The lawsuit alleging that a TV producer hit Nicollette Sheridan on the Desperate Housewives set made me wonder: Is it common for producers to beat up the talent at work?
—VL, via the Answer B!tch inbox
Not particularly, no.
There is abuse of course; anybody who has to act their way through the current season of Lost knows that. But beating up, slapping or anything like that isn't so common. Still, I've managed to dig up a history of some very juicy fights—some violent, others just mean—throughout Hollywood's recent history.
Let's get on with the schadenfreude, with a list:
• Isaiah Washington vs. McDreamy
Patrick Dempsey mixed it up with Washington in 2006, on the set of Grey's Anatomy, after Washington used a reported slur against fellow actor T.R. Knight. There was, apparently, shoving, but no punching ensued. Washington eventually apologized, but not before using the slur—again—in public.
• George Clooney vs. David O. Russell
In an interview with Playboy, Clooney revealed he got into a scrum with the director on the set of Three Kings. According to Clooney's recollection, Russell was bullying the crew. Clooney apparently stuck up for them, saying, "David, it's a big day. But you can't shove, push or humiliate people who aren't allowed to defend themselves."
As the story goes, Russell shot back by retorting, "Why don't you just worry about your f--ked-up acting?" The fight soon dissolved into fisticuffs, though Russell eventually apologized.
• Lily Tomlin vs. David O. Russell
Yep, same David O. Russell. Different movie, I Heart Huckabees. This one is best seen and not described. Definitely NSFW, but here you go.
• Rosie O'Donnell vs. Elisabeth Hasselbeck
The comedian, not exactly known for her civilized personality, browbeat Hasselbeck on The View back in 2007. O'Donnell called Hasselbeck "cowardly" for not defending her against a Republican allegation. Hasselbeck defended herself, but the audience still applauded O'Donnell.
There are plenty more fights to dish on—I understand that DVD extras for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind includes a recollection of a tussle that Michel Gondry got into with Jim Carrey—but I think I should stop.
Every good fan of the Answer B!tch knows that I'm really all about love.
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Lots of good things happen on set, too. Just check out the Snapped on Set gallery!