This is a list of actors, actresses, singers, and celebrities that are (or were) equally as well-known for their outlandish remarks, bizarre conduct, legal run-ins, and media scandals as they are for their ability!
(Remember that strange conduct does not necessarily indicate illegal activity.)
Michael Jackson
- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Michael Jackson: Thriller (1983)
Born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, Michael Joseph Jackson spent almost his whole life performing for audiences. After being married to Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson (also known as Katherine Esther Scruse), his father, Joe Jackson (not related to Joe Jackson, who is also a musician), was compelled to abandon his musical aspirations. They encouraged their expanding family’s musical tastes at home. The older boys Jackie, Tito, and Jermaine started touring the city by the early 1960s; Michael and Marlon joined it by 1964.
He had to be started at number one! In 1993, he was charged with child molestation; in 2005, he was found not guilty. died on June 25, 2009, from acute benzodiazepine and propofol overdose.
Janet Jackson
- Music Artist
- Actress
- Composer
On May 16, 1966, Katherine Jackson (then Katherine Esther Scruse) and musician Joe Jackson welcomed Janet Damita Jo Jackson into the world in Gary, Indiana. Of 10 children, she is the youngest. Before her birth, her brothers formed a band later called The Jackson 5. While her father and brothers had luxurious lives in Los Angeles, she resided at home with her sisters. Later, when her brothers were becoming well-known, she moved in with them and secured a contract with Motown. Although Janet was in the background, she eventually gained recognition.
The now-famous “wardrobe malfunction” occurred during her performance with Justin Timberlake at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show.
Bill Cosby
- Actor
- Music Department
- Writer
One of the most famous comedians and performers in the world is Bill Cosby. William Henry Cosby, Sr., a sailor in the United States Navy, and Anna Pearl (Hite), a maid, welcomed William Henry Cosby, Jr. into the world on July 12, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Cosby enlisted in the Navy after the tenth grade and finished his high school education via correspondence. Later, he accepted an athletic scholarship to Temple University and worked as a bartender to pay for his education. His laid-back demeanor and clever banter with patrons led to recommendations that he attempt stand-up comedy. He did this, and the renowned Carl Reiner soon found out.
I included Bill Cosby because of his harsh and disparaging remarks toward African-Americans with lesser incomes, as well as because he has been accused of raping and sexually assaulting several women since the 1960s!
was found guilty in April 2018 of three counts of indecent sexual assault against Andrea Constand!
Bill Cosby was freed from jail on June 30, 2021, when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed his conviction!
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle
- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Despite being found not guilty after three trials for the death of aspiring actress Virginia Rappe, he suffered irrevocable harm to his career and passed away on June 29, 1933, at the age of 46 from a heart attack.
R. Kelly
- Music Artist
- Composer
- Director
Accused of sex with a teenage girl. Went to trial in May of 2008 and was declared not guilty in June of 2008.
As of August 2021, R. Kelly was charged with racketeering, sex trafficking, and violating the MANN Act. Was convicted in September of 2021.
R. Kelly was sentenced in June 2022 to 30 years in federal prison for racketeering and sex trafficking.
Madonna
- Music Artist
- Actress
- Composer
Madonna, known as the “Material Girl,” is one of the most successful music artists in the world. She has sold over 300 million records worldwide and is famous for constantly changing her style. While her music career reached great heights, her acting career had mixed results.
Born in 1958 in Michigan, Madonna moved to New York City in 1978 to follow her dreams. She studied dance, joined music groups, and worked hard until her demo reached Sire Records in 1982. The 1980s became her biggest decade, making her a global pop icon and fashion inspiration.
Madonna appeared in several films, including Desperately Seeking Susan, Dick Tracy, and A League of Their Own. Although many of her movies were criticized, she received strong praise for her role in Evita (1996) and won a Golden Globe Award.
Later, Madonna moved into directing with films like W.E. (2011). Even with ups and downs in movies, she remains a legendary figure in music and pop culture.
Britney Spears
- Music Artist
- Actress
- Music Department
Britney Jean Spears was born on December 2, 1981, in Mississippi and raised in Louisiana. From a young age, she loved performing. She took dance classes, was good at gymnastics, and enjoyed singing the most.
At age 8, Britney tried out for The All New Mickey Mouse Club but was rejected because she was too young. Instead, she performed in an off-Broadway show called Ruthless. When she tried again at age 11, she was selected and appeared alongside future stars like Justin Timberlake and Ryan Gosling.
Britney’s big breakthrough came in the late 1990s when she signed with Jive Records. Her debut album, …Baby One More Time (1999), made her a global pop star. The album sold millions of copies, followed by another huge success, Oops!… I Did It Again (2000).
Anissa Jones
- Actress
Anissa Jones was an American child actress of Lebanese background. She is best known for playing Buffy Davis, an orphan girl, in the popular TV show Family Affair (1966–1971). The series ran for five seasons and had 138 episodes.
After the show ended, her acting career quickly faded. Sadly, Anissa Jones died at just 18 years old due to drug intoxication.
Gary Coleman
- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Gary Coleman was one of the biggest child TV stars of the late 1970s and early 1980s. His confident attitude, bright eyes, and strong personality quickly won the hearts of TV viewers. He appeared in national commercials and impressed people with how mature he seemed.
Because of a kidney condition, Gary was actually older than he looked. As he grew up, his child-star fame faded, and his adult acting career became difficult and unstable. Ongoing health problems and career struggles caused personal, legal, and financial troubles. Sadly, these challenges led to an unhappy life and his early death.
