19 Hollywood Stars Who Crashed Just Before Their Big Breaks: Shocking Downfalls

The Rise and Fall of Promising Stars

You see it all the time — an actor seems set up to be the next big thing. Maybe they're already an established star, on the brink of becoming a leading actor, or transitioning from teen films to Oscar contenders. Everything they want seems at their fingertips — and then they fall.

Here are 19 stars that fell fast and hard — from having the world as their oyster to no prospects at all.

1. Percy Hynes White

Percy Hynes White seemed poised to become a new Hollywood It Boy after his role in the popular Wednesday. However, in January, he faced serious allegations of sexual assault, claiming he hosted parties where he provided drugs and alcohol to minors.

2. Emile Hirsch

After starring in Into the Wild, Emile Hirsch's career seemed on an upward trajectory. However, after a 2015 incident where he assaulted a female executive, his career declined significantly, leading to mostly indie projects.

3. Matthew Fox

The star of Lost, Matthew Fox had big plans after the show ended. But after a series of legal troubles, including DUI and assault allegations, his career suffered, leading to a long break from acting.

4. Gina Carano

After a successful stint in The Mandalorian, Carano was dropped from the series due to controversial social media posts comparing Republicans to Holocaust victims.

5. Jussie Smollett

Once a breakout star of Empire, Smollett's claims of a hate crime were revealed to be staged, resulting in his termination from the show and legal repercussions.

6. Hartley Sawyer

The actor from The Flash was fired after misogynistic tweets resurfaced, damaging his reputation and career.

7. Blake Jenner

After gaining fame from Glee, Jenner's career halted due to abuse allegations from his ex-wife, leading to limited roles.

8. Cas Anvar

Anvar's rise in The Expanse was cut short by harassment allegations, resulting in his dismissal from the show.

9. Elizabeth Berkley

Berkley became a teen star in Saved by the Bell, but her role in Showgirls led to a significant downturn in her career due to poor reviews.

10. Jennifer Grey

After Dirty Dancing, Grey's career stalled following a botched nose job that changed her appearance and public perception.

11. Isaiah Washington

Washington faced backlash after using an anti-gay slur on set, which led to his firing from Grey's Anatomy and a decline in prominent roles.

12. Katherine Heigl

Known for her role in Grey's Anatomy, Heigl's career faced challenges after she made negative remarks about her projects, leading to her being labeled as difficult.

13. Shannen Doherty

Doherty's career suffered due to drama on set during her time on Beverly Hills, 90210, leading to her eventual firing.

14. T.J. Miller

Miller's career took a hit after being accused of sexual assault and calling in a fake bomb threat, leading to fewer roles.

15. Ansel Elgort

Elgort's career was on the rise with Baby Driver until he faced sexual assault allegations, leading to a retreat from the public eye.

16. Armie Hammer

After a successful career, Hammer was accused of sexual misconduct, leading to his dismissal from multiple projects and public scrutiny.

17. Ezra Miller

Miller's controversies surrounding grooming and assault allegations put their career in jeopardy, despite prior success in Justice League.

18. Jason Mitchell

Mitchell's rise in Straight Outta Compton was halted after misconduct allegations led to his firing from The Chi.

19. Jonathan Majors

Majors' promising career with Marvel faced challenges after he was arrested and later convicted of assault, leading to his dismissal from future projects.

What other stars fell from grace just as they were poised to make it big? Let us know in the comments!