40+ Actors Who Left or Were Fired From a Movie or TV Show — Right Before it Became a Massive Hit

For many aspiring actors in Hollywood, making it big is the ultimate goal. However, that dream can turn sour for some when they are let go from a project that later becomes a massive hit. Actors can also depart due to creative differences or personal issues, amongst other reasons. In this list, we’ll explore the stories of 40+ actors who left or were fired from a movie or TV show just before it became a runaway success. These are the tales of missed opportunities, what-ifs, and the unpredictable twists of fate that can shape a showbiz career.

Jason Priestley, born in Vancouver, British Columbia, began acting in the early '80s, appearing in Canadian television shows like Danger Bay and 21 Jump Street. He later moved to the United States, where he continued to build his career in Hollywood.

After leaving the show, Priestley continued acting in various TV shows and films while directing and producing. Beverly Hills, 90210 continued to thrive, inspiring spin-offs and reboots, including the 2019 reboot featuring the original cast.

Born in Washington, D.C., Katherine Heigl began her career as a child model before transitioning into acting. She first gained attention for her roles in the films Knocked Up and 27 Dresses, but her portrayal of Dr. Isobel "Izzie" Stevens on Grey's Anatomy solidified her status as a Hollywood star.

After leaving Grey's Anatomy, Katherine Heigl starred in successful films such as The Killers, One for the Money, and The Nut Job. However, her film career slowed in the mid-2010s, and she returned to TV in the political drama State of Affairs and the legal drama Doubt.