Top 10 Celebs Who Got Fired from Their Own Shows

#10: Jeff Garlin

“The Goldbergs” (2013-23)

This comedian played Murray Goldberg, the patriarch of the Goldberg family on this 80s nostalgia-filled sitcom. Based on creator Adam F. Goldberg’s real life father, Murray was a loveable curmudgeon who balanced out his eccentric wife Beverly. In 2019, reports emerged of onset misconduct from Garlin, which prompted an HR investigation that went on for three years. In 2021, Garlin left the series during the ongoing investigation, which co-star Wendi McLendon-Covey called “a long time coming.” After his departure, stand-ins and CGI were used to make up for Garlin’s absence until his character was ultimately killed off in the show's tenth and final season.

#9: Jeremy Clarkson

“Top Gear” (2002-22)

This television presenter rose to prominence for his work on the revival of “Top Gear.” His tongue-in-cheek humor made him a popular figure on the series and granted him a large following, but no amount of star power could justify the 2015 incident that got him fired. While filming on location in North Yorkshire, Clarkson requested a steak at his hotel. Since the chef had already gone home, Clarkson was offered an alternative meal instead. In response, Clarkson punched producer Oisin Tymon in the face. This extreme overreaction led to Clarkson being suspended and ultimately fired from “Top Gear.” Though fans were upset to lose such a popular figure on the show, there was no chance the BBC could let that kind of behavior slide.

#8: Valerie Harper

“The Hogan Family” (1986-91)

Originally titled “Valerie,” this 1980s sitcom followed the challenges and triumphs of working mother Valerie Hogan and her energetic family. The series was a hit with critics, and the star power of Valerie Harper helped push the series higher in ratings in its early seasons. Following the show’s second season, Harper attempted to renegotiate her salary and syndication revenue, but producers denied her requests and fired her. Her character was killed off and replaced with Sandy Duncan as sister-in-law Sandy Hogan. The series was ultimately retitled “The Hogan Family,” erasing Valerie’s name and her contributions that made this show a hit.

#7: Jay Johnston

“Bob’s Burgers” (2011-)

On this long-running animated sitcom, restaurateur Bob Belcher is frequently tormented by his neighbor and rival, Italian restaurant owner Jimmy Pesto. For ten years, Pesto was voiced by comedian Jay Johnston. In 2021, video evidence emerged that showed Johnston participating in the January 6 Capitol riots, shocking fans of the popular series. Due to his role in the riots, Johnston was sentenced to a year in prison and fired from “Bob’s Burgers.” Jimmy Pesto was noticeably absent from the series for multiple seasons, until he reappeared in season 14, now voiced by Eric Bauza.

#6: Lisa Bonet

“A Different World” (1987-93)

This spinoff of “The Cosby Show” was initially centered around Denise Huxtable, following her experience as a student at a historically black college. Denise was played by Lisa Bonet, who announced after the show’s first season that she was expecting a child. This was a problem for Bill Cosby, who didn’t want to present Bonet’s character as an unwed mother. To preserve the family values of the show, Bonet was fired from “A Different World,” and the show was retooled with a new cast of characters for the remaining five seasons. While Bonet was on hiatus from “The Cosby Show,” she gave birth to a healthy baby girl – named Zoë Kravitz.

#5: Mitchel Musso

“Pair of Kings” (2010-13) & “PrankStars” (2011)

After gaining prominence for his supporting role as Oliver Oken on “Hannah Montana,” things were looking good for Mitchel Musso. He starred as literal teen royalty on Disney XD’s “Pair of Kings” and hosted his own reality prank show on Disney Channel. Then, in 2011, Musso was arrested and charged with a DUI when he was just 20 years old. As a result, his character was written out of “Pair of Kings,” and “PrankStars” was cancelled after just one season. Musso publicly expressed regret for his actions, and Disney allowed him to keep his voice acting role as Jeremy on “Phineas and Ferb.”

#4: Danny Masterson

“The Ranch” (2016-20)

Best known for playing Steven Hyde in “That ‘70s Show,” in 2016, Masterson reunited with his former co-star Ashton Kutcher for the Netflix series “The Ranch.” With the momentum of the #MeToo movement behind them in 2017, three women came forward with assault allegations against Masterson. The victims claimed they had been pressured into silence for years by the Church of Scientology, of which Masterson is a member. When a fourth victim came forward months later, Masterson was fired from “The Ranch.” His character Rooster was killed off part way through the show’s third season, and Masterson was ultimately sentenced to thirty years to life in prison.

#3: Kevin Spacey

“House of Cards” (2013-18)

This actor had already experienced a long and successful career in Hollywood before he came to star in the Netflix series “House of Cards” as Frank Underwood. It was during his time on the critically acclaimed series when allegations of sexual misconduct began to emerge against Spacey. Anthony Rapp was the first to come forward, bravely sharing his encounter with Spacey that haunted him for decades. As other victims shared similar stories, Netflix suspended filming of “House of Cards” and cut ties with Spacey. He was removed from his role in the cast and as an executive producer, and all upcoming projects featuring the actor were cancelled.

#2: Roseanne Barr

“Roseanne” (1988-97; 2018)

One of the most popular sitcoms of the 1990s was “Roseanne,” following the life of Roseanne Conner and her working-class family. The show’s enduring popularity well into the twenty-first century led to a revival of the series being greenlit in 2017. Roseanne Barr was once again back in the TV spotlight, though her Twitter feed made ABC executives nervous. Barr frequently posted controversial political statements and conspiracy theories, but it was a shockingly racist tweet about Barack Obama’s former Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett that broke the camel’s back. Barr was fired from “Roseanne” and the revival was eventually cancelled. “Roseanne” became “The Conners,” a new series that would focus on Darlene Conner, featuring the entire original cast minus Barr.

#1: Charlie Sheen

“Two and a Half Men” (2003-15)

Once the highest paid actor on television, Charlie Sheen has had a long and public struggle with substance use disorder. During his time on “Two and a Half Men,” Sheen’s multiple stints in rehab disrupted filming and affected hundreds of employees. Combined with his disparaging comments against series creator Chuck Lorre, this led to Sheen being fired and replaced with Ashton Kutcher in the show’s ninth season. Still, Sheen’s career continued. He went on to star in “Anger Management” alongside Selma Blair. When Blair continually complained about Sheen’s behavior on set, he threatened to quit until she was fired.

Which of these stars deserved a second chance, and which ones had it coming? Let us know in the comments!