In the world of fame and fortune, not every celebrity is able to maintain their success or reputation. Some have made decisions that led to major career or personal setbacks, from damaging cosmetic procedures to poor life choices. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic celebrities who ruined their own careers or image.
1. Mickey Rourke
Reason: Walking away from acting for boxing
Mickey Rourke was once a rising star in Hollywood with roles in films like 9 ½ Weeks and The Pope of Greenwich Village. However, he made the decision to leave acting behind to pursue a career in boxing. His physical transformation due to boxing, along with subsequent surgeries, affected his looks and career, making it difficult for him to return to the spotlight.
2. Priscilla Presley
Reason: Silicone injections damaged her face and image
Priscilla Presley, the ex-wife of Elvis Presley, became known not just for her marriage but for her striking appearance. Unfortunately, she made the mistake of undergoing silicone injections that severely affected her facial features, leading to significant public criticism and a tarnished reputation.
3. Janice Dickinson
Reason: Scandals and plastic surgery ruined her TV career
Once known as the “first supermodel,” Janice Dickinson’s career fell apart due to scandals, controversial comments, and excessive plastic surgery. Her image was severely altered, and her outspoken personality led to a number of TV opportunities that ultimately harmed her long-term career.
4. Tara Reid
Reason: Hard partying reputation
Tara Reid rose to fame with American Pie and Van Wilder, but her party-girl persona and behavior in the public eye became damaging. Known for her wild lifestyle, Reid struggled with her image, especially as her partying habits led to plastic surgery mishaps, making it difficult for her to regain the career momentum she once had.
5. Kylie Jenner
Reason: Appropriating Black culture in hair styles
Kylie Jenner, part of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, became a beauty mogul and cultural icon, but faced criticism for cultural appropriation, especially when she was seen sporting hairstyles like cornrows and braids, commonly associated with Black culture. Her actions sparked discussions about racism and the appropriation of Black traditions in the fashion and beauty industry.
6. Demi Moore
Reason: Career choice in the ‘90s & marriage to Ashton
Demi Moore had a successful career in the ’80s and early ’90s, but her marriage to much younger Ashton Kutcher, coupled with her career choices at the time, hurt her public image. Additionally, her decision to play the role of a pregnant soldier in G.I. Jane was controversial, and while she continued acting, she didn’t regain the same iconic status she once held.
7. Lisa Rinna
Reason: Cosmetic enhancements damaged her image
Lisa Rinna, star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, became known for her over-the-top cosmetic enhancements, including lip fillers, which she admits to having taken too far. The changes to her appearance significantly affected how she was viewed in the public eye, leaving her with a tarnished image.
8. Jennifer Gray
Reason: Two nose jobs ruined her face and career
Jennifer Gray was a rising star after Dirty Dancing, but she underwent two rhinoplasties, which drastically altered her appearance. Her once-recognizable look was completely changed, and she struggled to find roles in Hollywood thereafter, which hurt her career in the long run.
9. Joan Van Ark
Reason: Facelifts, Botox, and cosmetic procedures ruined her image
Joan Van Ark, a beloved actress known for her role in Knots Landing, became famous not just for her acting, but also for her drastic cosmetic procedures. Facelifts and Botox resulted in an unnatural appearance that led to public criticism and an almost total image makeover that turned people away.
10. Cher
Reason: Plastic surgeries in the 2000s
Cher, the iconic singer, and actress has been open about her extensive use of cosmetic surgery throughout her career. While she remains beloved for her music and legacy, many critics believe that her surgeries, especially in the 2000s, took a toll on her image, making her face appear drastically altered from her earlier years.
11. Katie Price
Reason: Unpaid debts and bankruptcy in 2019
Katie Price, a former glamour model and reality TV star, made headlines for her excessive spending and mounting debts. In 2019, she declared bankruptcy, which severely damaged her image and financial stability. Her struggles have become a cautionary tale in the public eye.
12. Reid Ewing
Reason: Body dysmorphic disorder
Reid Ewing, known for his role on Modern Family, opened up about his struggles with body dysmorphic disorder, which led him to undergo numerous cosmetic surgeries. His excessive surgeries severely altered his appearance, and he has since spoken out about the mental health issues behind his decisions.
These celebrities, once at the top of their game, made choices—whether personal or professional—that led to downfalls in their careers or personal lives. While many have tried to rebuild their images, their stories are a reminder of the pitfalls that come with fame and public scrutiny.
