Hollywood is not new to drama, and some of its most riveting tales play out offscreen. Actor rivalries have long been the stuff of this very industry, propelled by clashing egos, creative conflicts, and personal disputes. These feuds usually drown out the projects with which they are associated, putting fans in a state of wonder and perpetuating flights of fancy. From on-set arguments to public slights and lingering grudges, these rivalries underscore the pressures of fame. Here are 15 of the most memorable actor rivalries that shaped Hollywood's fascinating behind-the-scenes lore.
1) Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano
The on-set tension between co-stars Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano of Charmed became so well-known it eclipsed the supernatural drama that unfolded on the show. It was reported as having begun over issues of creative differences and conflicting personalities, with Doherty wanting a darker tone for the show. Their differences came to a head as Doherty departed after season three. Both actresses have since downplayed the feud, but fans believe there were still unresolved issues, as Doherty was not part of the 2018 reboot—a move Milano backed.
2) Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron
On the Mad Max: Fury Road sets, Charlize Theron reportedly had clashes with Tom Hardy regarding their contrasting working styles. Hardy is known for his intense method of acting, which had frustrated Theron, who admitted she sometimes felt unsafe. A tense atmosphere even made Theron demand protection during filming. Despite the differences, it was noted that both had shown praise for each other's talent since when the film gained success and that the rivalry had mellowed over time.
3) Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter
What was initially a love triangle drama quickly turned into a music-fueled rivalry between pop stars Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter. Fans seem to believe that Rodrigo was subtly referencing her ex, Joshua Bassett, and his new relationship with Carpenter on her song Driver's License, which led to Carpenter's alleged response track, Skin. However, both singers deny direct conflict, and their indirect lyrical jabs keep the entire drama alive as fans dissect each new song for fresh clues.
4) Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen
Katherine Heigl being "sexist" against Knocked Up made her relationship with Seth Rogen sour. When Rogen called her comments hypocritical, considering she starred in the movie too, the beef endured for years. While Heigl eventually apologized and regretted her phrasing, Rogen pointed out after a 2021 interview that their working relationship never recovered.
5) Lea Michele and Naya Rivera
The Glee set became a battleground between Lea Michele and Naya Rivera, whose personalities reportedly clashed. According to what Rivera wrote in her memoir, Michele was competitive and dismissive, fueling tensions as Rivera's character gained prominence. The feud got so out of control that Rivera was allegedly written out of some episodes. Even with Michele seemingly paying respects to Rivera after she died in 2020, his behavior was still suspect.
6) Tyrese Gibson and James Franco
The quarrel between Tyrese Gibson and James Franco was centred on the latter's over-exuberant method of acting in Annapolis. Gibson perceived that Franco was over-aggressive during his scenes, even when no camera was rolling. Franco apologized after acknowledging that he had been too intense, saying it was just what he needed to make their scenes real. Franco publicly apologized, but Gibson continued speaking his mind.
7) Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams
The Notebook's romantic chemistry hid the real-life friction between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. Director Nick Cassavetes revealed that Gosling once requested that Rachel McAdams be replaced. Ironically, their heated arguments improved their performances on screen. When they started dating after filming, this rocky start highlights how professional conflicts can evolve.
8) Will Smith and Janet Hubert
The clash between Will Smith and Janet Hubert began in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and lasted for decades. Hubert claimed that Will ruined her career by forcing her out of the show. He countered, asserting that there was tension because of Hubert's impossible behavior. 2020 saw both reunite during the special of the show, but fans are still torn between who was the one responsible for the fray.
9) Olivia Wilde and Florence Pugh
During the production of Don't Worry Darling, the relationship between Olivia Wilde and Florence Pugh was already not going well. It didn't take long for there to be rumors Pugh wasn't happy about Wilde being friends with Harry Styles. Pugh also missed several promotional events, sparking rumors of a feud. When Wilde gushed over Pugh's performance, fans commented on the pointed silence about her director. A chaotic press tour led the rift between them to become more remembered for the movie itself - they never publicly spoke about their rumored feud.
10) Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke
Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke had reportedly been feuding since the making of Angel Heart (1987), with Rourke claiming De Niro had acted dismissively to him. Years later, Rourke accused De Niro of actually blocking his casting in The Irishman, which reignited their animosity. De Niro has kept quiet on the issue to date, but Rourke's audible criticism suggests lingering bitterness. The rivalry speaks well of how slighted Hollywood professionals can envision that slight turning into a long-term feud, even between two great actors.
11) Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel
The feud between Fast & Furious co-stars Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel started during The Fate of the Furious filming. Johnson had publicly criticized unnamed co-stars, later identified as Diesel, for not being professional. Diesel responded to this by stating that his "tough love" style while producing the franchise caused friction.
12) Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor
Iconic - and vicious- rivalry began when Elizabeth Taylor started conducting an affair with Debbie Reynolds' husband, Eddie Fisher, in the late 1950s. It rocked Hollywood and forced Reynolds to forgive Taylor, who cited joint sufferings in stardom. Together, they starred in These Old Broads, written by Reynolds' daughter, Carrie Fisher, which reflected this forgiveness in the 1980s.
13) Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra
Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra clashed in Guys and Dolls as a battle between egos. Brando's method of acting put straight the attitude of Sinatra, making it an open hostility on the sets. Sinatra reportedly ridiculed Brando's style, and Brando retaliated by deliberately botching scenes, forcing Sinatra to reshoot. The battle between them became legendary, with rumors of insults and professional jealousy going behind their back.
14) Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis
When Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis achieved national fame as a comedy duo, creative differences and egos tore them apart. Martin became increasingly frustrated that Lewis was more in control of the routine than he was, with Lewis's larger-than-life persona outshining his own. The two dramatically parted in 1956 and did not speak for decades, coming together again in a one-night stand on stage in 1976 following an invitation from Frank Sinatra.
15) Bette Davis and Joan Crawford
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The bitter rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford is one of Hollywood's most infamous. Their ill will continue to grow throughout the making of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? for which they both allegedly tried to sabotage each other. Davis said Crawford attempted to sabotage her performance, and Crawford said Davis was violent with her physically in one scene. Beyond the movie set, they continued battling public insults and professional rivalry that filled newspapers and magazines.
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