Behind the Scenes: The Feuds Between Co-stars That You Never Knew About

In Hollywood, on-screen chemistry is often a crucial ingredient for a successful movie or television show. When actors appear to have a natural rapport, audiences are drawn in, and the magic of cinema comes to life. However, what happens when the chemistry is just that—an illusion? Throughout the history of film and television, there have been numerous instances where co-stars, despite their convincing performances, harbored intense dislike for one another off-camera. These behind-the-scenes tensions can sometimes add an extra layer of intrigue to their work, but they can also cause significant problems on set. Here’s a look at some of the most notorious examples of co-stars who couldn’t stand each other behind the scenes.

Bette Davis and Joan Crawford – What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

One of the most famous feuds in Hollywood history is the bitter rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Their animosity towards each other was legendary and came to a head during the filming of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962). The film, which tells the story of two aging sisters trapped in a decaying mansion, was a perfect setting for their real-life rivalry to play out.

Davis and Crawford’s disdain for each other had been simmering for years before they worked together on Baby Jane. The two actresses were competing for leading roles and industry acclaim in the same era, and their rivalry was fueled by personal and professional jealousy. On set, their hatred was palpable. Davis reportedly kicked Crawford so hard during one scene that she required stitches, and in retaliation, Crawford allegedly filled her costume with weights to make it harder for Davis to lift her in another scene.

The tension between the two stars helped create an electric atmosphere on screen, but it made for a toxic environment on set. Despite—or perhaps because of—their feud, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? was a critical and commercial success, and the Davis-Crawford rivalry has since become a part of Hollywood legend.

William Shatner and George Takei – Star Trek (1966-1969)

The original Star Trek series is beloved by fans for its portrayal of a diverse crew working together to explore the final frontier. However, behind the scenes, not all of the cast members got along as well as their characters did. One of the most enduring conflicts was between William Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk, and George Takei, who played Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu.

Takei has been vocal over the years about his issues with Shatner, accusing him of being egotistical and difficult to work with. Takei has claimed that Shatner often hogged the spotlight, leaving little room for his co-stars to shine. The tension between the two escalated over the years, with Takei frequently criticizing Shatner in interviews. Shatner, for his part, has often dismissed Takei’s complaints as baseless and has suggested that Takei’s animosity stems from professional jealousy.

The feud between Shatner and Takei has persisted long after Star Trek ended, with both men continuing to take jabs at each other in public. Despite their differences, they managed to work together on the series and subsequent films, but their off-screen relationship has remained frosty at best.

Debra Winger and Shirley MacLaine – Terms of Endearment (1983)

Terms of Endearment (1983) is a heartwarming and tear-jerking film that tells the story of the complex relationship between a mother and daughter, played by Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger, respectively. While their on-screen relationship was filled with love and tension, their off-screen relationship was filled with just tension.

Winger, known for her intense and sometimes erratic behavior, reportedly clashed with MacLaine from the start. The two actresses had very different approaches to acting, with Winger being more methodical and unpredictable, while MacLaine preferred a more traditional and controlled style. This difference in approach led to frequent arguments on set.

In one infamous incident, Winger allegedly lifted her skirt and farted in MacLaine’s direction as a way of expressing her disdain. The hostility between the two actresses made for a tense working environment, but it also contributed to the film’s emotional depth. Both Winger and MacLaine were nominated for Academy Awards for their performances, with MacLaine ultimately taking home the Oscar for Best Actress. During her acceptance speech, MacLaine famously said, “I deserve this,” which many interpreted as a subtle dig at Winger.

Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey – Dirty Dancing (1987)

Dirty Dancing (1987) is a beloved classic that tells the story of a young woman, Baby (played by Jennifer Grey), who falls in love with her dance instructor, Johnny (played by Patrick Swayze). The film is famous for its steamy dance scenes and the undeniable chemistry between its two leads. However, that chemistry was not as natural as it appeared on screen.

Swayze and Grey had previously worked together on the film Red Dawn (1984), and their relationship was already strained by the time they reunited for Dirty Dancing. Swayze, who was a trained dancer and a consummate professional, reportedly grew frustrated with Grey’s inexperience and frequent giggling during takes. Grey, on the other hand, found Swayze’s intensity and perfectionism overwhelming.

Despite their differences, the two actors managed to deliver performances that resonated with audiences and made Dirty Dancing a cultural phenomenon. In his memoir, Swayze later wrote that while he and Grey had their disagreements, they also had a lot of respect for each other’s talent and were able to put their differences aside for the sake of the film.

Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere – The Lords of Flatbush (1974)

The Lords of Flatbush (1974) is a lesser-known film that starred a young Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere. The film, set in the 1950s, follows a group of friends navigating life in Brooklyn. While the movie itself didn’t make much of an impact, the behind-the-scenes feud between Stallone and Gere became the stuff of Hollywood lore.

The two actors reportedly clashed from the very beginning, with their personalities and acting styles clashing as much as their characters. The tension reached a boiling point during a lunch break when, according to Stallone, Gere spilled mustard on him during a rehearsal. Stallone claimed that he warned Gere to be careful, but when Gere didn’t back down, Stallone responded by physically removing him from the car they were sharing.

The feud escalated to the point where one of them had to go, and it was Gere who was ultimately replaced by Perry King. This incident reportedly led to a long-standing animosity between the two actors, with Stallone later joking that he and Gere would never work together again.

Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey – Batman Forever (1995)

Batman Forever (1995) featured a star-studded cast, including Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face and Jim Carrey as the Riddler. While the film was a commercial success, the tension between Jones and Carrey was palpable both on and off the set.

Carrey, known for his over-the-top comedic style, reportedly rubbed Jones the wrong way from the start. According to Carrey, Jones was cold and dismissive towards him throughout the production. In one particularly awkward encounter, Carrey recalled Jones telling him, “I hate you. I really don’t like you,” during a dinner meeting.

Jones, who is known for his serious and intense demeanor, likely found Carrey’s zany antics and improvisational style grating. Despite their differences, both actors delivered memorable performances in the film, but their off-screen relationship was far from amicable. Carrey has since said that the experience taught him to be more aware of how his personality might affect others on set, but the feud between the two actors remains one of the more unusual stories in Hollywood history.

The Reality Behind the Glamour

While Hollywood is often seen as a world of glamour, fame, and fortune, the reality is that it’s also a workplace where personalities clash, and tempers flare. The stories of co-stars who hated each other behind the scenes serve as a reminder that the magic we see on screen is often the result of hard work and sometimes intense personal conflict. These feuds, while entertaining in retrospect, also highlight the challenges of working in an industry where egos, competition, and creative differences can lead to explosive situations.

In many cases, these tensions have added an extra layer of intensity to the performances, creating unforgettable moments in cinema history. However, they also serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of professionalism and the need for mutual respect in any collaborative endeavor. Whether these actors have buried the hatchet or continue to hold grudges, their stories remain a fascinating glimpse into the complex dynamics of Hollywood’s most famous sets.