Top 10 Celebrities Who Broke Down on Camera
Sometimes fame gets to these celebrities heads and we can't blame them! These celebrities broke down on camera and we have to say we can't blame them! Celebs like Tracy Morgan, Lindsay Lohan, Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, Michael Jordan and Jimmy Kimmel have all teared up on camera.
With the cameras rolling, these celebrities could not contain their emotions. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Celebrities Who Broke Down on Camera.
For this list, we’re focusing on celebrities that teared up on camera, and not because they were happy.
#10: Tracy Morgan
One year after a traffic accident that nearly took his life, this comedian made an emotional appearance on NBC’s “Today” show. Early on, Tracy Morgan tears up while speaking about James McNair, a friend and fellow comic that was killed in the six-vehicle crash. His lawyer appears with him for assistance, and Tracy become more emotional when reminded of his nurse Jackie. Although Tracy is know for performing on camera, this interview shows his human side as he offers thanks and love for his supporters.
#9: Katy Perry
In 2017, Katy Perry live streamed her life for 96 hours. During the event, she broke down while speaking with Dr. Siri Sat Nam Singh. Katy reveals a vulnerable side, as she reflects on her public image and the emotions that she feels as herself, Katherine Hudson. Katy not only acknowledges her past suicidal thoughts, but also that she felt ashamed for even feeling that way. This raw, emotional moment offers insight into her life, yet it was still shocking for many as this was a Katy that hadn’t been seen before.
#8: Rihanna
In a heart-felt interview with Oprah Winfrey, this pop star recounts a painful experience that was highly publicized. In 2012, three years after her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown physically assaulted her, Rihanna forgives him – but that’s not what makes her tear up. She breaks down while reflecting on her childhood and her relationship with her father, which is connected to her feelings on being loved as a woman. In the conversation, Oprah makes the connection between the past and present, while Rihanna opens up about finding peace and clarity.
#7: Anderson Cooper
On June 12, 2016, 49 people were killed and 58 others were injured at Orlando’s “Pulse” nightclub. Less than 48 hours later, CNN’s Anderson Cooper paid tribute to the victims, as he somberly reflected on the lives of the 48 identified victims. The segment itself put faces to the names, while Anderson’s demeanor adds to its poignancy. His voice often breaks while reading off-camera, and near the end, Cooper is visibly shaken, but still maintains his composure to finish off the moving tribute.
#6: Lindsay Lohan
In 2010, this former shining star wound up in court, again, after violating her probation. This time, Lindsay Lohan would be facing more than just an 84-minute prison stint, and she wells up after some harsh words from the California judge. Lindsay tries to explain her actions and her respect for the court system, all the while holding back her tears. She’s in for a big surprise, as the verdict is read and the actress tearfully reacts to the specifics, including three months in prison and a three-month substance abuse in-patient program.
#5: Kim Kardashian
Before tying the knot with Kanye West, this reality icon was married to NBA player Kris Humphries. On the season finale of “Kourtney and Kim Take New York,” it’s clear that their lifestyles and personalities have caused major friction, as evidenced by Kim’s emotional breakdown. Scott Disick seems surprised by the reveal, while Kourtney watches in silence. Kim seems ready to move on, and her sister pushes to her to act rather than stress herself out even more. It’s a surprisingly honest moment from someone who once bawled over the loss of a diamond earring.
#4: Justin Bieber
At the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, it was all business for this pop star, at least during his medley performance. Immediately afterwards, Justin Bieber needs a moment to collect himself, only that doesn’t happen as he tears up and cries on stage. After some personal turmoil and even a few brushes with the law, this cathartic moment marks Bieber’s comeback – and despite all the cameras and celebrities, he’s clearly caught up in his own emotions. It’s easy to forget that underneath all the glam and superstardom, Justin’s still just a young man, and this moment serves as a reminder of that fact.
#3: Michael Jordan
This NBA legend’s tears inspired one of the internet’s most famous memes. At the 2009 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Michael Jordan creates a moment before he even speaks. In the speech, MJ details the drive and commitment that took him to the top, and all the trials and tribulations he overcame. While old school fans may remember the words, it’s the tears that affected internet culture, perhaps taking away from the moment itself. Still, at least the meme allowed Michael Jordan to gain a new generation of fans.
#2: Britney Spears
In 2003, this superstar spoke with ABC’s Diane Sawyer about the good times and the bad times. At first, Britney Spears seems like she’s just reflecting on the past, but her memories quickly overwhelm her and lead her to tears. She tries to laugh it off, but each second become more emotional until she begins legitimately sobbing. Sawyer has a way of pressing certain buttons, and her line of questioning leads Britney to look inward even more, as she’s faced with the past and the image that she presented to fans. In this moment, she’s genuine and vulnerable, showing a side the world hadn’t seen before.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Lady Gaga
LeBron James
Ellen DeGeneres
#1: Jimmy Kimmel
In 2015, this late night talk show got emotional while speaking about the late Cecil the Lion. But the tears were personal in 2017, when Jimmy Kimmel began his monologue by sharing details about his second son’s birth. From the start, his voice shakes while thinking about the event, and Jimmy ultimately reveals that young Billy had open-heart surgery at only three days old. Talk show hosts bring joy into viewers’ lives, often during troubling times. But with this moment, Jimmy invites viewers into his own life for a transparent monologue moment that is full of happiness, sadness and hope for the future.
