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Celebs Who Can’t Accept That They Aren’t Famous Anymore

Monica July 8, 2024

When celebrities finally find fame for the first time, they usually think they’re going to stay famous. They worked through years of sweat and tears to get there, so once they make it to the top, they think there’s no way they’re going to fall back down the ladder.

But over time, the fame they worked so hard to build can fizzle out. Normally, there’s no way they’re going to accept the fact that they might be less famous than they used to be. Just because they were in the movies or had a hit song doesn’t mean they have a ticket to fame for life. We’ve curated a list of celebrities who can’t accept that they aren’t famous anymore and are having a hard time accepting the harsh reality. Check them out right here.

Macklemore

With a previous net worth of $25 million, Macklemore was once on top of the world with his hit song Thrift Shop, which topped the charts with global success. But ever since then, he was never able to top his original album. Even though mainstream media stopped following his moves, he does have a loyal fanbase who still love his songs even though he’s not nearly as famous as he used to be. Now, he raises awareness for drug addiction and LGBTQ+ rights in addition to making music, though he needs to realize it’s not as successful as it used to be (via Goal Cast).

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Chris Brown

Brown was once one of the most influential celebrities in the world thanks to his R&B music. He was once dubbed the “King of R&B.” But his repertoire dwindled once his domestic violence allegations against Rihanna came arose. People stopped praising his music, though Brown is the first person to claim the media tore his relationship apart. As he puts it, “If yall still hate me for a mistake I made as a 17-year-old please kiss my whole a**.” Take the blame, Brown, and accept what you did was horrible and accept the fact you’re not famous any longer (via Insider).

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J.K. Rowling

As one of the top celebrity authors in the world, J.K. Rowling changed history with her Harry Potter book franchise. But that doesn’t mean she’s a good person deep down. After a series of problematic Tweets involving her unsolicited opinions about trans people, saying “‘People who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?'”, she lost a ton of fans. People called her transphobic, and even though she refuses to believe how much stardom she’s lost, it’s just not the same as it once was (via NBC News).

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John Travolta

Ever since his stellar performance in Grease, people fell in love with Travolta. But just because he was a hunk back then doesn’t mean his attractiveness continued. Then Pulp Fiction helped revive his career until a series of unfortunate events happened. His son died, and then his long-term partner passed away. He had several periods of revival, but none of them brought him back to the days of Travolta fever, even though he refuses to admit it (via The Ringer).

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Tyra Banks

Once an actress, supermodel, and reality TV star, Tyra Banks was up there in the top levels of fame. After America’s Next Top Model, she tried another series of entrepreneurial pursuits that all inevitably failed. She was going to be a host on Dancing with the Stars, but later on, quit to pursue other business endeavors. She eventually had to say goodbye to that title of fame (via LA Times).

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Cher

Once deemed the “Goddess of Pop,” Cher is a music icon that’s been around for decades. She and her husband made headway in their music and television industries. But that all dwindled, and nowadays it seems she’s just trying too hard to stay famous. It’s time to give it up Cher, those days are over. There were even rumors that the star had died, though those, later on, proved to be debunked (via Sports Keeda).

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Madonna

In the ’80s, Madonna held the title of “Queen of Pop,” but since then, she’s dwindled in fame. Though her songs Living for Love and Vogue are still considered some of the most famous during her time, when she flashed her backside at the 2015 Grammy Awards, she lost a lot of fans. Her Tweets pointed at her dwindling journey away from stardom. Plastic surgery certainly didn’t help as she tried to keep her youth around forever. She faced a series of health concerns and ended up in the hospital after a severe bacterial infection (via Mirror).

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Billy Ray Cyrus

When Achy Breaky Heart came out, it quickly became Billy Ray Cyrus’s most defining song that set him apart from the rest of the singers during his time. His famous daughter Miley Cyrus certainly helped him reach the younger generation, and soon he had a successful music career. Even though he tried to keep his title up since then, his fame slowly dwindled as fast as the mullet trend did. At 61 years old, he’s now engaged to a 34-year-old. He needs to give up his half-hearted attempts at singing and accept his glory days are over (via Daily Mail).

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Roseanne Barr

The hilarious sitcom Roseanne kept fans on their toes for more than nine seasons. But that doesn’t mean Rosanne Barr did a good job at riding that ticket to fame for more than nine seasons. Though Barr’s show earned both praise and controversy, she eventually struck a blowout. She Tweeted with racist undertones, which negatively impacted her reputation and contributed to her dwindling fame. To this day, she refuses to accept she’s not as famous and continues trying to show her face (via NY Times).

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Mariah Carey

The top hit All I Want for Christmas is You will play forever at Christmas for the rest of our lives. Even though she’s the first to believe she’s just as famous, unfortunately, her 1990s fame has not stuck around. In 2016, she had a failed lip-syncing stunt which aided her downfall. She also suffered a breakdown and was hospitalized for erratic behavior (via Hello Magazine).

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Tonya Harding

Tonya Harding never had a chance at stardom. She was an insecure figure skater who ruined another athlete’s chance at fame. During the 1994 Olympic Gold, Harding hired someone to attack Nancy Kerrigan with a baton, injuring her leg. She tried to hold onto her famous title by featuring in Dancing with the Stars and several other commercials, but the attack seriously ruined her reputation (via People). Then they made a movie about her ridiculous attack on Kerrigan pictured above.

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Shaquille O’Neal

Also known as Shaq, this 7’1″ basketball star was once one of the greatest athletes in history. In 2011, he retired from the NBA, and though he lost a lot of fans, he didn’t completely disappear. He went from basketball star to actor, though the attempt was more comedic than anything. He mainly looked like he was desperate for some sort of attention, though his commercial spots probably did him more harm than good. O’Neal starred in one of the worst movies of all time, Kazaam. As one review put it, the film was “Crafted from a mix of genre clichés, Kazaam doesn’t know what kind of film it wants to be, and Shaq’s larger-than-life charisma is stifled by rote filmmaking and an unimaginative story.” He now works as a sports analyst for Inside the NBA, which is much more suitable for him (via Unilad).

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Kristen Stewart

Once Stewart starred in Twilight, her career skyrocketed. She was considered a modern-day heroine by many of her fans, even though she never smiled and always seemed to rock the RBF. But when she was involved in a cheating scandal with director Rupert Sanders, her reputation dwindled. Who would ever cheat on Robert Pattinson? Her roles since Twilight never lived up to her original stardom, and she just lost her original fame. Accept the truth Stewart, and maybe don’t cheat on another star next time (via NZ Herald).

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Nicolas Cage

Since 1982, Cage starred in more than 100 films, becoming one of the most well-known stars in Hollywood. His versatile acting landed him numerous roles in movies like National Treasure and Face Off. But his recent self-destructive behavior negatively impacted his popularity. He blew $150 million on an island and a dinosaur skull because apparently, that’s something he needs. The result? A lot of bad memes and a loss of fame (via Mirror).

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Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf was once the heartthrob of America. Fans around the world fell in love with his good looks. Yet after he starred in Holes and Even Stevens, his fame started running out. He realizes this though, and he showed up to the Berlin premiere of Nymphomaniac wearing a brown paper bag over his head that said, ‘I AM NOT FAMOUS ANYMORE’. We’re not sure if he’s having a breakdown or not, but it looks like his celebrity career is over. Just stop trying to seek attention, Shia, and accept reality (via Grazia Daily).

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The Olsen Twins

From a young age, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen stole the hearts of the world on Full House. It seemed like a promising career for the two twins, considering they started their celebrity career early. But they refused to participate in the spinoff of Fuller House and eventually the two gave up fame altogether. Instead, they ventured into the world of fashion, though the two still like to believe they’re just as famous as they were decades prior (via Tuko).

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Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton was once the hottest sensation in the world. She was the heiress to the Hilton Hotels and starred on the reality show The Simple Life. She defined the period of the early 2000s when her fame was coupled with scandal. As one writer put it, “In a ravenous celebrity culture, Ms. Hilton’s rise shows how far celebrity itself has been devalued.” But once the Kardashians climbed the ladder to fame, Hilton lost her stardom and dwindled under the Kardashian spotlight. She was also arrested for driving with a suspended license in 2007. Let’s just face the facts and agree that the Paris era is over (via Buzzfeed News).

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Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith is the son of Will and Jada Smith, though that doesn’t mean their fame stuck around as long as his parents. He starred in The Pursuit of Happiness, and though he was adorable in the role, it didn’t stick. His sister made her way to fame and shoved him to the side with her Whip My Hair one-hit-wonder song. The two eventually decided to work together and Jaden joined her on tour, though he’s yet to accept the fact that he’s not as famous. He said, “I didn’t receive any intriguing offers, so I figured, why not explore my path instead?” At least there’s some awareness there (via YNET News).

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Tyler Perry

The original Madea films captivated audiences around the world by shining a new light on culture and comedy. His skills cannot be undervalued, though they never really caught on. Eventually, he dwindled from the spotlight. After facing a horrible period of psychological struggle, Perry said, “My life now, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Life is full of joy and love—things I never thought I’d get to.” At least he’s happy and healthy (via Hello Magazine).

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Lea Michele

Everyone heard of the hit TV show Glee, and most of us probably guiltily watched it day in and day out. But that doesn’t mean Lea Michele, who starred in Glee, is remembered in a good light. She earned a bad reputation for acting like a diva on the show and received a lot of backlash for her poor personality and tendency to bully. It seems like she eventually learned, and in an interview said, “At the end of the day, what matters the most is how you make people feel,” though that doesn’t mean she’s liked any longer. Her actions negatively impacted her fame (via Independent).

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Katherine Heigl

As a previous star of Grey’s Anatomy, Katherine Heigl was once basking in her glory days. But eventually, her Primadonna reputation got in the way of fame and she lost a lot of fans. She turned down a nomination for her role in Grey’s Anatomy, claiming her role wasn’t worthy of award. She was found rude and difficult and disappeared from Hollywood. It’s a harsh reality, but she needs to accept the truth. She caused her demise with her bad behavior (via Mamamia).

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Jennifer Aniston

At one point in the ’90s, the world was obsessed with Friends. Aniston played Rachel and the role sparked her acting career. Even though she starred in other movies since then, it seems like the world was more concerned with her relationship with ex-Brad Pitt than her acting career. Once Friends was over, her acting peak dwindled, though it seems she refuses to accept the fact. She tried to bring down acting today, and claimed, “You’re famous from TikTok, you’re famous from YouTube, you’re famous from Instagram. It’s almost like, it’s diluting the actor’s job.” Aniston received a lot of backlash through this statement as it just sounds like she’s salty she’s not as famous (via Mirror).

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Christina Milian

When Dip it Low hit number five on the U.S. Billboard charts, her career peaked. But every peak has a downfall, so after her claim to fame, her career dwindled. She managed to find herself in the top 40, but it was less successful than her one-hit-wonder. Milian gave it a shot in acting and starred in Christmas Cupid, though it was apparent she was grasping at air. Nothing came of her musical or acting career again, even though she tried her best and was as driven as she could be (via Ranker).

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Lindsay Lohan

We all fell in love with Lindsay Lohan’s performances in The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, and Mean Girls. But after her adorable acting career, her life took a turn. She reached her peak in the ’00s, but eventually gained a reputation for using substances and stealing. Her nightly partying contributed to her downfall. It looks like fame got to her head. Even though she was nearly untouchable, she now sits just under the radar, slowly disappearing from the celebrity world, even though she’s trying to build it back up (via Parade).

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Jamie Lynn Spears

As the younger sister of Britney Spears, Jamie Lynn Spears never really had a chance for a positive reputation. She hit her peak with Zoey 101 but slowly dwindled after that. She tried to make her way back to fame by using her older sister’s trauma and downfall to her advantage. Jamie Lynn tried to defend herself, saying, “I’ve worked hard since before I was even a teenager, and I’ve built my career despite just being someone’s little sister.” We can’t imagine the struggle it must be to be a Spears. We understand living in her sister’s spotlight wasn’t easy, but it doesn’t mean she can use her sister (via Buzzfeed News).

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Cody Simpson

In the early 2010s, Cody Simpson was one of the top Australian dancers, models, singers, and actors. It seemed like he had his life together and was rapidly making his way to the top. But after he released Free, he pretty much stopped being in the spotlight. His scrambling to become famous again proved futile, though it seems like he wants it that way. In an interview, he said, “I want to keep it low-key, and focus on my music.” We can’t blame him, it must be exhausting being followed by paparazzi all the time (via The List).

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Stacey Dash

In the 1995 cult classic Clueless, Stacey Dash starred as Dionne. But that was the peak of her acting career, and since then, her one-hit-wonder acting career disappeared. She focuses more on her political views and horrible opinions about transgender people. Fox News hired and fired her, thanks to an outburst. Dash also picked a fight with actually famous actor Leonardo DiCaprio over climate change. Her entertainment career died thanks to her lack of skill and unsolicited opinions. She threw her career into the fire (via Nicki Swift).

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Hulk Hogan

As one of the top entertainers in the industry, Hogan once had a defining pro-wrestling career. There was even a Hulkmania revolution that followed in his footsteps. His fanbase declined slowly, however. Once he realized this, he tried to make a comeback by saying he was running for president, which caused many laughs and backlash. And once the new century came around, he disappeared from the public eye (via Wrestling Inc).

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Iggy Azalea

Australian rapper and songwriter Iggy Azalea hit her peak in 2010. She had flashy music videos that set her apart from the crowd. But before she truly caught the public eye, her subpar rapping skills coupled with her cultural appropriation accusations impacted her career. She destroyed her career with her unacceptable behavior. In one tour, she only managed to sell 20 percent of the tickets (via Nicki Swift).

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Charlie Sheen

Even though Charlie Sheen was once on Two and a Half Men, his sarcastic personality couldn’t make up for his poor behavior involving marital issues, domestic violence accusations, and substance abuse. He was fired in 2011 from the show and was eventually involved in tons of controversies. Fame went straight to his head and impacted his behavior, and he dealt with it the only way he thought he could (via Animated Times).

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Britney Spears

Britney Spears is likely one of the most infamous celebrities that just won’t accept reality as it is. After she reached her peak in the late ’90s and early 2000s with Baby One More Time and other hit songs, her career reached a standstill. She hit a hard period with the media when she shaved her head and started using drugs. Spears went to rehab multiple times and even attacked the paparazzi with an umbrella. Her strange Instagram proves how much she wants to hold on to her celebrity, though it’s more embarrassing than anything (via Foxla).

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Steven Seagal

Many wanted to be like Steven Seagal at one point in time. The musician and actor was once one of the most talented celebrities in the world, and everyone had high hopes for his future. But after a string of lawsuits made against him in the ’90s, his career failed. Female employees accused him of assault. You can’t make your way back from that. It turned out he was also involved in several other scandals, basically kicking him out of the industry. He’s considered one of the biggest jerks in Hollywood. His films don’t make megabucks like they used to and now women are wary when they’re around him (via Reel Rundown).

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Kim Basinger

In the ’80s and ’90s, Kim Basinger starred in Never Say Never Again and Batman. You’d think a career as successful as this one was here to stay. But in the mid-’90s, her fame barely scraped the surface of her previous success. Hollywood won’t hire her anymore thanks to her position in Never Say Never Again. As casting director Ed Johnston put it, “She started as a sex symbol, and the powers that be in Hollywood couldn’t see her as anything else.” She was also fed up with the mother and wife roles and was too shy to shine in the spotlight thanks to her anxiety (via Looper).

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Ashley Greene

Her role in Twilight landed her in the spotlight of fame and fortune. And even though she isn’t fighting to stay famous like a lot of the other celebrities on this list, she’s certainly still trying to bask in the spotlight. She’s continuing to act in films, though none of them hit the charts like some other movies. In Christmas On My Mind, she starred as Lucy, though it’s a film no one’s ever heard of. She’s been in a series of other flops like Shangri-La Suite and Skateland, though they never really left a mark. That’s a good sign she should just leave it (via Nicki Swift).

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O.J. Simpson

He was once the top running back in the world. But O.J. Simpson’s life took a turn after his 1994 acquittal for murdering his wife. He also served time for robbery and assault. But he wasn’t allowed to live in the Sunshine State once he was released, so he chose Las Vegas instead. His current Tweets show an attempt to keep in touch with his fans, though his efforts are futile and just plain sad. Although he’s trying to stay in the spotlight and away from trouble, his past negatively affected his current life situation. He has a small circle of friends and not much else to say for himself (via The Spun).

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Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson

Back in the day, 50 Cent was a chart-topper with nothing stopping him. But now, he’s no longer partying like it’s his birthday. He had to pay a fine for adding profanity to one of his songs, he made fun of a disabled person and leaked an inappropriate tape without consent from the woman. All of this added up against him, and once his music stopped, so did his fame. He attempted to act and even had a failed business attempt. But none of that came close to his original fame, hence the failure. He needs to stop trying (via Nicki Swift).

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Amanda Bynes

This once famous star was seen sitting in the girl’s room, chatting gossip. Many of us aspired to be just like her. Eventually, though, fame got to her head. In an interview, she said, “Being an actress isn’t as fun as it may seem. If I don’t love something anymore, I stop doing it. I don’t love acting anymore, so I’ve stopped doing it.” She then saw her acting in front of her and couldn’t stand the sight of herself. Eventually, she had a 2013 breakdown, which included a DUI. It led to her downfall, though she won’t admit she’s not as famous anymore (via Page Six).

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Caitlyn Jenner

As the Kardashians rose to fame, so did Caitlyn Jenner, who was once one Bruce Jenner. Eventually, Caitlyn won Time’s ‘Woman of the Year ‘and made her way to the top. She attempted at a TV series called I Am Cait, which ended up being a letdown for activists for transgender people everywhere. She also had a series of offensive comments, including “The hardest part about being a woman is figuring out what to wear.” The infamous Kardashian-Jenner feud followed, and eventually, Caitlyn lost her fame in the spotlight, though we continue seeing her every so often. Give it up, Caitlyn (via Nicki Swift).

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Tony Hawk

There was a time when we saw Tony Hawk all over television. He was an idol for skateboarders around the world and was even the inspiration for video games. Hawk did flips and tricks that we could only ever aspire to achieve. But once he was off the ramps, no one seems to make a name of him. His fans don’t even recognize him in public anymore, and he said fans say, “‘You’re, uh, T-T-Tom Brady!’ Where it just comes out because they know there’s some sports star whose name starts with a T. Most of the time those are the things I like to share because they’re much more humorous interactions.” At least he finds his lack of fame funny (via Business Insider).

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Snooki

During her drunken appearance on the Jersey Shore, Snooki appeared unprofessional and crass. Over time, she slowly disappeared from the public eye. After her iconic hair poof disappeared, so did her fame. Though, it seems that’s what she wanted all along. In an interview with Paris Hilton, she said, “If I had the choice to make money and be famous or not famous, I would say not famous. If I could choose not [to be] famous, I would probably go that route.” She tried to keep her name with appearances in the WWE and on How Far is Tattoo Far, but none of that brought her back a decent amount of fame (via Cheat Sheet).

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