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Nine TV stars whose film careers never quite took off

From Matt LeBlanc to Tom Selleck, television legends from different eras have hoped their small-screen success would carry over to the big screen, only to face disappointing box office results. Now, as ‘Bridgerton’ star Regé-Jean Page takes his shot, we look back at nine cases that tell a larger story about Hollywood, talent, and luck

Eva Güimil

Mar 28, 2025 - 19:54CET

The foundations of Shondaland, the television empire of the all-powerful Shonda Rhimes, creator of 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Scandal,' were shaken when it was announced that actor Regé-Jean Page would be leaving 'Bridgerton' after its first season. The dashing Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, had become the breakout star of a series that far exceeded expectations. When some publications suggested that Page’s departure was due to “creative differences,” the fury of 'Bridgerton' fans forced Rhimes to clarify that there had been no conflict with the actor, and that the doors of the series were still open for him. Whether or not there were differences, Page was not going to return as a lead in the second season, since each season focuses on a different character. However, he was set to make regular appearances — until he chose to turn down that offer in favor of the Hollywood opportunities calling his name. (In the image, Regé-Jean Page in 2016.)Gary Gershoff (WireImage)

The actor saw the massive surge in popularity that 'Bridgerton' brought him as an opportunity to start at the top, and the industry embraced him. He was touted as the next James Bond (the star poised to rejuvenate the saga after Daniel Craig’s departure), the new Phantom (a project where Val Kilmer had already faltered), and a potential lead in a Marvel film — but none of these prospects came to fruition. Meanwhile, 'Time' named him one of the most influential people of 2021, and his striking face was gracing magazine covers and billboards. The wind was at his back, but just a few years later, he had gone from ubiquitous to the subject of a Reddit thread asking, “Has Regé-Jean Page blown his own career?” Despite his supposedly packed schedule, four years after his stint on Rhimes' series, only two forgettable films have materialized: 'The Gray Man' alongside Ryan Gosling and 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.' Both films had massive budgets, but achieved lackluster box office numbers and received mixed reviews. Now, the actor who once seemed poised to reign in Hollywood is starring in 'Black Bag' under the direction of Steven Soderbergh, alongside Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender. It remains to be seen whether this marks a career comeback or if he will join the long list of TV stars who failed to make a lasting impact in film. (In the picture, Regé-Jean Page in 2025.)Darren Gerrish (WireImage for dunhill)

DAVID DUCHOVNY - When the opportunity to play Agent Mulder on 'The X-Files' arose, David Duchovny wasn’t the least bit interested in working in television. Nor was he particularly drawn to a supernatural series being developed by Fox, a network struggling at the time. “In 1993, there was an elitist division between movie actors and TV actors. And because I was an elitist and thought myself an artist, I was going to do movies. But my manager [Melanie Greene], bless her, said she had a feeling about 'The X-Files.' And that I needed to pay rent.” he later confessed to 'The Hollywood Reporter.' He couldn’t have predicted that Chris Carter’s series would turn him into one of the most recognizable faces on the planet — and a nerdy sex symbol to boot. This unlikely combination didn’t go unnoticed in Hollywood. Duchovny, eager to break into films, began receiving offers and soon announced his desire to leave 'The X-Files,' a decision that ultimately contributed to the show’s premature end. The real heart of the series wasn’t the government conspiracies or the “monster of the week” — it was the undeniable chemistry between Duchovny and his co-star, Gillian Anderson. Duchovny took legal action against Fox, but a settlement was eventually reached outside of court that allowed the actor to leave the series, while still appearing in its final episodes and the subsequent films. (In the picture, David Duchovny in 1992.) Ron Galella, Ltd. (Ron Galella Collection via Getty)

To catch his film debut, you have to be really attentive: he appears briefly in a couple of scenes in 'Working Girl.' His film career didn’t last much longer. 'Kalifornia,' where he shared the screen with Brad Pitt and Juliette Lewis, didn’t receive great reviews, and 'Evolution,' a fun sci-fi comedy designed to dominate the box office, fell flat. In 2007, frustrated by watching his popularity fade, he agreed to star in 'Californication,' claiming that television had changed. The role of Hank Moody earned him a Golden Globe, which he added to the one he had previously won for playing Fox Mulder. Last year, he returned to the big screen with 'What Happens Later,' a nostalgic nod to romantic comedies, where he starred alongside Meg Ryan. However, the television medium he once dismissed in the 1990s has become the platform where he has developed the bulk of his career. That said, he hasn't given up hope for that big role. “If Scorsese calls and says, you know, screw Leonardo DiCaprio, I want to work with you, of course I'm there,” he joked to 'The Guardian.' (In the image, David Duchovny in 2025.)Michael Buckner (Variety via Getty Images)

DAVID CARUSO - Before becoming Horatio Caine, the sunglasses-wearing detective with attitude on 'CSI: Miami,' David Caruso had already enjoyed a successful television career. In the 1980s, he made a name for himself in 'Hill Street Blues,' a role that helped Steven Bochco bring him on for his next project, 'NYPD Blue.' The crime drama quickly became one of the most successful of the early 1990s, but after the first season, Caruso felt it was time to spread his wings. Despite being contractually bound to the show, Caruso tried to get himself fired by antagonizing the rest of the cast and crew. In his memoirs, Bochco referred to the actor's behavior as "cancerous" and revealed that he knew the reasons behind Caruso’s bad attitude. “He never said it to me directly, but the simple truth was, Caruso felt he was too good for television. He wanted to be a movie star. And his plan was to alienate the writers, producers and his fellow castmates in hopes that we would dump him from the show.” To stay on the series, Caruso demanded double his salary, days off, a 40-foot trailer, and private security to protect him from fans. Bochco refused, and Caruso was free to pursue his long-awaited Hollywood career. (In the picture, David Caruso in 'NYPD Blue' in 1993.)ABC Photo Archives (Disney General Entertainment Con)

'NYPD Blue' replaced Caruso with Jimmy Smits, and surprisingly, the ratings didn’t just hold steady — they actually increased. However, Caruso didn't fare as well. He didn’t choose bad projects, but they all failed. His first major role after 'NYPD Blue' paired him with Nicolas Cage in 'Kiss of Death' (1995), a thriller by Barbet Schroeder, where Caruso again showcased his taciturn persona. Unfortunately, the film didn’t fare well at the box office. Things got worse with 'Jade' (1995). The involvement of Joe Eszterhas, the writer behind 'Basic Instinct,' led many to believe Jade would be the next big erotic thriller. This perception was further supported by the casting of Linda Fiorentino, the "femme fatale" of the moment thanks to her role in 'The Last Seduction.' However, 'Jade' only found success at the Razzie Awards. The disaster ruined Caruso’s career and signaled the end of the erotic thriller boom. After a string of disappointments, Caruso returned to television as Horatio Caine in 'CSI: Miami,' the first spin-off of Anthony E. Zuiker and Ann Donahue’s CSI franchise. After the show’s finale in 2012, Caruso opened an art gallery and retired from acting. (In the image, David Caruso in 'CSI: Miami' in 2012.)CBS Photo Archive (CBS via Getty Images)

KATHERINE HEIGL - The endearing Izzie Stevens, played by Katherine Heigl, unexpectedly became a fan favorite on 'Grey’s Anatomy.' A character with a rough childhood, Izzie served as the perfect counterpoint to the often-pouty Meredith Grey. Heigl’s portrayal of Izzie propelled her into the spotlight, making her feel like Hollywood’s next big thing. However, while she became the favorite of viewers, she wasn’t exactly beloved by the show’s crew, who had to contend with her temperament behind the scenes. Her attitude came to the forefront when, after winning an Emmy the previous year, Heigl refused to submit herself for the awards in the fifth season. She claimed that the material written for her character wasn’t up to par. The situation became so difficult to manage that the show’s writers ultimately decided to write a goodbye for Izzie, one that was meant to match the character’s significance to the series. However, Heigl once again demonstrated her complicated nature. As screenwriter Krista Vernoff revealed in 'Vanity Fair,' “there was a resolution to Izzie’s story. We had planned to have her come back for an episode to really properly tie up Izzie and Alex. And I wrote that episode, and it was beautiful. The day before it was supposed to start prepping or shooting, I can’t remember, we got a call that Katie wasn’t coming. Just wasn’t coming.” (In the picture, Katherine Heigl in 2000.)Jim Smeal (Ron Galella Collection via Getty)

Katherine Heigl's stint in romantic comedies, particularly in 'Knocked Up,' can be considered a success, but once again her actions and statements undermined her own work. She openly declared that the film was "sexist" and expressed difficulty enjoying it, which caused tension in Hollywood. To make matters worse, the mannerisms and demands of her manager mother mirrored her own, further complicating her relationships in the industry. Hollywood can often overlook bad behavior from its stars, and Heigl’s massive fan base once allowed her to command $12 million per film. However, after the relative successes of '27 Dresses' and 'The Ugly Truth,' a string of outright failures led to the doors closing on her. In 2013, 'The Hollywood Reporter' ran a scathing headline: "Is there TV life after Katherine Heigl's box-office death?" Forced to return to television, Heigl knocked on Shonda Rhimes' door again, but Rhimes refused to allow her return to 'Grey’s Anatomy.' After this rejection, Heigl attempted to produce her own projects, but failed to recapture the same level of recognition. (In the image, Katherine Heigl in 2024.)Myung J. Chun (Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag)

TOM SELLECK - At 80 years old and still going strong, Tom Selleck and his iconic mustache remain unquestioned pop culture figures. For eight years, he starred as the lead in 'Magnum P.I.,' earning five Emmy nominations and securing a permanent place in the hearts of viewers. While there’s no doubt that Selleck’s career leans heavily toward success, one dark cloud looms: his lack of success in film. This could have been very different had he played Indiana Jones. Selleck was George Lucas' first choice for the role of the adventurous archaeologist. Lucas was so enthusiastic about the actor that he had no issue with Selleck's existing contract with CBS for 'Magnum P.I.' However, CBS refused to compromise, and Selleck missed out on what would have been the role of a lifetime. (In the image, Tom Selleck in 'Magnum P.I' in 1980).Sunset Boulevard (Corbis via Getty Images)

He wasn’t Indiana Jones, a role that catapulted Harrison Ford to stardom, but Tom Selleck did manage to shine in the comedy 'Three Men and a Baby,' which he was able to juggle alongside his 'Magnum P.I.' commitments. However, after the detective procedural wrapped, all his attempts to make a lasting impact in cinema fell short. His greatest film success came in a supporting role without his iconic mustache in 'In & Out,' where he played a gay journalist who falls in love with Kevin Kline. This role allowed him to showcase his sharp comedic timing once again. He proved it once more in 'Friends' as Richard Burke, Monica's slightly older boyfriend, who became one of the series’ most beloved characters. His most recent triumph came with 'Blue Bloods,' the police family drama where he portrayed the patriarch. The series concluded last year after almost 300 episodes. (In the picture, Tom Selleck in 'Blue Bloods' in 2024).CBS Photo Archive (CBS via Getty Images)

CLAIRE DANES - Success came to Claire Danes through her portrayal of Angela Chase in 'My So-Called Life' (1994), an iconic ode to teenage angst. Despite only lasting 19 episodes, the series became a cult classic, earning Danes a Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination. Although it was not popular with audiences, critics lauded the show — 'The Guardian' claimed it "rewrote television's rules, breaking down conventions and giving teens an authentic voice.” With only one season, Danes was transformed into Hollywood's best-kept secret at just 15 years old. Aware of the immense expectations, Danes' parents pushed for her to leave the series, arguing that she should focus on her education. However, when the show was canceled — deemed unfeasible without its star — Danes transitioned into the film world, landing the lead role in 'Romeo + Juliet' directed by Baz Luhrmann. (In the picture, Claire Danes in 1994).Mark Seliger (Disney General Entertainment Con)

We had seen her as Beth March in the Winona Ryder-led 'Little Women,' but it was her role in Baz Luhrmann's revision of 'Romeo + Juliet' that made the director declare Claire Danes as “the Meryl Streep of her generation.” However, after the failure of 'Les Misérables' — a film she starred in alongside Liam Neeson and Uma Thurman — and a bad experience in Manila while filming 'Brokedown Palace' (which ended with the Philippine government banning her films after she commented that Manila “smelled like cockroaches”), she temporarily stepped away from the screen. Danes took time off to attend Yale, and upon her return, she shifted to television. She won an Emmy for her role in 'Temple Grandin' and two more for her commanding performance in 'Homeland.' She has since attached her name to quality series such as 'Full Circle' and 'Fleishman Is in Trouble.' (In the picture, Claire Danes in 2025). WWD (WWD via Getty Images)

TAYLOR KITSCH - His magnetic portrayal of Tim Riggins was one of the pillars of 'Friday Night Lights,' a cornerstone of American sports television. Producer Peter Berg was immediately captivated by his charisma — despite his lack of experience — and fought to cast him, even though Kitsch had auditioned with little expectation. From a childhood marked by hardship, he rose to become one of the most recognizable faces on American television. (In the picture, Taylor Kitsch in 2006).Frank Trapper (Corbis via Getty Images)

“Don't say failure, say Taylor Kitsch” could be his motto. No star has endured more box-office flops and yet been given so many chances for redemption. Accustomed to the naturalistic, improvisational style of 'Friday Night Lights,' Kitsch struggled to adapt to the structured world of big-budget filmmaking. But that wasn’t even the biggest issue with 'John Carter,' one of Disney’s most infamous financial disasters, in which he was the lead. Neither 'Battleship' — the ill-fated adaptation of the board game of the same name, where he starred alongside Rihanna — nor his turn as Gambit in 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' fared any better. After bombing at the box office, his return to television also failed to reignite his career. He was one of the leads in the much-maligned second season of 'True Detective,' portrayed cult leader David Koresh in 'Waco,' and most recently, transformed his image in the brutal 'American Primeval.' A far cry from the heartthrob who once made fans swoon as Dillon Panthers' #33. (In the picture, Taylor Kitsch in 2024).Alberto Rodriguez/GA (The Hollywood Reporter via Getty)

DAN STEVENS - Even considering America’s love affair with British period dramas, no one could have predicted the massive success of 'Downton Abbey.' The series became a national obsession, turning its cast into Hollywood’s newest prospects. No one seemed more poised for silver-screen stardom than Dan Stevens, whose portrayal of the dashing Matthew Crawley — an unlikely heir who wins the heart of Lady Mary — made him a fan favorite. Stevens didn’t resist the allure of Hollywood, despite knowing his departure would deal a heavy blow to the show. Series creator Julian Fellowes pleaded with him to make occasional appearances, but the actor refused, leaving the writers no choice but to kill off Matthew in a devastating Christmas Day tragedy. (In the picture, Dan Stevens in 2009).Sean Gallup (Getty Images)

Landing the role of the Beast in Disney’s blockbuster live-action 'Beauty and the Beast' seemed to justify Stevens’ departure from 'Downton Abbey.' However, when your biggest hit is a film where your face is barely seen, it’s hard to measure your true box-office appeal. Post-'Beauty and the Beast,' none of his projects made much of a splash — except for his return to television in 'Legion.' Today, Stevens remains active in Hollywood, but his star power has faded. The fact that one of his upcoming films is still referred to as 'Untitled Lily James Project' speaks volumes about his current standing in the industry. (In the image, Dan Stevens in 2025)Jamie McCarthy (WireImage)

MATT LEBLANC - Matt LeBlanc's trajectory is similar to that of most of the 'Friends' cast, with the exception of Jennifer Aniston, the only one who successfully built a film career and distanced herself from her role in the series. However, the failure of the actor who played the naïve and giddy Joey Tribbiani on the big screen is perhaps the most puzzling, as he seemed to have an advantage with a physique suited for romantic or action roles. (In the picture, Matt LeBlanc in 'Friends' in 1994).NBC (NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Expectations were high, but the results fell short. Neither the sports comedy 'Ed' nor 'Lost in Space,' a film adaptation of the hit series in which he starred alongside legends like Gary Oldman and William Hurt, succeeded at the box office. His appearances in the two 'Charlie's Angels' films were also unremarkable. His return to television with 'Joey,' the only 'Friends' spin-off, failed to replicate the success of the original series and was canceled after two seasons. He found more success playing a fictionalized version of himself in 'Episodes,' earning four Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe. (In the picture, Matt LeBlanc in 2020).NBC (Adam Christopher/NBCUniversal vi)