15 A-List Celebrities Who Went from Hollywood’s Spotlight to Blacklist

Ever wondered about those Hollywood stars who vanished from the limelight overnight? It wasn’t always a case of fading popularity or retirement. 

The chilling phenomenon known as the Hollywood blacklist cast a dark cloud over the careers of many talented individuals. 

This insidious practice saw numerous actors, directors, and writers exiled from the industry. Here’s 15 celebrities that got put on the Hollywood blacklist.

1. Dalton Trumbo

15 A-List Celebrities Who Went from Hollywood's Spotlight to Blacklist » Dalton Trumbo wc
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A screenwriter, he was one of the “Hollywood Ten” who were blacklisted for refusing to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) during the Red Scare.

He was jailed for contempt of Congress and was forced to write under pseudonyms.

2. Charlie Chaplin

15 A-List Celebrities Who Went from Hollywood's Spotlight to Blacklist » Charlie Chaplin wc
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This iconic actor and filmmaker was investigated by the FBI for alleged communist ties.

Although he was never officially blacklisted, the controversy and subsequent allegations of immorality led to his exile from the United States in 1952.

3. Orson Welles

15 A-List Celebrities Who Went from Hollywood's Spotlight to Blacklist » Orson Welles wc
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A celebrated director and actor, Welles was targeted by the FBI for his left-leaning views. His career suffered as a result, with studios reluctant to hire him, leading him to pursue work in Europe.

4. Paul Robeson

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An accomplished singer, actor, and civil rights activist, Robeson’s outspoken support for communism and his criticism of the U.S. government made him a target of the blacklist.

His passport was revoked, and he was essentially barred from working in Hollywood.

5. Lena Horn

15 A-List Celebrities Who Went from Hollywood's Spotlight to Blacklist » Lena Horn wc
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A singer and actress, Horne was blacklisted due to her association with suspected communists and her involvement in civil rights activism. Her career was severely impacted, with opportunities limited due to the blacklist.

6. Zero Mostel

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A comedian and actor, Mostel was blacklisted for his alleged communist affiliations. He was forced to work in smaller venues and had difficulty finding work in Hollywood for several years.

7. Pete Seeger

15 A-List Celebrities Who Went from Hollywood's Spotlight to Blacklist » Pete Seeger wc
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A folk singer and activist, Seeger was blacklisted for his political beliefs and his involvement in left-leaning organizations. He was denied television appearances and faced numerous obstacles in his career due to the blacklist.

8. Edward Dmytryk

15 A-List Celebrities Who Went from Hollywood's Spotlight to Blacklist » Edward Dmytryk wc
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A director, Dmytryk was one of the “Hollywood Ten” who refused to cooperate with HUAC, leading to his blacklisting. He eventually gave in to pressure and named names, allowing him to return to work.

9. Ring Lardner Jr.

15 A-List Celebrities Who Went from Hollywood's Spotlight to Blacklist » Ring Lardner Jr wc
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Another of the “Hollywood Ten,” Lardner Jr. was a screenwriter who refused to testify before HUAC, resulting in his blacklisting and imprisonment. He later won an Academy Award for his work on “MASH.”

10. John Garfield

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A popular actor known for his tough-guy roles, Garfield’s alleged communist sympathies led to his blacklisting. He refused to name names and saw his career decline drastically.

11. Marsha Hunt

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An actress and activist, Hunt was blacklisted for her association with left-leaning causes. She continued to work in theater and television but faced limitations in her film career.

12. Larry Parks

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An actor who gained fame for portraying Al Jolson, Parks was subpoenaed by HUAC and reluctantly named names to save his career. However, he never fully recovered from the stigma of the blacklist.

13. Will Geer

15 A-List Celebrities Who Went from Hollywood's Spotlight to Blacklist » Will Geer wc
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A character actor, Geer was blacklisted due to his political beliefs. He continued to work in theater and eventually found success on television with the role of Grandpa Walton in “The Waltons.”

14. Lionel Stander

15 A-List Celebrities Who Went from Hollywood's Spotlight to Blacklist » Lionel Stander wc
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An actor with a distinctive voice, Stander was blacklisted for his association with communist organizations. He found work in Europe and later returned to Hollywood in the 1960s.

15. Harvey Weinstein

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Harvey Weinstein was not blacklisted, but he was disgraced and ousted from Hollywood due to numerous allegations of sexual harassment, assault, and rape. His actions led to the widespread #MeToo movement and his subsequent conviction for sex crimes.

The Hollywood blacklist was a pervasive and damaging phenomenon, impacting the lives and careers of countless individuals. Some were able to rebuild their careers after the blacklist ended, while others never fully recovered.

Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor | + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.