Hollywood is full of stars who shine on screen, but not all of them are easy to work with behind the scenes. From egos that overshadow the production to strange or controlling behaviors, some celebrities have earned reputations that make cast and crew approach them with caution. While talent is undeniable, these individuals have made headlines for all the wrong reasons when it comes to professionalism.
Here are 15 celebrities who, according to industry insiders, have proven particularly difficult to collaborate with on set.
15. William Shatner
While William Shatner’s legacy as a television and film icon is unquestionable, his behavior off-screen has often been described as unpredictable and sometimes antagonistic. Security and crew members have recounted moments where his antics crossed lines, leaving those around him uncomfortable.
One notorious story involved Shatner repeatedly commenting on a security guard’s height, pushing the interaction to the point where the guard nearly lost his temper. Incidents like this have left many hesitant to work with him, as his humor doesn’t always translate well outside the spotlight.
14. David Boreanaz
Known for his role in Bones, David Boreanaz reportedly created a tense environment on set with his strict “no eye contact” rule for extras. Background actors had to be cautious, as even a casual glance could result in being sent home.
This rigid approach fostered an atmosphere of anxiety, with crew and extras walking on eggshells. According to insiders, the rule wasn’t always enforced gently, leaving some feeling humiliated just for doing their jobs.
13. Martin Kove
Martin Kove, famous for The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, is remembered for the odd and sometimes unsettling treatment of production assistants. One PA described waiting outside Kove’s hotel room for an hour before finally being allowed in, only to experience an awkward and humiliating encounter afterward.
Kove reportedly offered to buy a cookie but ate it himself while staring at the assistant during the drive back. These eccentric behaviors have made him notorious among the crew, leaving a lasting impression that isn’t always flattering.
12. Sean Schemmel
As the voice of Goku in Dragon Ball, Sean Schemmel has gained a reputation for being very protective—and occasionally abrasive—about the character. At conventions, he has clashed with other voice actors and fans, creating tension over what he perceives as disrespect toward his role.
Incidents include pressing Goku’s Japanese voice actor about ownership of the character and cutting autograph sessions short if he suspected signatures were intended for others. This possessiveness has left some fans and colleagues wary of engaging with him.
11. Michael Cera
Michael Cera’s on-screen persona is awkwardly charming, but his real-life interactions tell a different story. Musicians on tour and fans in public have described him as dismissive, sometimes even confrontational.
From brushing off casual greetings to bumping into people without apology, Cera’s behavior contrasts sharply with his character’s warmth, leaving many surprised and disappointed by his off-screen demeanor.
10. Blake Lively
Blake Lively has been described as difficult and demanding on set. Crew members report an entitled attitude and tantrums that could sour the production environment, though she reportedly maintains good relations with directors.
Some insiders have gone so far as to say they would avoid working with her again due to the stress and negativity she brings. Her reputation serves as a cautionary tale about the pressures of celebrity ego on collaborative work.
9. James Corden
James Corden is known for his charm on television, but behind the scenes, crew members describe him as elitist and quick to anger. Insiders report that he only communicates with senior staff and can lose his temper over minor issues.
This behavior has caused friction on set, with some labeling him as difficult to collaborate with. The contrast between his public friendliness and private behavior has surprised and frustrated many in the industry.
8. Faye Dunaway
Faye Dunaway has long been infamous for her rigid demands on set. Stories include bringing scales to weigh her food, enforcing no eye contact rules, and losing her temper when staff didn’t comply exactly with her requests.
Such exacting standards and frequent outbursts have made her a dreaded presence on productions, with crew members admitting to fearing interactions with her. Her legendary status hasn’t softened the challenges of working alongside her.
7. Steven Seagal
Steven Seagal is widely regarded as one of the most difficult actors to work with in Hollywood. Multiple crew members describe him as entitled and dismissive, making collaboration stressful and often unpleasant.
Seagal’s reputation has become an industry-wide cautionary tale, and anecdotes of his abrasive behavior continue to circulate among film and television professionals.
6. Ben Stiller
Although Ben Stiller is celebrated for his comedic talent, several insiders have accused him of verbal abuse and entitlement on set. Some assistants report being berated or belittled, leaving a tense work atmosphere.
Despite his public persona as approachable and humorous, these accounts show a darker, more challenging side, resulting in some crew members avoiding projects involving him.
5. John Cusack
John Cusack has been described as demanding and difficult on set. Crew members recount situations where he expected special treatment and showed little appreciation for staff efforts.
These behaviors reportedly created frustration and resentment among those working with him, making his sets less collaborative and enjoyable than others.
4. Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe’s reputation for arrogance precedes him. Directors and crew have described him as acting above others, prioritizing his interests over the needs of the production.
While Crowe is a talented actor, his self-importance has caused tension and strained relationships on multiple sets, leaving a trail of frustrated colleagues behind him.
3. Michael Bay
Michael Bay’s demanding nature and entourage-driven environment have made him notorious in Hollywood. Crew members report that the combination of his high-pressure style and entourage behavior creates chaos on set.
From assistants to bodyguards, the ripple effect of his behavior contributes to an overwhelming work atmosphere. Many insiders dread working on his films, regardless of the spectacle he delivers on screen.
2. Dr. Phil
Dr. Phil is known to enforce strict personal rules on set, such as prohibiting eye contact, which interns and staff have described as intimidating. Breaking these rules reportedly results in immediate consequences, including termination.
This rigid demeanor and self-focus create a stressful work environment, making staff hyper-aware and anxious about their every move.
1. Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks tops the list for being exceptionally demanding with staff. Reports suggest she enforces the “no eye contact” rule so strictly that interns have been fired for simple mistakes.
Such practices create a climate of fear and tension, leaving crew members feeling undervalued and anxious. Her behavior has become a cautionary example of the challenges of navigating celebrity egos in the entertainment industry.
Even the most talented stars can bring challenges to a set, and these 15 celebrities demonstrate that fame doesn’t always guarantee a smooth working environment. For crew members and collaborators, knowing who is difficult to work with can be just as important as knowing who’s brilliant on camera.