatorGenisys''. Time will tell if he can keep it up.

* Creator/EddieMurphy was the hottest comedian around back in TheEighties. He started out on ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' during one of its toughest {{Dork Age}}s, perhaps being ''the'' reason SNL escaped cancellation. He would soon bring his wit to the big screen in films like ''Film/FortyEightHours'', ''Film/TradingPlaces'', ''Film/BeverlyHillsCop'' and ''Film/BeverlyHillsCopII'', and ''Film/ComingToAmerica'' (his only misstep was 1986's ''Film/TheGoldenChild''), as well as his standup specials ''Delirious'' and ''Raw'', and even [[SoBadItsGood a couple of hit songs]] such as "Party All the Time". But after the failure of his 1989 vanity project ''Film/HarlemNights'', in which he directed and starred with his comic idols Creator/RichardPryor and Redd Foxx, Murphy's career plummeted in TheNineties, with ''Film/Another48Hours'', ''Film/TheDistinguishedGentleman'', ''Film/{{Boomerang1992}}'', ''Film/BeverlyHillsCopIII'', and ''Film/VampireInBrooklyn'' all bombing (though ''Boomerang'' has been VindicatedByHistory). He had become a walking punchline, infamously mocked by Creator/DavidSpade on SNL in 1995 when he said "Look, kids! a falling star! Make a wish!", which ''really'' [[BerserkButton made him mad]]. He bounced back with his 1996 remake of ''Film/{{The Nutty Professor|1996}}'', and other films like ''Film/{{Metro}}'', ''Film/DrDolittle'', ''Disney/{{Mulan}}'', ''Film/{{Life|1999}}'', and ''Film/{{Bowfinger}}''. But in the 2000s, Murphy slipped again as he made more [[RatedGForGangsta family-friendly films]], which, with the exception of the ''WesternAnimation/{{Shrek}}'' series, were poorly received. Films like ''Film/DaddyDayCare'', ''Film/TheHauntedMansion'', ''Film/MeetDave'', and ''Imagine That'', were panned by audiences and critics, and 2002's ''Film/TheAdventuresOfPlutoNash'' was [[BoxOfficeBomb one of the biggest bombs in Hollywood history]]. He received an UsefulNotes/AcademyAward nomination as Best Supporting Actor for ''Theatre/{{Dreamgirls}}'' in 2006, but the much-maligned 2007 film ''Film/{{Norbit}}'' probably torpedoed his hopes of winning. He was praised for starring in ''Film/TowerHeist'' in 2011, but 2012 brought ''Film/AThousandWords'' (filmed several years before its release), which was universally panned (and had the "privilege" of being his first film to go [[DirectToVideo Direct-to-DVD]] in Britain). Since then, he has only had an appearence at the SNL 40th anniversary special and one film called ''Film/MrChurch'', which, while a more dramatic role for Murphy, was still critical panned and was a box office failure.

* Creator/RyanReynolds had the fortune/misfortune of coming along when Hollywood had a dearth of young leading males. After getting his big break in the ABC series ''Series/TwoGuysAGirlAndAPizzaPlace'', Reynolds starred in a number of well-regarded comedic roles. However, most of his films from the late '00s and early '10s (with the exception of ''Film/{{Buried}}'') received mixed reviews at best. His intended dramatic breakout performance in 2011's ''Film/GreenLantern'' was also a critical and commercial underperformer, and then ''Film/TheChangeUp'' didn't do well either; thus he was not the bankable star Hollywood perceived him to be. It's hard to say how well his career will turn out at this point, though the success of 2012's ''Film/SafeHouse'' (though Creator/DenzelWashington was obviously the big draw, and there's a lot of debate about how much Reynolds' presence really contributed) could help him regain momentum. The bombing of ''Film/{{RIPD}}'' and the under-performance of ''WesternAnimation/{{Turbo}}'', on the same weekend no less, seems to suggest his momentum is trending downward once more. But with the critical and commercial success of ''{{Film/Deadpool}}'' film, with much praise for his performance as the lead character, this might change most especially when he earned nominations from the Golden Globe Awards, of all things. While it received mixed reviews from critics, Reynolds had another hit with ''Film/TheHitmansBodyguard''. He continues his successful streak with ''Film/DetectivePikachu''.

However, the biggest story of 1993 for Kim Basinger was ''Film/BoxingHelena'', a movie that she backed out of at the last minute. To make a long story short, just before filming began, Basinger got cold feet about playing a woman who is held hostage by a surgeon who amputates her limbs. Not surprisingly, the makers of ''Boxing Helena'' [[ContractualObligationProject sued]][[note]]The makers of the film ''Boxing Helena'' said that Kim Basinger agreed to star in the film, had been fitted for wardrobe and then she suddenly dropped out without making any effort to help them find a replacement. Basinger did not come off as honest or credible on the witness stand.[[/note]] and [[ScrewedByTheLawyers Basinger was forced to pay a settlement]] of $3.8 million dollars[[note]]She was initially ordered to pay the filmmakers about $8.1 million in damages, but it was cut down on appeal.[[/note]]. But the damage was done; combined with her costly legal battles and failed Braselton buyout, Basinger filed for bankruptcy. It still might have been worthwhile, though, as the film ended up as a notorious disaster that outright annihilated the career of its eventual female lead, Creator/SherilynFenn. In 1994, Basinger co-starred with her then-husband Alec Baldwin in the remake of the 1972 crime drama film ''Film/TheGetaway''. Despite some buzz if not controversy over some [[CoitusEnsues steamy sex scenes]], it was [[CoupleBomb not enough]] to make ''The Getaway'' a hit. Ultimately the aforementioned lawsuits, bankruptcy and box office flops, caused Basinger to [[CelebrityIsOverrated retreat from Hollywood]] for a few years.\\

* Creator/KeanuReeves first made a splash with the ''Film/BillAndTed'' stoner comedy films. Soon after he got a big push with such films like ''Film/PointBreak1991'' and ''Film/BramStokersDracula''. However it would be 1994's ''Film/{{Speed}}'' that would cement Reeves as an A-List star. While he maintained steady work throughout the rest of the '90s, people were beginning to notice his [[DullSurprise limited acting range]] and his star power began to fade. Then came 1999 and the release of ''Film/TheMatrix'', and Reeves was once again launched into super-stardom for a time. Unfortunately, this new rise to fame went as quickly as it had come. The highly anticipated ''Matrix'' sequels left a bad taste in both audience and critics' mouths, and ''Franchise/TheMatrix'' franchise would be functionally dead by mid-decade. Coupled with, again, criticism of Reeves' acting range (or lack thereof) the rest of his films in the '00s were flops or under performers. The 2013 film ''Film/FortySevenRonin'' seemed to be one last attempt to bring him back to the A-List status, but the film was plague with a TroubledProduction and was a Box Office Bomb. Now he's attempting a comeback yet again with ''Film/JohnWick'', which proved to be a SleeperHit and its sequel ''Film/JohnWickChapter2'' was well received by viewers and critics. Only time will tell if it brings him back to his former glory.

* Creator/RyanReynolds had the fortune/misfortune of coming along when Hollywood had a dearth of young leading males. After getting his big break in the ABC series ''Series/TwoGuysAGirlAndAPizzaPlace'', Reynolds starred in a number of well-regarded comedic roles. However, most of his films from the late '00s and early '10s (with the exception of ''Film/{{Buried}}'') received mixed reviews at best. His intended dramatic breakout performance in 2011's ''Film/GreenLantern'' was also a critical and commercial underperformer, and then ''Film/TheChangeUp'' didn't do well either; thus he was not the bankable star Hollywood perceived him to be. It's hard to say how well his career will turn out at this point, though the success of 2012's ''Film/SafeHouse'' (though Creator/DenzelWashington was obviously the big draw, and there's a lot of debate about how much Reynolds' presence really contributed) could help him regain momentum. The bombing of ''Film/{{RIPD}}'' and the under-performance of ''WesternAnimation/{{Turbo}}'', on the same weekend no less, seems to suggest his momentum is trending downward once more. But with the critical and commercial success of ''{{Film/Deadpool}}'' film, with much praise for his performance as the lead character, this might change most especially when he earned nominations from the Golden Globe Awards, of all things. While it received mixed reviews from critics, Reynolds had another hit with ''Film/TheHitmansBodyguard''.

* Creator/EddieMurphy was the hottest comedian around back in TheEighties. He started out on ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' during one of its toughest {{Dork Age}}s, perhaps being ''the'' reason SNL escaped cancellation. He would soon bring his wit to the big screen in films like ''Film/FortyEightHours'', ''Film/TradingPlaces'', ''Film/BeverlyHillsCop'' and ''Film/BeverlyHillsCopII'', and ''Film/ComingToAmerica'' (his only misstep was 1986's ''Film/TheGoldenChild''), as well as his standup specials ''Delirious'' and ''Raw'', and even [[SoBadItsGood a couple of hit songs]] such as "Party All the Time". But after the failure of his 1989 vanity project ''Film/HarlemNights'', in which he directed and starred with his comic idols Creator/RichardPryor and Redd Foxx, Murphy's career plummeted in TheNineties, with ''Film/Another48Hours'', ''Film/TheDistinguishedGentleman'', ''Film/{{Boomerang(1992)}}'', ''Film/BeverlyHillsCopIII'', and ''Film/VampireInBrooklyn'' all bombing (though ''Boomerang'' has been VindicatedByHistory). He had become a walking punchline, infamously mocked by Creator/DavidSpade on SNL in 1995 when he said "Look, kids! a falling star! Make a wish!", which ''really'' [[BerserkButton made him mad]]. He bounced back with his 1996 remake of ''Film/{{The Nutty Professor|1996}}'', and other films like ''Film/{{Metro}}'', ''Film/DrDolittle'', ''Disney/{{Mulan}}'', ''Film/{{Life|1999}}'', and ''Film/{{Bowfinger}}''. But in the 2000s, Murphy slipped again as he made more [[RatedGForGangsta family-friendly films]], which, with the exception of the ''WesternAnimation/{{Shrek}}'' series, were poorly received. Films like ''Film/DaddyDayCare'', ''Film/TheHauntedMansion'', ''Film/MeetDave'', and ''Imagine That'', were panned by audiences and critics, and 2002's ''Film/TheAdventuresOfPlutoNash'' was [[BoxOfficeBomb one of the biggest bombs in Hollywood history]]. He received an UsefulNotes/AcademyAward nomination as Best Supporting Actor for ''Theatre/{{Dreamgirls}}'' in 2006, but the much-maligned 2007 film ''Film/{{Norbit}}'' probably torpedoed his hopes of winning. He was praised for starring in ''Film/TowerHeist'' in 2011, but 2012 brought ''Film/AThousandWords'' (filmed several years before its release), which was universally panned (and had the "privilege" of being his first film to go [[DirectToVideo Direct-to-DVD]] in Britain). Since then, he has only had an appearence at the SNL 40th anniversary special and one film called ''Film/MrChurch'', which, while a more dramatic role for Murphy, was still critical panned and was a box office failure.

* Creator/EddieMurphy was the hottest comedian around back in TheEighties. He started out on ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' during one of its toughest {{Dork Age}}s, perhaps being ''the'' reason SNL escaped cancellation. He would soon bring his wit to the big screen in films like ''Film/FortyEightHours'', ''Film/TradingPlaces'', ''Film/BeverlyHillsCop'' and ''Film/BeverlyHillsCopII'', and ''Film/ComingToAmerica'' (his only misstep was 1986's ''Film/TheGoldenChild''), as well as his standup specials ''Delirious'' and ''Raw'', and even [[SoBadItsGood a couple of hit songs]] such as "Party All the Time". But after the failure of his 1989 vanity project ''Film/HarlemNights'', in which he directed and starred with his comic idols Creator/RichardPryor and Redd Foxx, Murphy's career plummeted in TheNineties, with ''Film/Another48Hours'', ''Film/TheDistinguishedGentleman'', ''Film/{{Boomerang1992}}'', ''Film/BeverlyHillsCopIII'', and ''Film/VampireInBrooklyn'' all bombing (though ''Boomerang'' has been VindicatedByHistory). He had become a walking punchline, infamously mocked by Creator/DavidSpade on SNL in 1995 when he said "Look, kids! a falling star! Make a wish!", which ''really'' [[BerserkButton made him mad]]. He bounced back with his 1996 remake of ''Film/{{The Nutty Professor|1996}}'', and other films like ''Film/{{Metro}}'', ''Film/DrDolittle'', ''Disney/{{Mulan}}'', ''Film/{{Life|1999}}'', and ''Film/{{Bowfinger}}''. But in the 2000s, Murphy slipped again as he made more [[RatedGForGangsta family-friendly films]], which, with the exception of the ''WesternAnimation/{{Shrek}}'' series, were poorly received. Films like ''Film/DaddyDayCare'', ''Film/TheHauntedMansion'', ''Film/MeetDave'', and ''Imagine That'', were panned by audiences and critics, and 2002's ''Film/TheAdventuresOfPlutoNash'' was [[BoxOfficeBomb one of the biggest bombs in Hollywood history]]. He received an UsefulNotes/AcademyAward nomination as Best Supporting Actor for ''Theatre/{{Dreamgirls}}'' in 2006, but the much-maligned 2007 film ''Film/{{Norbit}}'' probably torpedoed his hopes of winning. He was praised for starring in ''Film/TowerHeist'' in 2011, but 2012 brought ''Film/AThousandWords'' (filmed several years before its release), which was universally panned (and had the "privilege" of being his first film to go [[DirectToVideo Direct-to-DVD]] in Britain). Since then, he has only had an appearence at the SNL 40th anniversary special and one film called ''Film/MrChurch'', which, while a more dramatic role for Murphy, was still critical panned and was a box office failure.

* Creator/EddieMurphy was the hottest comedian around back in TheEighties. He started out on ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' during one of its toughest {{Dork Age}}s, perhaps being ''the'' reason SNL escaped cancellation. He would soon bring his wit to the big screen in films like ''Film/FortyEightHours'', ''Film/TradingPlaces'', ''Film/BeverlyHillsCop'' and ''Film/BeverlyHillsCopII'', and ''Film/ComingToAmerica'' (his only misstep was 1986's ''Film/TheGoldenChild''), as well as his standup specials ''Delirious'' and ''Raw'', and even [[SoBadItsGood a couple of hit songs]] such as "Party All the Time". But after the failure of his 1989 vanity project ''Film/HarlemNights'', in which he directed and starred with his comic idols Creator/RichardPryor and Redd Foxx, Murphy's career plummeted in TheNineties, with ''Film/Another48Hours'', ''Film/TheDistinguishedGentleman'', ''Film/{{Boomerang}}'', ''Film/BeverlyHillsCopIII'', and ''Film/VampireInBrooklyn'' all bombing (though ''Boomerang'' has been VindicatedByHistory). He had become a walking punchline, infamously mocked by Creator/DavidSpade on SNL in 1995 when he said "Look, kids! a falling star! Make a wish!", which ''really'' [[BerserkButton made him mad]]. He bounced back with his 1996 remake of ''Film/{{The Nutty Professor|1996}}'', and other films like ''Film/{{Metro}}'', ''Film/DrDolittle'', ''Disney/{{Mulan}}'', ''Film/{{Life|1999}}'', and ''Film/{{Bowfinger}}''. But in the 2000s, Murphy slipped again as he made more [[RatedGForGangsta family-friendly films]], which, with the exception of the ''WesternAnimation/{{Shrek}}'' series, were poorly received. Films like ''Film/DaddyDayCare'', ''Film/TheHauntedMansion'', ''Film/MeetDave'', and ''Imagine That'', were panned by audiences and critics, and 2002's ''Film/TheAdventuresOfPlutoNash'' was [[BoxOfficeBomb one of the biggest bombs in Hollywood history]]. He received an UsefulNotes/AcademyAward nomination as Best Supporting Actor for ''Theatre/{{Dreamgirls}}'' in 2006, but the much-maligned 2007 film ''Film/{{Norbit}}'' probably torpedoed his hopes of winning. He was praised for starring in ''Film/TowerHeist'' in 2011, but 2012 brought ''Film/AThousandWords'' (filmed several years before its release), which was universally panned (and had the "privilege" of being his first film to go [[DirectToVideo Direct-to-DVD]] in Britain). Since then, he has only had an appearence at the SNL 40th anniversary special and one film called ''Film/MrChurch'', which, while a more dramatic role for Murphy, was still critical panned and was a box office failure.

* In Creator/MatthewMcConaughey's case when ''Film/ATimeToKill'' and ''Film/LoneStar'' came out in 1996, he was called the "next Creator/BradPitt" and given a ''ton'' of new major roles. ''People'' covers soon followed, and he was expected to become the next A-list star. What ended up happening was a major string of box-office disappointments and minor roles over the course of the '00s, and he became instead known for appearing shirtless in "Celebrity Beach Body" specials, showing up in DirectToVideo indie films, and being the romantic male lead in {{Chick Flick}}s. Not quite what was expected. It was only in the early '10s when he had a CareerResurrection as a "mature" leading man, with his acclaimed performances in ''Film/TheLincolnLawyer'', ''Film/KillerJoe'', ''Film/MagicMike'', ''Film/{{Mud}}'' and ''Film/DallasBuyersClub''. And with winning an Oscar for Best Actor for the latter film and starring in Creator/ChristopherNolan's film, ''Film/{{Interstellar}}'', there's a good chance that he's going back in the limelight.

His newfound success, however, did not last long. While he tried to look for main roles in films, he still was degraded to the supporting role he had played in many of his works, and his works after ''City Slickers'' suffered heavily as a result. ''Film/HomeAlone2LostInNewYork'' ended up grossing less than its predecessor, ''Film/RookieOfTheYear'' (which he also directed) wasn't much of a hit, and ''[[Film/CitySlickersIITheLegendOfCurlysGold City Slickers II]]'' nearly flopped[[labelnote:note]]it was presumably made because main star, producer, and writer Creator/BillyCrystal suffered a severe SmallNameBigEgo case after the first film was released[[/labelnote]]. After these snags, he was finally given a starring role in the two comedy movies ''Film/{{Bushwhacked}}'' and ''Film/CelticPride'' (which he intended to be {{Star Making Role}}s for him), both of which fared so badly with critics that they were massive box office flops that [[StarDerailingRole literally obliterated all the hype]] Stern had built for his entire career. Since then, he's only made television appearances and direct-to-video movies, including turning down offers to reprise his role in the third and fourth ''Home Alone'' movies, and his comeback attempt in ''Film/WhipIt'' was a box office disaster, despite being applauded for his role.

* Creator/StevenSeagal is a classic story of an actor who worked his way up the ladder, had a brief time as a big star, overreached himself, and sunk into obscurity, becoming a punchline to countless jokes about washed-up celebrities. He started work in movies as a stunt coordinator and martial arts instructor (including on ''Film/NeverSayNeverAgain'', where he infamously broke Creator/SeanConnery's wrist during a spar), but made the transition to actor when one of his aikido students, superstar talent agent Michael Ovitz, arranged for him to demonstrate his martial arts skills on the Creator/WarnerBros lot. Warner Bros. decided to take a chance on him, and in 1988, he wrote and starred in ''Film/AboveTheLaw'', which was a commercial success despite mixed reviews. His next two movies, ''Film/HardToKill'' and ''Film/MarkedForDeath'', both opened at #1 at the box office, and while the former was a critical flop, the latter received good reviews. 1991 saw the release of ''Film/OutForJustice'', his third straight number one box office opening. To promote the movie, he hosted an episode of ''Series/SaturdayNightLive''... and is still widely considered to be the worst host in the show's history, which many consider in retrospect to be a portent of things to come. While he was a niche actor up to this point, his appearance in the critically acclaimed blockbuster ''Film/UnderSiege'' allowed him to break out to general audiences and compete with A-list action heroes. Seagal used his newfound clout to make an [[GreenAesop environmentally conscious]] movie called ''Film/OnDeadlyGround'', which was his directorial debut. The movie was a critical and commercial flop, and the following year's ''Under Siege 2: Dark Territory'' was a box office disappointment and received poor reviews. While 1996's ''Film/ExecutiveDecision'' was a success, it didn't do much for his career. Still, he would continue to appear in high-budget action movies, but after ''Film/TheGlimmerMan'' and ''Film/FireDownBelow'' both flopped and his original multi-picture contract with Warner Bros. ended, his next major role was in a 1998 direct-to-video movie titled ''The Patriot'' (not to be confused with [[Film/ThePatriot the Revolutionary War movie of the same name]]). In 2001, he seemed slated for a comeback after ''Film/ExitWounds'', but the disappointing performance of ''Film/HalfPastDead'' would push him off the big screen for good. Aside from ''Film/{{Machete}}'', he's been stuck in direct-to-DVD movies and Reality TV. It doesn't help that he's since been OvershadowedByControversy, due to allegations of sexual misconduct and his apologia for UsefulNotes/VladimirPutin.

And then that wave of success came to a screeching halt in late 2017 when he was accused of sexually harassing various women, and unlike other men being accused of sexual misconduct around that time (most famously Harvey Weinstein), CK immediately admitted that the allegations were true and apologized. Netflix, FX, and various other companies that were in business with him immediately cut ties. There was a small chance that his honesty would save his career, only for that to fail when his attempts at a comeback ran into controversy with his bashing of the Parkland Shooting victims.

And then that wave of success came to a screeching halt in late 2017 when he was accused of sexually harassing various women, and unlike other men being accused of sexual misconduct around that time (most famously Harvey Weinstein), CK immediately admitted that the allegations were true and apologized. Netflix, FX, and various other companies that were in business with him immediately cut ties, and even though there's a small chance his honesty will save his career, it doesn't look good.

** Music/VanessaHudgens attempted to distance herself from her Disney roots with darker roles in ''Film/SuckerPunch'' and ''Film/SpringBreakers''. Her films did decently enough - but she has enjoyed more success as a singer and on Broadway.
* Creator/RyanGosling became a star with ''Film/TheNotebook'' and a critical darling with ''Half Nelson'', and Hollywood seems intent on selling the idea that he is sexier than sex. It's debatable whether there's widespread audience agreement. His movies have done fairly well financially, but a lot of that could be the result of high-profile co-stars like Creator/GeorgeClooney and Creator/SteveCarell. Critics still love him, but he has yet to headline a real blockbuster, and given that he tends to choose small-scale dramas over special-effects spectacles, he might never become another Creator/TomCruise or Creator/WillSmith. (It's possible or even probable that he ''prefers'' it that way, though.) It should be also noted that he's somewhat becoming typecast after ''Film/{{Drive}}'', with all his upcoming or [[Film/GangsterSquad released]] projects being bend on giving him similar roles of tough guys in very violent (read: R-rated) actionesque flicks. However, he earned a lot of praise for being a funny guy in ''Film/TheNiceGuys'' and his musical performance in ''Film/LaLaLand'' won him a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

* Creator/LilyJames has received a lot of good press, coming from ''Downton'' as well. She was at one point touted as "the next Keira Knightley" and was brought to national attention with her widely praised role as the title character in Disney's live-action remake of ''{{Film/Cinderella|2015}}''. Her first follow-up to that - ''Literature/PrideAndPrejudiceAndZombies'' - playing with her 'English Rose' typecasting, was a BoxOfficeBomb. But she already had ''Downton'' and another well-received role in the BBC adaptation of ''Literature/WarAndPeace'' to fall back on, so time will tell. Starring in Edgar Wright's hit ''Film/BabyDriver'' is certainly promising.

* Creator/StevenSeagal is a classic story of an actor who worked his way up the ladder, had a brief time as a big star, overreached himself, and sunk into obscurity, becoming a punchline to countless jokes about washed-up celebrities. He started work in movies as a stunt coordinator and martial arts instructor (including on ''Film/NeverSayNeverAgain'', where he infamously broke Creator/SeanConnery's wrist during a spar), but made the transition to actor when one of his aikido students, superstar talent agent Michael Ovitz, arranged for him to demonstrate his martial arts skills on the Creator/WarnerBros lot. Warner Bros. decided to take a chance on him, and in 1988, he wrote and starred in ''Film/AboveTheLaw'', which was a commercial success despite mixed reviews. His next two movies, ''Film/HardToKill'' and ''Film/MarkedForDeath'', both opened at #1 at the box office, and while the former was a critical flop, the latter received good reviews. 1991 saw the release of ''Film/OutForJustice'', his third straight number one box office opening. To promote the movie, he hosted an episode of ''Series/SaturdayNightLive''... and is still widely considered to be the worst host in the show's history, which many consider in retrospect to be a portent of things to come. While he was a niche actor up to this point, his appearance in the critically acclaimed blockbuster ''Film/UnderSiege'' allowed him to break out to general audiences and compete with A-list action heroes. Seagal used his newfound clout to make an [[GreenAesop environmentally conscious]] movie called ''Film/OnDeadlyGround'', which was his directorial debut. The movie was a critical and commercial flop, and the following year's ''Under Siege 2: Dark Territory'' was a box office disappointment and received poor reviews. While 1996's ''Film/ExecutiveDecision'' was a success, it didn't do much for his career. Still, he would continue to appear in high-budget action movies, but after ''Film/TheGlimmerMan'' and ''Film/FireDownBelow'' both flopped and his original multi-picture contract with Warner Bros. ended, his next major role was in a 1998 direct-to-video movie titled ''The Patriot'' (not to be confused with [[Film/ThePatriot the Revolutionary War movie of the same name]]). In 2001, he seemed slated for a comeback after ''Film/ExitWounds'', but the disappointing performance of ''Film/HalfPastDead'' would push him off the big screen for good. Aside from ''Film/{{Machete}}'', he's been stuck in direct-to-DVD movies and Reality TV.

* The entire ''[[ComicBook/TheInhumans Inhumans]]'' franchise went through this. After years of being a minor group in the Marvel universe, usually in supporting roles, they had a number of well-received series. Then came the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which could not use mutants, which are tied to the ''X-Men'' film rights (which were owned by 20th Century Fox, locking them out of being able to appear in the Disney-owned Marvel Films), but did still use some characters that are normally mutants. While this hasn't been confirmed, the majority of readers see the 2010s ''Inhuman'' push to be an attempt to popularise them so that they can be used in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute to mutants (the ComicBook/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy were similarly pushed before their film was announced, but nowhere to the degree the Inhumans were), all but confirmed by insiders who note that Ike Perlmutter, the guy in charge of Marvel, would literally tear down posters featuring characters whose film rights didn't belong to Marvel. This also extended to video games, with developers stating that they were explicitly told to not use ''X-Men'' characters. An ''Inhumans'' movie was announced for Phase 3 of the MCU, and their origin setup in ''Series/AgentsOfShield''. After months of being hyped up as Marvel's next big thing, the main ''Inhuman'' comic book series was delayed, leaving a bunch of tie-ins to a story which nobody knew anything about. Then, months behind schedule, the series finally released and... needless to say, the response was not what Marvel wanted, with a heavy 'meh' heard across the comic world, and the general consensus being that it was ''not'' worth the wait. The first issue of the series wasn't even able to break the top 10 of the month, and the second issue dropped all the way to barely making the top 50. Then came their relaunch as ''Uncanny Inhumans'', which attempted to push the brand with multiple ongoings, while also re-working the Inhumans to have more of a grounded presence in the Marvel Universe akin to mutants. This didn't take either, not helped by Marvel starting a plot about how the Terrigen clouds that give Inhumans' their powers were ''killing mutants'', in what many saw as an unsubtle metaphor for the franchise war. The Inhumans comics still didn't sell well. This culminated in the despised ''ComicBook/InhumansVsXMen'' event, which only made longtime Marvel readers despise the Inhumans more for the attempt to shill them and failing spectacularly. Finally, with Resurr[=/=]Xion, the Inhumans comics were consolidated down to ''Royals'' and ''Black Bolt'', with the latter in particular receiving critical praise, although neither were strong sellers (''Royals'' was outsold by reprints of decades old single issues). During this time, the ''Series/Inhumans'' TV show premiered -- by this point, Marvel Studios was restructured to report directly to Disney and not Marvel, and Kevin Feige apparently had no interest in the Inhumans -- and bombed both critically and commercially. Then Marvel/Disney made an offer to acquire Fox that had to wait for government approval, and while that was happening, Marvel quietly turned down the Inhumans hype with one last miniseries, ''Death of the Inhumans'', before shunting the franchise away, just a few months before the Disney/Fox merger was approved and the film rights to the X-Men were regained.

** Stewart and Pattinson have had a much better push in recent years with Stewart pulling off three critically acclaimed films in 2014 and becoming something of a critical darling (Even nabbing a Cesar award, making her one of only two American actors ever to do so). Pattinson has followed a similar path and ''Film/GoodTime'' seems to have finally given him the push he needs to break out from under the shadow of ''Twilight''. The two, particularly Pattinson, have also done themselves favors by making it clear [[CreatorBacklash aren't very fond of the films either]]. Eventually, Pattinson got cast in Creator/ChristopherNolan's upcoming 2020 film and is selected as the new Batman for the upcoming solo movie of the Cape Crusader himself directed by Matt Reeves.

* The cast of ''Series/BandOfBrothers'' undoubtedly got this - the most prominent of which included Damian Lewis and Ron Livingston. Lewis's attempts in films didn't amount to much - with bombs like ''{{Film/Dreamcatcher}}'', ''{{Film/Stormbreaker}}'' and ''Film/YourHighness''. But on television, he fared much better with the worldwide success that was ''{{Series/Homeland}}''. After he left that, he successfully transitioned to another headlining role in ''{{Series/Billions}}''. Livingston already had fame from ''Film/OfficeSpace'' but remained in below-the-radar projects, the most high profile of which was ''Film/TheConjuring''. The men in the cast who became stars - Creator/MichaelFassbender, Creator/JamesMcAvoy, Creator/TomHardy and Creator/SimonPegg - had minor roles, with Fassbender the only one who appeared in more than two episodes. Donnie Wahlberg maintained a steady career of supporting roles, including the ''Franchise/{{Saw}}'' series, before getting the lead in ''Series/BlueBloods''. Creator/NealMcDonough, Creator/RossMcCall, Creator/MichaelCudlitz, and Richard Speight Jr. became TV regulars, while Frank John Hughes transitioned to screen writing. Scott Grimes's attempt at joining a franchise - Ridley Scott's ''Film/RobinHood2010'' - was unsuccessful, but he enjoyed more success in [[WesternAnimation/AmericanDad voice acting]] and music. A lot of the rest were doomed to type casting or else retired from acting altogether.

* Nancy Valen could be regarded as a starlet who unfortunately never got any traction in her career. After a couple of bit parts in movies (such as ''Film/{{Porkys}} Revenge'' and ''Loverboy'' as Creator/PatrickDempsey's love interest) and TV (such as ''Series/MiamiVice'' and ''Series/CharlesInCharge''), she got the cover of ''Magazine/TVGuide'' as one of the stars of an ill-fated attempt at a TV musical drama series on Creator/{{NBC}} called ''Hull High''. Like Creator/StevenBochco's similar show ''Cop Rock'' on Creator/{{ABC}}, it failed after only a few episodes. After that, she went back to occasional guest-starring roles on TV (like ''Series/MurderSheWrote'', ''Series/FullHouse'', ''Series/BoyMeetsWorld'', ''Series/{{Friends}}'', ''Series/WalkerTexasRanger'' and perhaps most notably, in the second season of ''Series/SavedByTheBell'' as the [[HelloNurse sexy new school nurse]] in a role that was originally meant for swimsuit model Creator/KathyIreland) and appearing in small {{B Movie}} roles. Oddly enough, at least twice she seemed poised to get a long-term role which suddenly evaporated. The first occurred on the late-night Creator/USANetwork series ''Silk Stalkings''. After appearing as an IRS auditor in Season 3, she returned in Season 4 to play the role of Dr. Jillian Michaels, who became the love interest of Detective Chris Lorenzo (Rob Estes), one of the show's two main characters. But the storyline was never continued. Two years later, she got her gig on ''Series/{{Baywatch}}'' as the new lieutenant, Samantha 'Sam' Thomas (which is pretty much, her best known acting role), who was brought in to replace the long-running character Lt. Stephanie Holden, played by Alexandra Paul. That particular season ended with Sam in bed with none other than David Hasslehoff himself with the two of them discussing how to break the news of their relationship to Hasslehoff's on-screen son, Hobie. So everything seemed set for her to return the next year with an expanded role as Mitch Buchanan's girlfriend and partner in command. Alas, that didn't happen. ''Baywatch'' instead returned with even more former ''Magazine/{{Playboy}}'' Playmates, including Carmen Electra and Angelica Bridges as the newer lieutenant, and Nancy Valen's character Samantha had disappeared with no explanation. After guest appearing during the final season of ''Series/SpinCity'', Valen seemed to go into semi-retirement from acting. She only had two more roles (last appearing in the 2007 Christian drama film ''The Wager'') only to resurface as an {{infomercial}} host.

Three years later, Basinger was primed for a [[CareerResurrection comeback]] in the form of Curtis Hanson’s 1997 film noir, ''Film/LAConfidential''. Basinger's performance as glamorous, sexy [[FemmeFatale femme fatale]] 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 ''Film/IDreamedOfAfrica''[[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 ''The Sentinel'', ''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 (''Film/TheBurningPlain''), and Creator/ChrisEvans (''Film/{{Cellular}}'').