TV Actors Who Disliked Their Iconic Roles

The most beloved TV shows owe much of their success to unforgettable characters brought to life by talented actors. These actors pour their heart and soul into their roles, making audiences laugh, cry, and root for them. However, not all actors have a rosy relationship with their iconic roles. Following Kate Jackson’s claim to Yahoo News that playing Sabrina Duncan in “Charlie’s Angels” was “killing” her personal life, fans have started to discuss other TV actors who disliked their famous roles. In this article, we explore the stories of these TV actors who, despite their success, had complex relationships with the characters that made them household names.

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TV Actors Who Disliked Iconic Roles: A Deep Dive

Fans are often surprised to learn that some of their favorite TV actors who disliked iconic roles struggled behind the scenes. The reasons range from personal grievances to professional disagreements, and in some cases, the roles had a profound impact on their mental well-being.

Robert Pattinson: Distancing from Edward Cullen in “Twilight”

Overview of “Twilight”

“Twilight” is a supernatural drama series that revolves around the romance between a teenage girl, Bella Swan, and a vampire, Edward Cullen.

Release Date: October 5, 2005
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Peter Facinelli
Seasons: 5 (film series)
Network: N/A (Film series)

Robert Pattinson’s Discontent with Edward Cullen

Robert Pattinson, who played Edward Cullen, has been openly critical of both his character and the “Twilight” series as a whole. He found Edward’s personality and romantic obsession with Bella to be strange and unsettling. Pattinson has even mentioned in interviews that he was often at odds with how the character was portrayed, feeling that Edward’s behavior was far from normal and often mockingly referred to him as a “weird character” .

Jason Segel: Frustrated with Marshall Eriksen in “How I Met Your Mother”

Overview of “How I Met Your Mother”

“How I Met Your Mother” is a sitcom that follows the main character, Ted Mosby, as he recounts to his children the events leading up to how he met their mother.

Release Date: September 19, 2005
Cast: Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris, Alyson Hannigan
Seasons: 9
Network: CBS

Jason Segel’s Frustration with Marshall Eriksen

Jason Segel, who played Marshall Eriksen, expressed his dissatisfaction with being typecast and playing the same character for nearly a decade. He felt that the role limited his opportunities to take on more serious and diverse acting projects. Segel was eager to explore other genres and was frustrated with the repetitive nature of sitcom work .

Angus T. Jones: Criticizing Jake Harper’s Morals in “Two and a Half Men”

Overview of “Two and a Half Men”

“Two and a Half Men” is a sitcom that centers on the lives of a jingle writer, his uptight brother, and the brother’s son.

Release Date: September 22, 2003
Cast: Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones, Ashton Kutcher
Seasons: 12
Network: CBS

Angus T. Jones’s Critique of Jake Harper

Angus T. Jones, who played Jake Harper, publicly criticized “Two and a Half Men” for its moral content. As he grew older and his religious beliefs deepened, Jones found the show’s humor and storylines to be inconsistent with his values. He famously referred to the show as “filth” and urged viewers to stop watching it, eventually leaving the series due to these irreconcilable differences .

Shelley Long: Disenchanted with Diane Chambers in “Cheers”

Overview of “Cheers”

“Cheers” is a sitcom set in a Boston bar, focusing on the lives of the bar’s patrons and staff.

Release Date: September 30, 1982
Cast: Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt
Seasons: 11
Network: NBC

Shelley Long’s Disenchantment with Diane Chambers

Shelley Long played the intellectual and often pretentious waitress Diane Chambers. Despite the critical acclaim, Long grew weary of the character and the sitcom format. She left “Cheers” after five seasons, feeling that her character’s development was stagnant and that she needed to pursue other creative opportunities. Long also had reported tension with her co-stars, which contributed to her decision to leave .

Roger Lloyd Pack: Frustrated with Trigger from “Only Fools And Horses”

Overview of “Only Fools And Horses”

“Only Fools And Horses” is a classic British sitcom that follows the lives of two brothers, Del Boy and Rodney Trotter, as they attempt to become millionaires through various schemes in Peckham, London. The show is known for its humor, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable characters.

Release Date: September 8, 1981
Cast: David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Lennard Pearce, Buster Merryfield, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong, Roger Lloyd-Pack, John Challis
Seasons: 7
Network: BBC One

Roger Lloyd Pack’s Struggles with Trigger

Roger Lloyd Pack played Trigger, a dim-witted but lovable character in “Only Fools And Horses.” Despite the character’s popularity, Lloyd Pack found the role frustrating. He often felt pigeonholed and was annoyed when fans compared him to Trigger in real life. His co-star, John Challis, mentioned that Lloyd Pack tried to “live down the Trigger thing” because he was vastly different from his character, being highly intelligent and knowledgeable .

Jonathan Bailey: Disliking Olly from “Broadchurch”

Overview of “Broadchurch”

“Broadchurch” is a gripping British crime drama centered around the murder of a young boy in a small coastal town and the ensuing media frenzy that threatens to tear the community apart.

Release Date: March 4, 2013
Cast: David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Jonathan Bailey, Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Seasons: 3
Network: ITV

Jonathan Bailey’s Discontent with Olly Stevens

Jonathan Bailey portrayed Olly Stevens, a journalist whose methods and impatience made him deeply unlikable. Bailey has expressed his disdain for Olly’s character, criticizing his impatient attitude and unscrupulous behavior. He felt that Olly “represents a generation where everything is immediate,” which clashed with Bailey’s own values and made the role less enjoyable .

Jenny Ortega: Disagreeing with Wednesday Addams’ Characterization in “Wednesday”

Overview of “Wednesday”

“Wednesday” follows the iconic character Wednesday Addams during her years at Nevermore Academy as she attempts to master her psychic abilities, thwart a killing spree, and solve a mystery involving her parents.

Release Date: November 23, 2022
Cast: Jenny Ortega, Hunter Doohan, Percy Hynes White, Christina Ricci
Seasons: 2
Network: Netflix

Jenny Ortega’s Issues with Wednesday Addams

Jenny Ortega brought a unique charm to the character of Wednesday Addams but had significant disagreements with the show’s writers over her character’s development. Ortega refused to perform certain lines, clashing with the writers over how they depicted Wednesday. She found the love triangle storyline involving Wednesday nonsensical and felt frustrated by the creative direction of the show .

Alexander Siddig: Disappointed with Ra’s Al Ghul in “Gotham”

Overview of “Gotham”

“Gotham” explores the origins of Commissioner James Gordon and the villains that made Gotham City notorious, focusing on the period before Batman’s emergence.

Release Date: September 22, 2014
Cast: Ben McKenzie, Jada Pinkett Smith, Donal Logue, Alexander Siddig
Seasons: 5
Network: Fox

Alexander Siddig’s Displeasure with Ra’s Al Ghul’s Portrayal

Alexander Siddig played the iconic villain Ra’s Al Ghul in “Gotham.” Despite his powerful performance, Siddig was dissatisfied with how the character was written. He believed that the portrayal did not align with his vision of Ra’s Al Ghul and was disappointed with the creative direction. Siddig praised his co-stars but felt let down by the writing .

Kristen Kreuk: Hating Lana Lang’s Love Triangles in “Smallville”

Overview of “Smallville”

“Smallville” chronicles the early life of Clark Kent, focusing on his journey to becoming Superman while navigating the challenges of adolescence and his evolving powers.

Release Date: October 16, 2001
Cast: Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, Michael Rosenbaum, Allison Mack, Erica Durance
Seasons: 10
Network: The WB

Kristen Kreuk’s Frustration with Lana Lang

Kristen Kreuk played Lana Lang, the girl-next-door and one of Clark Kent’s primary love interests. Kreuk was unhappy with how her character was often entangled in convoluted love triangles. She found the romantic storylines frustrating and clashed with the show’s creative team over her character’s development. Kreuk specifically disliked the “Thirst” episode and felt that Lana’s portrayal was at times “stupid” .

Ed Harris: Disillusioned with William in “Westworld”

Overview of “Westworld”

“Westworld” is a complex sci-fi series that explores the intersections of the near future and reimagined past, focusing on a theme park where guests can indulge their fantasies with lifelike robots.

Release Date: October 2, 2016
Cast: Evan Rachel Wood, Thandiwe Newton, Jeffrey Wright, James Marsden, Ed Harris
Seasons: 4
Network: HBO

Ed Harris’s Disenchantment with William

Ed Harris’s portrayal of the Man in Black, William, in “Westworld” is one of the show’s standout performances. However, Harris grew disenchanted with the direction his character took, especially in the third season when William was committed to a mental institution. Harris was frustrated with this plotline, feeling it deviated from his expectations of the role. He admitted that by the end, he was merely following the script without much creative input, which was disheartening for him .

Gillian Anderson: Criticizing Scully’s Sexist Writing in “The X-Files”

Overview of “The X-Files”

“The X-Files” follows FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate unsolved paranormal cases, blending science fiction, horror, and conspiracy theories.

Release Date: September 10, 1993
Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, William B. Davis
Seasons: 11
Network: Fox

Gillian Anderson’s Issues with Scully’s Characterization

Gillian Anderson’s portrayal of Dana Scully in “The X-Files” is iconic, but Anderson has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with how Scully was often written. She criticized the show’s tendency to have Scully follow Mulder’s lead, reinforcing sexist gender roles. Anderson also disliked the storyline in Season 11 where Scully reveals she is pregnant with Mulder’s child, calling it a “tired idea” that undermined her character’s independence .

Ruby Rose: Discontent with Kate Kane’s Treatment in “Batwoman”

Overview of “Batwoman”

“Batwoman” follows Kate Kane as she takes up the mantle of Batwoman to protect Gotham City in the absence of her cousin, Batman.

Release Date: October 6, 2019
Cast: Ruby Rose, Javicia Leslie, Dougray Scott, Rachel Skarsten
Seasons: 3
Network: The CW

Ruby Rose’s Complaints about Kate Kane’s Role

Ruby Rose played the titular role in “Batwoman” but left the series after its first season, citing numerous backstage issues. She criticized the studio for how they handled her injury recovery and claimed that the experience was marred by poor treatment and rushed timelines. Rose publicly stated that the studio “ruined Kate Kane” and made it clear she had no intention of returning to the role .

Rowan Atkinson: Exhausted by Mr. Bean’s Popularity

Overview of “Mr. Bean”

“Mr. Bean” is a British comedy series featuring the bumbling antics of the titular character as he navigates everyday situations in hilarious and often absurd ways.

Release Date: January 1, 1990
Cast: Rowan Atkinson
Seasons: 1 (14 episodes) plus additional films and specials
Network: ITV

Rowan Atkinson’s Exhaustion with Mr. Bean

Rowan Atkinson’s portrayal of Mr. Bean is globally adored, but Atkinson himself grew tired of the character. He expressed frustration with the intense popularity of Mr. Bean, finding the physical comedy and relentless nature of the character exhausting. Atkinson has stated that playing Mr. Bean for extended periods is “stressful and exhausting,” and he has made it clear that he has moved on from the role .

Mandy Patinkin: Frustrated with Jason Gideon in “Criminal Minds”

Overview of “Criminal Minds”

“Criminal Minds” is a crime drama series that follows a team of FBI profilers who analyze the country’s most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again.

Release Date: September 22, 2005
Cast: Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Gibson, Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook
Seasons: 15
Network: CBS

Mandy Patinkin’s Frustration with Jason Gideon

Mandy Patinkin, who played Jason Gideon, left “Criminal Minds” after just two seasons, citing the show’s violent content as the primary reason. In interviews, Patinkin has described his role on the series as one of the biggest public mistakes he ever made. He found the constant depiction of violence and the dark subject matter too disturbing, which took a toll on his mental health. His departure was abrupt, and he has since expressed regret over joining the show in the first place .

Shannen Doherty: Clashed Over Brenda Walsh in “Beverly Hills, 90210”

Overview of “Beverly Hills, 90210”

“Beverly Hills, 90210” is a teen drama that follows the lives of a group of friends living in the upscale, star-studded community of Beverly Hills.

Release Date: October 4, 1990
Cast: Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Luke Perry
Seasons: 10
Network: Fox

Shannen Doherty’s Clashes Over Brenda Walsh

Shannen Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh, was a central character on “Beverly Hills, 90210” but left the show after four seasons due to numerous conflicts. Doherty’s departure was reportedly due to her difficult behavior on set and frequent clashes with co-stars and producers. She has acknowledged that her time on the show was tumultuous and that her behavior at the time was problematic. Despite the show’s success, her off-screen issues overshadowed her performance .

Charlie Sheen: Public Meltdown Over Charlie Harper in “Two and a Half Men”

Overview of “Two and a Half Men”

“Two and a Half Men” is a sitcom that centers on the lives of a jingle writer, his uptight brother, and the brother’s son.

Release Date: September 22, 2003
Cast: Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones, Ashton Kutcher
Seasons: 12
Network: CBS

Charlie Sheen’s Public Meltdown Over Charlie Harper

Charlie Sheen, who played Charlie Harper, was one of the highest-paid actors on television during his time on “Two and a Half Men.” However, his tenure on the show ended in a highly publicized meltdown. Sheen’s erratic behavior, substance abuse issues, and public feuds with the show’s creator, Chuck Lorre, led to his dismissal from the series. Despite the character’s popularity, Sheen’s off-screen antics and personal problems overshadowed his professional success .

Mischa Barton: Unhappy with Marissa Cooper’s Arc in “The O.C.”

Overview of “The O.C.”

“The O.C.” is a teen drama series that follows a troubled youth who becomes entangled in the lives of a group of friends in the affluent community of Orange County, California.

Release Date: August 5, 2003
Cast: Ben McKenzie, Mischa Barton, Adam Brody, Rachel Bilson, Peter Gallagher
Seasons: 4
Network: Fox

Mischa Barton’s Unhappiness with Marissa Cooper

Mischa Barton, who played Marissa Cooper, was a key character on “The O.C.” However, Barton has expressed dissatisfaction with how her character was written and the overall direction of the show. She felt that Marissa’s storylines became increasingly negative and dark, which affected her enjoyment of the role. Barton’s character was ultimately killed off in the third season, a decision she has supported, as it allowed her to pursue other opportunities and escape the show’s intense environment .

David Caruso: Regretted Leaving John Kelly in “NYPD Blue”

Overview of “NYPD Blue”

“NYPD Blue” is a police procedural drama that focuses on the personal and professional lives of the detectives of the New York City Police Department’s 15th Precinct.

Release Date: September 21, 1993
Cast: Dennis Franz, David Caruso, James McDaniel, Sherry Stringfield, Amy Brenneman
Seasons: 12
Network: ABC

David Caruso’s Regret Over Leaving John Kelly

David Caruso, who played Detective John Kelly, left “NYPD Blue” after the first season, believing that his success on the show would quickly translate into a thriving film career. However, his departure from the series was premature, and his subsequent movie career did not take off as he had hoped. Caruso has since expressed regret over leaving “NYPD Blue,” acknowledging that he underestimated the role’s importance and the show’s impact. His departure remains a cautionary tale about the risks of leaving a successful TV role too soon .

Conclusion

While TV actors often become synonymous with their characters, their personal experiences can be vastly different from what fans imagine. These actors who disliked iconic roles provide a glimpse into the complexities behind the scenes