18. Isaiah Washington
Isaiah Washington delivered intense performances on *Grey’s Anatomy* as Dr. Preston Burke, becoming a breakout star in one of television’s biggest hits. The role had him on track for major film offers and long-term TV prominence.
In 2007, Washington used a homophobic slur on set during an argument, later repeating it publicly. ABC fired him from the show despite an on-air apology. Though he continued acting in smaller projects and films, the mainstream Hollywood doors that had opened wide slammed shut, turning a rising career into a permanent setback.
