40+ Actors Who Left or Were Fired From a Movie or TV Show — Right Before it Became a Massive Hit
Jason Priestley in Beverly Hills, 90210
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.
Priestley’s turn as Brandon Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210 was a defining moment in his career, catapulting him to global stardom and solidifying his status as a teen idol. Priestley’s portrayal of Walsh was widely beloved, and he played the character for nine seasons before departing from the show in 1998.
Jason Priestley Now
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.
Despite its ups and downs, the show has remained a cultural touchstone and a testament to the enduring appeal of teen dramas and nostalgia.
Katherine Heigl in Grey’s Anatomy
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.
Heigl’s performance earned her critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award, and her character’s tumultuous relationship with Dr. Alex Karev became the show’s central storyline. Grey’s Anatomy remains one of television’s most beloved and longest-running medical dramas.
Katherine Heigl Now
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.
Grey’s Anatomy continued to thrive despite Heigl’s departure, introducing new characters and storylines to tackle various social and medical issues. The show remains a beloved pastime for many people, standing as a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.
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.