10 Celebrities That Overcame Tragic Career Setbacks

10 Celebrities That Overcame Tragic Career Setbacks

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at celebrities that nearly lost it all, but still came out on top.

Winona Ryder

For a while, she was one of the coolest people in Hollywood. Her work in irreverent films like “Beetlejuice” and “Heathers” helped earn her credit in industry circles and among the general population. However, in 2001, Ryder was caught shoplifting from a high-end department store, and was subsequently arrested. While she avoided jail time, she took a hiatus from her career for several years. She slowly re-entered the scene with small parts in indie movies, eventually making her mainstream return as Joyce in “Stranger Things.” The show’s popularity helped introduce her to an entirely new generation, while cementing her previous legacy as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.

Mickey Rourke

His once-illustrious career set him up to be the envy of leading men everywhere. While Mickey Rourke’s roles didn’t always have the most screen time, he was still lauded for his performances. He had the potential to be huge, but his reported penchant for turning down parts and being difficult to work with led to his star beginning to fade. In the nineties, Rourke pivoted back to his original passion, boxing. Unfortunately, the sport ended up dealing him several injuries, causing him to undergo facial reconstructive surgery. When he returned to acting, most of his offers had dried up, leading him to believe he was a has-been. But his role in “Sin City” revitalized his once fading relevance.

Demi Lovato

When Demi first came up on Disney Channel with the likes of Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez, she probably could have been the network’s biggest star. Her powerful vocals helped her stand out, leading to several popular singles. However, Lovato struggled with various mental health challenges and substance use issues. She was sober for several years before an overdose in 2018. She was hospitalized, prompting her to withdraw from fame while she recovered. When she did return, she was in a much healthier place — showing that people shouldn’t be defined by their worst moments.

Stephen King

It’s safe to say Stephen King is one of the most well-known authors in modern history. He has penned countless works since beginning his career in the late 1960s, with many becoming instant classics within the horror genre. But he almost lost his life when he was hit by a car in 1999. His injuries were intense, nearly resulting in his leg being amputated. The accident ended up affecting him physically and mentally, and he struggled to start writing again. With the help of his wife, King returned to the craft. He’s released several more acclaimed works, and was even awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2014.

Drew Barrymore

Achieving fame at a young age might seem like a dream, but for many child performers, it turns out to be a nightmare. Drew Barrymore appeared in her first commercial at eleven months old, and became one of America’s biggest stars at seven after appearing in “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” She was introduced to the nightlife scene early on, resulting in her being admitted to a rehabilitation center at thirteen. Post-recovery, she starred in several more films, with varying levels of critical success. She found a new niche for herself in several rom coms, which would help revitalize her onscreen career.

Shania Twain

It’s tough to see an icon stopped while they’re at the top. For years, Shania Twain was unstoppable. She had multiple albums reach immense levels of critical and commercial success, and was one of the biggest names in country music. So when she suddenly disappeared after 2002’s “Up!,” people were shocked. It wasn’t until years later that she revealed her vocals had weakened following multiple medical conditions, including Lyme disease. She worked hard to heal, learning to sing with her new voice. She released her fifth album in 2017 — fifteen years after her last — and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, proving that her new vocals wouldn’t hold her back one bit.

Kesha

She may have gotten her start making fun music, but behind the scenes, things were allegedly everything but. Kesha took the world by storm, with singles like “Tik Tok” becoming huge hits. But that era started to look different when she sued her longtime producer, Dr. Luke, in 2014. She accused him of abuse and employment discrimination, and their legal battle continued for several years. Despite the circumstances, she persisted. The release of 2017’s “Praying” marked a change in her music and in the way the case was perceived online. She went on to redefine her sound and left her previous label, giving her true artistic freedom for the first time in her career.

Brendan Fraser

At his peak, no one could’ve predicted his career trajectory. Throughout the 90s and 2000s, Brendan Fraser seemed on top of the world. He had starred in several blockbuster hits and had effectively made his mark on Hollywood. But an alleged sexual assault and other personal woes led to his withdrawal from the limelight due to his mental health. While he continued to act, the projects weren’t as successful as his previous work. Things finally turned around for him in the 2020s. His leading role in Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale.” was met with widespread acclaim, and earned him his first Academy Award. After that, the Brenaissance was in full effect.

Vanessa Williams

To achieve something so great, only to have it ripped away afterwards, is nothing short of devastating. Vanessa Williams made history as the first Black woman to win the Miss America title in 1983, paving the way for future generations. But she was later pressured into giving up the hard-earned title after intimate photos of her were released without her consent. Although it wasn’t her fault, the damage was done. While the experience could’ve ended her career, it was clear she wasn’t ready to give up. She pivoted to music, television, and film, leading to chart success and several Emmy nominations for her role in “Ugly Betty.” And after thirty-two years, she finally received a long overdue public apology in 2015.

Robert Downey Jr.

This actor’s career really came full circle. Robert Downey Jr. was no stranger to critical success. His initial run in the 1980s and 90s had a fair share of hits, and he even received an Oscar nomination for his work in 1992’s “Chaplin.” Unfortunately, a downward spiral would culminate in several drug-related arrests and even time served in prison. He suffered professional ramifications as a result, as people were wary to work with him. After seeing some success in smaller films, he struck gold when he was cast as Iron Man. He became the centerpiece of a multi-billion dollar franchise. Things truly came full circle for him in 2024, when he won an Academy Award for “Oppenheimer.”

Which celebrity were you happy to see back in the limelight? Let us know in the comments below.