Sometimes, Hollywood stars cross lines so skewed that there’s no coming back. We’re delving into the most shocking incidents that resulted in the permanent removal of actors and TV hosts from their shows. From hurtful remarks to full-on brawls, these meltdowns ended with career-altering firings that left fans—and sometimes the stars themselves—completely stunned.
1. Jon Polito — “Homicide: Life on the Street”
The writers specifically created Jon Polito’s character, Steve Crosetti, for him. However, the network’s pressure for changes led to Polito’s temporary departure from the show. Not convinced, he publicly criticized showrunner Tom Fontana. The fallout? Crosetti’s character took his own life off-screen in season three. Polito later mended ties with Fontana, making a cameo in the farewell movie for the series in 2000.
2. Asan N’Jie — “Emmerdale”
Asan N’Jie’s promising role on “Emmerdale” took a nosedive in 2019 when he clashed with “Hollyoaks” actor Jamie Lomas at the TV Choice Awards. After threats and an alleged physical altercation, ITV suspended and then fired him. N’Jie apologized, but his character, Ellis Chapman, was recast, and Aaron Anthony took over the role until he left in 2022.
3. Jay Thomas — “Cheers”
Jay Thomas joined “Cheers” as Eddie Lebec, Carla’s love interest, played by Rhea Perlman. But things soured in 1989 when he called the role “brutal” on his radio show, implying he didn’t enjoy kissing Perlman. The writer wrote his character a quick and brutal death when Eddie got crushed by a Zamboni, with added drama when it was revealed Eddie was a polygamist.
4. Isaiah Washington — “Grey’s Anatomy”
Isaiah Washington’s role as Dr. Preston Burke on “Grey’s Anatomy” came to a dead end following allegations of him using a slur during a dispute with co-star Patrick Dempsey. Washington repeated the slur at a public event while denying the initial incident, and ABC chose not to renew his contract. Burke left the show, though he did make a brief return in 2014.
5. Jeremy Clarkson — “Top Gear”
In 2015, Jeremy Clarkson’s time on “Top Gear” ended after he punched a producer over a food-related disagreement. Clarkson, who had already received a warning for using a racial slur, faced immediate backlash. BBC pulled the plug on his contract, leading co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond to follow him out. Clarkson later apologized and settled the lawsuit.
6. Charlie Sheen — “Two and a Half Men”
In 2011, Charlie Sheen was famously fired from “Two and a Half Men” after a string of inflammatory comments about the show’s creator, Chuck Lorre. His bizarre “tiger blood” rants made headlines, and his erratic behavior led to his dismissal. Warner Brothers officially banned him from the lot, cutting season eight short and ending his reign as one of TV’s highest-paid actors.
7. Alec Baldwin — “Up Late with Alec Baldwin”
Alec Baldwin’s short-lived MSNBC show, “Up Late,” was canceled after only five episodes when he was recorded using a homophobic slur. Baldwin denied the claim but apologized. When MSNBC officially shelved the show, Baldwin blamed activists rather than taking responsibility, marking a controversial end to his talk-show career.
8. Thomas Gibson — “Criminal Minds”
Thomas Gibson, who served as BAU chief Hotch for a long time, lost his job in 2016 following an altercation with writer-producer Virgil Williams in which he allegedly kicked him. Gibson had prior incidents on set, including one that led to anger management classes. All of this led to Gibson’s dismissal from the show and the swift writing out of his character.
9. Clayne Crawford — “Lethal Weapon”
Clayne Crawford’s outbursts on the “Lethal Weapon” set earned him anger management classes and eventually cost him his role. From berating an assistant director to feuding with co-star Damon Wayans, Crawford’s repeated clashes pushed producers to replace him with Seann William Scott as the show’s new lead, Wesley Cole, in the third season.
