You’d think that watching your own work would come with the territory for actors but that’s not always the case. While some actors are really into the movies and TV shows they’ve appeared in, many actors can’t stand to see themselves on the big screen. In fact, many of the world’s A-list talents have not seen their biggest, most critically-acclaimed performances. Huge, legendary talents like Tom Hanks and Maggie Smith have never seen their most cherished performances!
What actors hate watching themselves perform? We decided to round up a list of the thespians who aren’t the least bit interested in watching their previous performances for you to get a better idea of just how many entertainers take a done and dusted approach to their craft. You’re not going to believe the huge stars who refuse to watch themselves on screen. Discover them below.
These A-List Actors Don’t Like to See Themselves on Screen!
Joaquin Phoenix
Academy Award-winning superstar Joaquin Phoenix has only managed to watch a couple of his movies. Director Paul Thomas Anderson convinced the actor to watch The Master and Phoenix said that he’s also seen Her. “Those are the only two I’ve seen,” he explained of the films. He’s one of the most decorated actors of his generation and it is absolutely wild that he has only seen two of his performances. He’s starred in over fifty films!
Angelina Jolie
For acting icon Angelina Jolie, some movies are too personal and others she feels removed from enough to watch. Depending on how she feels about a certain role determines whether or not she’ll even watch the movie. For instance, Jolie said that she had never seen her film Wanted. “I heard it was fun,” she told MTV. “I feel like I did something right if I can watch something and feel removed enough.”
“I never like to watch myself ever,” she also told the outlet. An exception was made for her film Changeling which is one of the few she has seen.
Jared Leto
Oscar-winning actor, Jared Leto is not a fan of watching his own work. For instance, he never has seen Dallas Buyer’s Club, the movie for which he won the Oscar! “I can’t hear that voice!” he said of the character Rayon who he portrayed. “I’ve never really heard very much of it and I’ve never watched the film. It can never live up to the expectations I would have of it now because it was such a beautiful experience, and the response that it got was really wonderful.”
Ellen Pompeo
Ellen Pompeo has not seen most of Grey’s Anatomy. “I haven’t really seen most of them; I’ve watched only a handful,” she explained on her podcast. “The few times I’ve directed, I went back and watched some old episodes.” In an interview with Insider, she said she’d only seen “six or seven” episodes, all of them post-Season 10. Considering that she’s won multiple awards for her performance, it’s wild that she’s never gone back to revel in her killer performances. She’s not the only Grey’s Anatomy star who doesn’t watch the show. Keep reading to find out who!
Matthew Fox
Lost star, Matthew Fox has never seen an episode of the hit TV series despite being in six seasons of the show. He revealed his lack of interest in the show during an Emmy roundtable discussion in 2010. He explained that he liked getting the story from the script rather than seeing it live. Do you think he’s missing out?
Naveen Andrews
Do you know which actor has also never seen an episode of Lost? Star Naveen Andrews, who played Sayid, says he read the scripts but did not take time to watch the series. “I shot the show, and obviously, you see what you shot when you do ADR, of course,” he revealed. “I mean, you read the scripts, but I never actually sat down and watched the show.” He hasn’t but he refused to say “never.” He shared that he might give the show a shot in 20 years.
Tom Hanks
As promised, Tom Hanks is not a fan of his own movies. He put it rather plainly, “I don’t watch my own performances, who does that?” he once commented. He shared that the only times he’s seen any of his movies were for premiers. Considering the actor has been in some of the biggest films in a generation, it’s pretty mind-blowing that he won’t watch the cultural touchstones that he is in.
Rupert Grint
Another actor who has only seen any of his movies because of “premier pressure,” we’ll call it, is Harry Potter star, Rupert Grint. He said of the Harry Potter movies he’s starred in, “I’ve probably seen the first three at the premieres, but after that, I stopped watching them.” In fact, he told Buzzfeed, that he only watched the first film in full. He said that he hates watching himself on screen, but he was “far enough removed” that he might be able to give it shot.
Kit Harington
Game of Thrones made actor Kit Harington an international superstar. You would think he would give the vehicle that catapulted him to fame some love, but he’s never seen any of the episodes from the series’ final season. It was a controversial one, with many fans calling for the ending to be re-done completely. When asked how he felt about the show’s end, he said he didn’t watch the final season and therefore has no opinion about it.
Connie Britton
Connie Britton was one of the very best parts of American Horror Story‘s first season. If you were too frightened to continue watching that first season, you were not alone. Britton explained to Vulture that she was “too scared” to watch most of the episodes. She saw so little of the show that when it was time for her to submit an episode for Emmy consideration, she had to reach out to the producers of the show to figure out which one to send.
Jesse Eisenberg
Jesse Eisenberg, actor in such films as The Social Network, Zombieland, and Justice League, is not really into watching his movies at all. “I really like thinking that you’re working in this bubble, and I can experience these personal emotions without thinking that it’s going to be scrutinized by, in some cases, a lot of people. In some cases, a small group of people. To take that burden off yourself of thinking about how it’s going to be perceived by other people or myself has kind of made me feel that much more comfortable,” he explained to Insider why he doesn’t watch his work.
Maggie Smith
British National Treasure, Maggie Smith, admitted to not seeing a single episode of Downton Abbey in 2013. She explained that she did not want to watch her performance, “Because it’s frustrating. I always see things that I would like to do differently and think, Oh, why in the name of God did I do that?” Very well!
Constance Wu
Actor Constance Wu said she stopped watching her performances after seeing Crazy Rich Asians. Nope, she has not seen Hustlers! She explained on Live with Kelly and Ryan that she no longer watches her performances because she is too self-critical and does not want to dwell on the past. Who else can relate?
James Van Der Beek
Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek never finished watching Dawson’s Creek even though he put the Dawson in Dawson’s Creek. Yes, and he has no desire whatsoever to returning to the show if a reboot should be pitched. While he hasn’t voiced regret over the role it sure seems like he was not a fan of the show that made him a household name.
Busy Philipps
What other Dawson’s Creek actor hasn’t seen the show? One of our favorite celebrity moms, Busy Philipps, has little to no interest in watching the show. “I didn’t watch it before I was on the show, and I barely watched it after I was on the show, so I don’t have the same connection that other people have to it,” she explained in an interview with Porter Edit. There’s not a lot of love out there for that poor, old creek.
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Nicole Kidman
Oscar-winning actor Nicole Kidman has only seen two (yes, just two out of the 90 titles she’s appeared in). While she has seen Moulin Rouge! and Australia, she has never seen one of her most celebrated performances as Virginia Wolfe in The Hours. Her performance in the film won her the Oscar but she’s not interested to see the movie. She said of sitting through Australia at a premier that she “squirmed” in her seat as she watched her performance.
Johnny Depp
Veteran actor Johnny Depp admitted to never seeing Edward Scissorhands or his performances in any Tim Burton-directed movies. In an interview for Jimmy Kimmel Live, the actor was asked by an audience member what he thought of his performance as Scissorhands. “I’m not sure I saw that film, to be honest with you,” he revealed. When asked if he’s seen any Tim Burton movies, he said, “The ones that I wasn’t in.”
Eric Dane
Remember how we told you Ellen Pompeo was not the only Grey’s Anatomy actor to never watch the show? Eric Dane has never watched Grey’s. In an interview with Extra, the actor admitted to never watching the show, saying he was “there when it happened.” Points were made!
Ravi Patel
One of Grey’s Anatomy‘s very best guest stars, Ravi Patel, has also never seen an episode of the show! “Oh man, I’ve had so many people get excited about that show,” he shared with Zoom Digital. “This is so embarrassing, but I’ve never actually seen an episode of the show, not even the ones I’m in.” What’s with the Grey’s Anatomy cast?
Andrew Lincoln
Despite being the breakout star of The Walking Dead, Andrew Lincoln has never seen an episode of the mega-hit of a show. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actor explained that watching himself on screen makes him feel self-concious. “That defeats the object of what I want to do as an actor, which is to try and be in the role,” he told the outlet. “I just want to leave myself alone as much as I can. It breaks the spell; it breaks the magic somewhat.”
Emma Stone
One of the brightest stars working today, Emma Stone, really dislikes watching her own performances. In a conversation with Timothée Chalamet, as part of a Variety’s Actors on Actors interview, Stone explained that she once tried to watch her first starring role, Easy A. “I’ve seen some scenes,” she admitted. “But I went to a friends and family screening to see it, and I had to get up and walk out. Who wants to watch themselves for that long?”
Adam Driver
Adam Driver is an A-list performer today but before he appeared in blockbuster movies, he got his first big role on HBO’s Girls. He told Vulture that he’d watched the pilot for the show but after seeing it, he realized. he couldn’t continue. “I haven’t watched the show. I saw the pilot, and I learned my lesson. I can’t help but see the mistakes,” he said. He miseed a lot! He appeared in 48 episodes of the show.
Daniel Day-Lewis
One of our generations finest actors, Daniel Day-Lewis will watch some of his movies but not most. In fact, he did not see 2017’s Phantom Thread which he said would be his final acting role. You’d think that he might want to see that last swan song but nope!
Cara Delevingne
Actor and model Cara Delevingne learned early on that watching her own performances was not the right move for her. Shortly after appearing in her first role in the anthology series, Timeless, she tried to watch the movie but simply couldn’t do it. “I couldn’t hear it, see it; it was horrible,” she told Metro. “It’s the same with my modeling photos as well. I’m very critical of myself but then you’ve always got to improve, so I think it’s a good thing.”
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Jodie Sweetin
Full House actor, Jodie Sweetin, has never seen a full episode of the sit-com that made her a star. “I have to be honest,” she said at a PaleyFest panel. “I don’t know that I’ve ever watched an entire episode of Full House. Not sat down for an entire episode.” And, you know how we know that’s not changing anytime soon? Sweetin does not even own a television. How rude!
There you go! Did any of these actors suprise you? We kind of understand why some would not like to watch their own performances as most of us can’t stand the sound of our own voices. If you liked this list, how about looking at some of the worst celebrity hairstyles of years past? You know you want to! Keep reading for more celebrity goodness.
Natalie Dormer
Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer turned heads when she shaved half of her’s. She shaved half her head to play the character Cressida in The Hunger Games. She said she would have shaved her whole head to get the part and, somehow, we think that would look better.
Harry Styles
This photo was not taken of musician Harry Styles standing in the wind. Nary a gust or gale can be blamed for this terrible celebrity hairstyle. He or someone on his team wanted it like that. You live and you learn!
Iggy Azalea
Musician Iggy Azalea showed up to the Grammy Awards with this on her head in 2015. While we love almost any sort of braided thing, this is not a look we felt great about.
Vince Vaughn
Actor Vince Vaughn debuted this look in 2018 at the Venice Film Festival. Keep this image in the back of your mind as you scroll through this list to compare what women go through before getting ready for a red carpet event and how this man named Vince showed up.
Helena Bonham Carter
It was not the 1980s when actor Helena Bonham Carter posed for photos looking like this in 2011. We actually love this whole vibe. If you’re going to rock bad hair, at least make it part of a larger narrative.
Dominic Monaghan
Star of Lost and Lord of the Rings, Dominic Monaghan used to have hair like this in 2004. May the year rest in peace. What was he thinking?
Victoria Beckham
Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham started a bob trend that would just not die. This look from 2007 spawned a million bobs. We think Victoria is the queen of the bob, but with the aggressive bang here, it’s not her finest bob-work.
David Beckham
While we’re talking Beckhams, let’s not forget David Beckham’s many hair mishaps. David had hair like this just ten years ago. He’s also had a mini man-bun and cornrows. His hair looks like a There’s Something About Mary sequel we never wanted or asked for.
Kaley Cuoco
Actor Kaley Cuoco took helmet hair to a whole new level in 2013. Bowl haircuts will probably always be with us because they’re an inexpensive way to get an even cut. Kaley has a team of professionals styling and advising her and they landed on this.
Justin Timberlake
Baby Justin Timberlake really messed things up after getting his hair permed in the late 90s. By 2002, some of the bleach had worn off and we were left with this disaster. Justin’s haircut was so widely criticized that it launched an entire genre of meme called “Justin Timberlake Ramen Noodle Hair.”
Kim Kardashian West
As a society, we are finally having more constructive conversations about cultural appropriation. As that discourse was jumping from college campuses to the mainstream, Kim Kardashian arrived at the MTV Movie Awards in 2018 with cornrows and braids. Not only did this stir that pot, but it also wasn’t that great of a look for the reality star.
Jared Leto
In 2006, Jared Leto sported some pretty sad looking scene hair with a giant streak of red in a back layer. We get that Jared is not just an actor and that he’s also in a band, but this hair doesn’t belong on a red carpet or a concert stage.
Rachel McAdams
Let’s just get real. The early 2000s were not a good time for hair color, and Rachel McAdams walked the red carpet with this on her head in 2007. Rachel is so incredibly talented and it’s such a shame that this really happened.
Russell Brand
Russell Brand’s hair looked like a literal rat’s nest in 2008. Who thought it was appropriate to tease this man’s hair like this? We are so glad this hair is a full decade-plus behind us.
Robert Pattinson
This wild look from Robert Pattinson in 2008 and should have prepared for what would come. Did he know this far back in time that he was being eyed to play Batman?
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Kesha
Take a deep breath. You can make it through this list, we promise. Kesha made a choice with this mohawk-inspired look. We like the warrior vibes but it’s just not gelling for us.
Kevin Pietersen
If you’re anything like most Americans, you don’t know much about the game of Cricket. Across the pond and around the world, it’s a huge deal. It’s second only to soccer with an estimated 2.5 billion fans worldwide. We hope that helps you understand cricketer Kevin Pieterson’s confidence to walk out of the house looking like a skunk.
Kelly Osbourne
Kelly Osbourne has given us some truly iconic looks over the years. She plays around with color and often has a pop-punk vibe to many of her looks. This hairstyle from 2009 is one of her least inspired hairdos and it appears it was achieved using a blunt steak knife instead of shears.
Carrot Top
A serious case of good curls gone bad… If you are a person professionally known as Carrot Top, you better serve some ginger goodness. This hairstyle is not ideal for a celebrity but it would make a nice mop.
Fergie
We’re going to say this again and add some specificity. 2002-2008 were some of the worst years of hair color horror we’ve ever experienced as a country. Fergie’s chunky highlights are definitely not Fergalicious.
Justin Bieber
As a culture, we should have let Justin Bieber stay a kid for a little bit longer and spared him from the harsh reality of adulthood. In 2016, he debuted his new dreadlocks and people lost it. Many were not beliebers.
Katy Perry
The Jetsons cartoon first aired in 1962 and imagined what the 21st Century might look like. How surprised would Jane Jetson be to see pop star, Katy Perry’s blue do? This hairstyle seems more appropriate for the cartoons rather than red carpets.
Dee Snider
Dee Snider became famous in the 1980s as one of the leading rockstars in the Hair Band era. It has been almost 40 years and someone needs to tell him to let it die. It’s time to chop it off!
Jessica Simpson
Oh, Jessica. In 2001, Jessica Simpson showed up to the American Music Awards with some French tips and flippy hair. Why was that dark underlayer such a thing? Probably because of Jessica, but it is still indefensible. Let’s never let this happen again!
Simon Cowell
TV personality Simon Cowell has had the same ridiculous haircut for decades. It’s like Simon wants to part it down the middle but never really commits. It also looks like hair that you’d see on a ventriloquist dummy from the 1920s. The judge has been judged.
Miley Cyrus
To be fair, this is not the worst thing Miley Cyrus has ever done to her hair. However, It might be the worst thing her mom has ever don,e because her mom cut it this way in 2019. She’s back to rocking a mullet these days and nothing matters.
Nicole Richie
Can we just erase the early 2000s altogether? Or maybe just destroy all the proof that those sad years actually existed. Nicole Richie made the mistake of taking inspiration from confetti for her hair in 2003.
Gary Busey
Who needs a comb when a vacuum cleaner will get the job done? Actor Gary Busey looked extra-Busey when he walked the red carpet in 2004 wearing a mock turtleneck and a tumbleweed.
Kelly Rowland
Did some ask for an edgy mom haircut? Kelly Rowland delivered just that when she started wearing her hair in the signature “wings” style in the late 90s and early 2000s. Kelly discontinued this style shortly after Destiny’s Child disbanded in 2005.
Johnny Depp
Dirtbag Johnny Depp has had several awful hairstyles over the years. But the past few have been especially bad. In 2016, he appeared at movie premier with this monstrosity on his head. People, this is what the “styled” version of his “hair” looks like. May a comb and a good night’s sleep find their way to this man soon.
Gwen Stefani
We feel almost guilty about bringing the 1990s into this, but they were indeed a thing. At the time, Gwen Stefani was the frontwoman of her band No Doubt. Grunge music was on the decline and ska was making a comeback! Gwen was trying to bridge the gap and somehow thought that this hairstyle was a smart choice.
Gene Simmons
Many people don’t know that Kiss band member, Gene Simmons is a huge fan of science fiction and comic books. He’s even created a number of fanzines. Perhaps his love of sci-fi makes him feel okay with the hairstyle he has had for the last couple of decades. Does he think it’s a look of the future?
Ed Sheeran
Someone get this adult-sized man a safety razor and a trip to the barbershop. Ed Sheeran’s hair is appropriate for one thing only: hackeysack in the quad. Can you believe that Jamie Foxx looked upon this person and thought to himself, this man is meant for greatness?
Andre Agassi
Olympic gold medalist Andre Agassi was the biggest name in professional tennis for a decade. People looked to this man as a fashion icon in the 80s and 90s. He was a sex symbol! With this hair! How do we reconcile the 1990s? What did we ever do to deserve such savagery? Fortunately, Andre has since shaved his head and put is hear into retirement. Consider yourself spared.
We all make hair mistakes! Hair fails are a part of life and generally are forgotten without much fanfare. If you’re a celebrity, it’s a bit different. The majority of celebrities on this list are fine people who just made a bad decision. It’s not the end of the world. Most of them are still very famous in spite of their poor choices. That means they’ll have the opportunity to shock us the next time they decide to try something new.
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