Top 10 Times One Character DESTROYED an Actor's Career

Top 10 Times One Character DESTROYED an Actors Career

Welcome to WatchMojo and today were counting down on picks for the times when an actors career came to a screeching halt all because of one role.

#10: Mike Myers as Guru Pitka

The Love Guru (2008)

After Austin Powers and Shrek, former Saturday Night Live alum Mike Myers seemed invincible. Then came The Love Guru, where his portrayal of the obnoxious self-help guru Guru Pitka was met with utter disdain. The film, a slapped-together blend of racial stereotyping, cringe-worthy humor, and over-the-top performances, bombed at the box office and with critics. Myers character, attempting to recreate the success of his previous comedic roles, instead left audiences uncomfortable, confused, and offended. Since then, Myers has appeared only sporadically in movies, and a Netflix TV show entitled The Pentaverate, which featured the Canadian comedy legend playing eight characters, came and went with little fanfare.

#9: Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford

Mommie Dearest (1981)

Faye Dunaways career took a drastic turn after her portrayal of Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest. What was intended to be a serious biographical drama about the Hollywood icon quickly turned into one of the most notorious flops in cinema history. Dunaways over-the-top, campy performance highlighted by her infamous line, No wire hangers, EVER! became the stuff of legend for all the wrong reasons. The films failure was so profound that it almost permanently derailed Dunaways career. Despite her Oscar-winning talent, she was now viewed as a punchline, pigeonholed by the films colossal underperformance. It would take years for her to shed the baggage of Mommie Dearest, but the damage was done.

#8: Alicia Silverstone as Barbara Gordon / Batgirl

Batman & Robin (1997)

The Clueless stars career seemed to be on a promising trajectory after that 1995 instant classic... until she suited up as Batgirl in Batman & Robin. Intended as a major franchise boost, the film instead became a notorious disaster, with Silverstones underwhelming portrayal of Barbara Gordon/Batgirl becoming a symbol of the movies campy tone and critical failure. The backlash was swift and harsh, and Silverstones once-rosy Hollywood future was put on hold as she became associated with one of the biggest superhero flops of all time. Now, shes set to reprise her role as Cher Horowitz in the Clueless follow-up TV series on Peacock, proving that while Batman & Robin was indeed a career setback, it didnt mark the end of her Hollywood story.

#7: Elizabeth Berkley as Nomi Malone

Showgirls (1995)

Elizabeth Berkleys attempt to break free from her wholesome, squeaky-clean Saved by the Bell image went disastrously wrong in Showgirls. Cast as Nomi Malone, a stripper-turned-showgirl in Paul Verhoevens notorious cult film, Berkleys performance was widely panned. The film's combination of softcore sleaze and absurd melodrama marked a catastrophic shift in Berkleys career. What was meant to be a daring career transition instead became her Hollywood undoing. The movie became infamous in pop culture, but for all the wrong reasons, leaving Berkley forever tethered to a role that defined the downfall of her once-promising career.

#6: Halle Berry as Patience Phillips / Catwoman

Catwoman (2004)

Sometimes, even an Oscar-winning star cant escape the claws of a bad script. Halle Berrys Catwoman was poised to be a career-defining role, but instead, it became a cinematic catastrophe. As the titular anti-heroine, Berrys portrayal of Patience Phillips was mired by a laughable plot, cringe-worthy dialogue, and poorly executed CGI. The film was panned by critics and bombed at the box office, earning Berry a Razzie for Worst Actress. Catwoman quickly became emblematic of failed superhero adaptations, and marked a sharp downturn in Berry's career. While shes since bounced back with roles in more respected films, this superhero misstep has lingered as one of the more unforgettable blunders in Hollywood history. We guess you could say its had nine lives

#5: Brandon Routh as Clark Kent / Superman

Superman Returns (2006)

Superman Returns was meant to be the launchpad for Brandon Rouths burgeoning career as Hollywoods next big leading man but instead, it became the kryptonite that doomed his aspirations. Despite a charming performance, Rouths portrayal of the iconic superhero was just one part of the films failure to resonate with audiences, and its underwhelming box office returns darkened the forecast on the actors future. Superman Returns permanently hobbled Rouths leading-man ambitions, and he was relegated to supporting roles in TV shows and films. Despite his likable presence, the painfully public fallout of this high-profile gig made it clear that the Man of Steel was not his ticket to superstardom.

#4: Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker

Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace (1999)

For 10-year-old Jake Lloyd, portraying the young Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace was a dream role until it became a nightmare. The films massive success couldnt shield Lloyd from the intense backlash over his performance, with many fans and critics blaming him for the films awkward tone. The relentless negative attention took a toll on the young actor, and by his teenage years, Lloyd had distanced himself from Hollywood, citing the bullying and public ridicule he endured. Though his life has, in the end, taken a different path, The Phantom Menace remains a shadow that defined and, in many ways, derailed his career and his peace of mind.

#3: Topher Grace as Eddie Brock / Venom

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Topher Graces career was on the rise after his leading role on That 70s Show until Spider-Man 3 turned it into a nosedive. Cast as Eddie Brock/Venom in Sam Raimis superhero threequel, Graces portrayal of the character was widely criticized for lacking the necessary intensity to match the comic book villains fearsome reputation. The films bloated plot and lumpy pacing left Venoms potential unrealized, and fans were not happy. For Grace, it meant being typecast in underwhelming roles and struggling to reclaim the momentum he once had. Sure, Grace has mostly been able to turn it around, but Spider-Man 3 dashed any hopes he may have had of becoming the next James Franco.

#2: George Lazenby as James Bond

On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)

When it comes to James Bond, some actors are born to play 007, while others... Well, they give it the old college try. George Lazenbys lone outing as the iconic secret agent in On Her Majestys Secret Service didnt exactly leave audiences shaken, but it sure left them stirred by confusion, mostly. Lazenby, an Australian model with no prior acting experience, took over the role from Sean Connery, and while the film is often considered one of the more underrated entries in the Bond franchise, Lazenbys performance was anything but smooth. His attempt at embodying the suave superspy didnt quite stick, and after a single film, he was given the boot. Guess its true what they say: when it comes to Bond, youre either in the club, or youre outback.

#1: Ahmed Best as Jar Jar Binks

Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace (1999)

Sometimes, a character is so divisive, they can make or break a career. Enter Jar Jar Binks, the most controversial creation in The Phantom Menace, whose bumbling antics and comical voice quickly became the film's most polarizing feature. Ahmed Best found himself at the center of intense criticism, even receiving death threats from outraged fans. The impact on his career was immediate and profound. While he has since expressed gratitude for his work and even returned to the Star Wars universe in other projects, Jar Jar remains a character that, for better or worse, defined his career. In the end, Bests Star Wars journey was definitely the force that shaped his future.

Which character on our list made you cringe the hardest? Are there any career implosions we missed? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!