Last week, The Hollywood Reporter published one of the most critical slam pieces I’ve ever read in any of the major Hollywood magazines. Katherine Heigl was the one being slammed – she had just signed on to do a new TV show (or the pilot of a new TV show) and various sources came out of the woodwork to basically call her disloyal, difficult, entitled, money-hungry and unprofessional, and so much more. Heigl’s career has been in the toilet for years – some say it’s mismanagement (her momager’s unprofessionalism has been widely discussed), some say it’s just Heigl and how awful she is to work with. In any case, taking a TV show is a “step down” for someone who was once considered the rom-com heir to Julia Roberts, but Heigl is trying to make the most of it. She issued a statement on Friday:
Will Katherine Heigl silence her haters with her return to TV? Two days before a new report claimed the actress is difficult, demanding and ultimately “not worth it,” Heigl, 34, couldn’t have sounded more humble after NBC announced she’ll be starring in their upcoming CIA drama.
Heigl, who famously left ABC’s medical drama Grey’s Anatomy in 2010 to focus on her family and film career, issued a statement in a press release posted on her website Sept. 9, expressing her excitement on returning to TV.“I have been passionate about, and enthralled by, this project from the moment Hank, Rodney and Bob brought it to me over a year ago. The story is not only compelling and intelligent but a look behind the curtain at the CIA we haven’t seen before in film or television,” she said. “I am thrilled and honored to have been asked to be a part of developing these stories and this character and bringing it all to life. NBC has been a true partner in their passion and support for the show that we’ve dreamed of making and I could not be happier about joining forces with them. Together, with our brilliant writer Alexi Hawley, I believe we are going to make great television!”
The show, written by The Following’s Alexi Hawley, will tell the story of “a maverick CIA officer (Heigl) plucked from the field to become the President’s Daily Briefer, responsible for targeting America’s most critical threats, while navigating the unique lifestyle that comes with such a high-powered job.” Executive producers on the show include Robert Simonds, Hawly, Henry Crumpton, Rodney Faraon, Julia Franz, as well as Heigl and her mother/manager Nancy Heigl.
The Life as We Know It actress and mom Nancy were both slammed by TV insiders in a report by The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday, Sept. 11. “I have never experienced anything like Nancy Heigl,” a source told THR. “It’s about the mouth. ‘F— you. You are a f—ing liar.’ Whatever you’d say, you were an idiot. The call would be, ‘This is the worst craft service we’ve ever had! There’s nothing to eat! This is the worst wardrobe!’ You knew that every day, you were going to get slammed. The frustrating part is [Heigl] is incredibly talented and smart.”
Another anonymous TV executive told THR that Heigl was passed up for a lead role on a new pilot due to her alleged bad behavior. “On many levels, she would have been perfect for the role,” the exec said, “but all of us said, ‘She’s not worth it.'”
You know what? I think this is going to be bad at every level. First of all, The Following was TERRIBLE. I watched the whole first season just to see what the hell was going to happen, and I can safely say that it was the dumbest, most poorly written show on TV last year. So, we know that this new show isn’t going to make much sense logistically or even as a “suspend your disbelief” fiction. Secondly, this is going to be awful because it’s just so obviously a take-off of Homeland and Scandal, only the lead actress isn’t likeable or sympathetic at all. Thirdly, this is going to be a disaster because Heigl hasn’t changed at all and I know that because her mother is the executive producer. This show might be on my hate-watch list, just to see how nonsensical and dumb it really is.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Her momager is the Exec Producer? Epic fail.
I used to be a huge fan of Katherine and really thought she was going to be the next Reese Witherspoon. Now I think she and her mother are the most hated women in Hollywood. Why do celebrities work so hard to get famous and then destroy their own careers? I hope she makes a comeback and learns her lesson about treating people better.
I hope she DOESN’T make a comeback for exactly the reasons you stated. She actively destroyed her own opportunities. How many ppl “in the real world” would have a second chance blowing every opportunity with a terrible attitude?
She isn’t an RDJ who deserved his 2nd chance or had real problems. Her entitlement would only get worse if this show were successful.
Yes!! When every person that she’s worked with claims that she’s an absolute nightmare you know what you’re dealing with. If this were any of us in our real jobs we would have ruined our careers and she did too, rightfully so.
I respectfully disagree.
I’ve seen plenty of “real” people, with regular jobs (gas station worker, teachers, nurses…) get second, third, some even fourth chances, and I distinctly remember thinking to myself “Damn, he/she does not deserve it!”. But the truth is, if they didn’t deserve a second chance, then I did not either when I got mine. So, I try to be much more careful what I think/say when I see someone being given another opportunity.
Nobody should be given infinite opportunities to succeed, but a good number of opportunities for change, well, yes. Those, we all need.
I really hope Katherine learnt her lesson, hard.
I happened to agree with her about what she said regarding Knocked Up (and really any Judd Apatow movies) but no matter how right I thought she was, she shouldn’t have said it. Same with her not putting herself up for an Emmy for Grey’s because the writing material wasn’t up to snuff (again, true, but should she have said it?). Her general attitude over the years is that her fame and fortune did go to her head and that of her mother’s head. I hope, for her sake, that this round she is humbler and has learned from her experiences. I guess we’ll see if that’s the case.
Why shouldn’t she have said it? I think it was awesome that she called it out.
Should she have been better prepared for the backlash? Absolutely. But I’m glad she said it.
And she needs to fire her mom like yesterday.
Because it was incredibly unprofessional. That’s why.
Well let’s put it in an office setting. If you thought your boss’ idea was crap or the whole project was not worth your time, would you publicly say this? Magnify this to the local paper? For instance, if you work in Apple or Microsoft and you thought the projects were not up to snuff, would you contact PC World or some other magazine and said you didn’t believe in it?
That’s what she did and that’s what you are seemingly advocating. Her job isn’t as different as ours. If you want your job, you just do it (as long as it’s ethical and legal of course. Whether the project is worthy of your time is another matter that is discussed PRIVATELY amongst friends, not put on blast).
“Calling them out” is why she’s so hated. If you are having problems with anything regarding your workplace, you should speak privately to the person responsible NOT to the entire world. She backstabbed the people who made her famous and that is why nobody wants to work with her.
I cannot imagine this series will be any different but I think it’s her last chance to make amends so she had better think before she opens her mouth. I shudder to think how awful she and her mother will act if this thing is even a minor hit.
Heigl hasn’t been likable since Roswell. I really hate to label women with that, but she goes out of her way to be a brat and a jerk.
Likability isn’t just for women though. It really helps out a man’s career as well. Just look at all the dumbasses that still root for Walt on Breaking Bad. Any residual kind feelings I ever have for that character are actually ones for Bryan Cranston because he’s so freaking awesome
OMG, this X100. I don’t mean to derail this post…but people who have said to me before last night’s episode “I love Walt! How can you not?” I am like, are you watching the show? There is nothing lovable about Walter White. There is a hell of a lot lovable about Bryan Cranston and his terrific acting. He makes Walt compelling and the fact that I hate Walt so much is a testament to Bryan’s skill.
To bring this back to Katherine, @GeeMoney, you are correct-Val Kilmer is a good example of a guy whose career has been derailed by a bad attitude. I do think Val is very talented and I enjoy his work. It’s not just women.
Ugh, I know. I don’t get why anyone is still Team Walt.
Cranston is so amazing – I loathe Walt completely, but totally loved Cranston. It takes a genius actor to pull that kind of performance off.
There is a lot of sexism in the concept of likability though. Her career has gone down the tubes primarily for that issue. Being unlikable doesn’t necessarily kill a man’s career in Hollywood. Being a criminal doesn’t even kill a man’s career in Hollywood ( Charlie Sheen, Terrence Howard)
In politics whether a woman candidate is considered likable or not can kill her chances at office no matter how qualified. Meanwhile a guy can be the loudest most miserable jerk and win.
@merritt: you’ve chosen a couple of interesting examples. Look at Howard: being an ass actually is what got him canned from Iron Man and he hasn’t had nearly the same career trajectory he had just a few years ago. He still works, but I would be willing to bet that he’s had to drastically lower his price.
Sheen on the other hand is interesting. If you remember, he nearly DESTROYED his career before with his drugs and antics. Even after some B-movie purgatory it was a pretty big deal when he took over for MJF on Spin City. He did some very major image rehab for a long time, and the big difference is that when he melted down this time he was already so ridiculously successful in television that he was able to spin it into an extension of his image. He’s selling himself as Alpha Male. Not that I particularly understand the appeal.
Hollywood is run by rich old white dudes. It is unbelieveably sexist. But I just don’t think Katherine Heigl is the best example of that sexism. Her greatest sin wasn’t being difficultto work with – it’s that she was difficult to work with while making terrible and unsuccessful movies. Once you stop making people money, they’re not going to put up withthose same antics.
I was about to defend TV and note that between Homeland, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, etc., television has in many ways surpassed movies in storytelling and characters, particularly for women.
Then I noticed it’s on NBC.
Nevermind.
Ha! TV has the best stories in entertainment right now. They’ve been doing laps around the movie industry for at least a decade now. And, bar none, the best and meatiest roles for women are on television.
And not everything on NBC is garbage. Just look at Parks and Recreation which has one of the strongest, smartest, and best female characters ever created in Leslie Knope.
Yes! I love Parks & Rec. Community might be great again too, and Parenthood is pretty good. I’ve heard Hannibal is excellent, but haven’t had a chance to watch it yet.
But in general, network is lagging way behind cable and premium, and online only. But definitely series are a great place for quality these days.
I disagree about The Following, it was a good show. Not a great show but Kevin Bacon was great in it and I am looking forward the next season.
Don’t care for Heigl.
If this show is any good, she could make a comeback. I can’t stand Claire Danes but I LOVE Homeland. All it takes is one role, right?
If the show does succeed, I hope Katie and Nancy learned their lesson and not get a fat head. Nothing will tank a show faster than their antics.
I have never really liked her, actually I used to find her totally annoying, but now I feel sorry for her. Girl, fire your momager asap, get some quality long-term therapy to deal with that dysfunctional bond, and put into practice the “loving your neighbours” thing. Maybe you will not resurect your career, but at least you will be happy.
Yes, I kinda feel sorry for her too…I think that a lot of people get second chances whether they “deserve” them or not…yes, she burned a lot of bridges but she didn’t commit any illegal acts, she didn’t kill anyone, she didn’t go to jail, she didn’t consume mass amounts of drugs,etc. Yes, she was entitled and ungrateful but she is not a stupid woman and I am sure that she is well aware that she has to eat it for a while before anyone will be willing to work with her. This is no excuse but I think that women and men are treated differently for their “bad” behavior…and do agree however that she should fire her mother because she sounds like some piece of work plus she seems to dress frumpier when she is around:)
I think that if she hadn’t said the things she said TO THE PUBLIC, then she would’ve been THE romcom queen. But she said that shizz publicly. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone diss their own work that bad. Hollywood is used to dealing with difficult people–as long as you have the talent and the drive to back that up, you can treat as many people like shit as you want. But DON’T screw with their money.
Criticizing her own movie and tv show (that she DIDN’T have to sign up for–the title sounds sexist i.e. “Knocked Up”), is just plain rude and disrespectful. She might’ve gotten away with it, if she hadn’t made those remarks about Grey’s Anatomy, then she might’ve been fine.
But I’m not too broke up about it, because I don’t think she can act and all of her characters are exactly like her–unlikeable, high strung, neurotic, annoying…..she’s like Jennifer Aniston playing Rachel for the billionth time. The only thing I find likeable about her is her choice to adopt special needs children, other than that–MEH.
I totally agree-her momager NEEDS TO GO. as someone with a super clingy and controlling mom, I can say first hand that it’s super painful & difficult, but there comes a point where you need to draw a firm line and take control of the relationship.
I’ve never really been a fan of Heigl’s (I never watched Grey’s Anatomy & haven’t seen most of her movies), so she was always kinda annoying imo. But I follow her husband Josh Kelley on facebook and he posts some of the sweetest candid pics of their family. Heigl seems like a wonderful & super loving & involved mommy, which makes me think she’s not as awful as she’s perceived in her work life.
Yeah…she’s not a unique talent. She’s been replaced, when she wasn’t looking with girls who are easy to work with.
And I beg to differ. That statement wan’t humble. It was a florid look-at-me performance too.
I hope no one I like is in the cast. Refuse to watch on Heigl principle alone. Lol.
Ugh. Go away already.
And please don’t anyone cry “sexism” as an excuse for why her career is in the toilet. When you become difficult to work with and badmouth the people who got you to where you are, people aren’t going to like you and want to work with you, plain and simple. And being a diva on top of it definitely doesn’t help.
And for those who need an example of a male celebrity that has been difficult in the past and who’s career is on life support now – see Val Kilmer (I truly love that man though).
So by your own words, Val Kilmer had a behavior as bad as hers, but you “love him” but can’t stand her? I think your own arguments distroyed the part about “no sexism involved”.
Oh shush. I think the man is a wonderful actor, that’s all. But if he’s going to be difficult, then he deserves for his career to be in the toilet, just like KH.
And I love him b/c of his performance in Tombstone. And the man is insanely talented, more talented than KH. I wish that he wasn’t such a prick, but oh well. Nothing I can do about that.
And I never wrote that I couldn’t stand KH. I’m just calling her out on her behavior.
OK OK, I know there are a million of reasons for your liking or desliking that would have nothing to do with sexism (I actually also like Val Kilmer a lot! ;)). I just get the feeling that there is(among other things) sexism in the way Heighl is treated by the media and others. Obviously it’s not the all reason for the backlash, but I think that it increases it greatly. And well, she is not a brilliant actress but I think she did really well in Roswell and Grey’s. She deserves to be called out, but I’m not sure about the intensity of it.
She needs to lose the Momager, fast, if she wants to salvage her once promising career.
I think she’s great as an actress. If it’s good, I will watch it.
I love her body. She is slim but healthy. Just a perfect body imo.
Take away the stories of the bad attitude and all of that and I’m still not particularly excited about this show. Look at all the projects Ms. Heigl did after Knocked Up and her Emmy win on Grey’s (the combination of which gave her the power to start making her own projects). She is TERRIBLE in everything. Shrill, grating, overacting… Her version of ”charming everywoman” sets my teeth on edge. I couldn’t even get through The Ugly Truth. She did the same thing on her later years of Grey’s – even at the time I wondered how much she had to have pissed Shinda Rimes off to make her character try to resuscitate a deer.
Seriously, The Awful Truth was really that bad.
Stumbled onto Switched At Birth and found it to be entertaining – the acting is excellent – whomever cast it did a superb job.
The Following was TERRIBLE – thank you! I’m so mad I wasted my time on it, it was REALLY poorly written.
I’m surprised after all this her mom hasn’t stepped aside as her manager in an effort to get her career back on track. They could still work together as producers, but if she wants a comeback, she needs to hire someone who knows what they’re doing, and change her attitude.
If you read the Hollywood Reporter article, they had an outside (not family) publicist who quit on her. Most likely because Katie and Mommy wouldn’t listen to her advice. I really think Mommy should retire from show business. If your only client is your daughter, then you’re not really a manager, are you?
How in the hell did she land a rock star? I hope he cheats all over that insufferable twit!
Someone I know who works in films told me that Heigl pissed off a bunch of people after she adopted her daughter because she insisted on spending a lot of time with her and didn’t make time for wardrobe fittings. I had really mixed emotions about that one. On the one hand, she’s a hands-on, devoted mother. OTOH, she had a job to do that she neglected. Anyway, just thought I’d throw that out there. She’s got such a bad rep but is apparently a good mother FWIW.
There may be an element of truth to that. But, I know many people who’ve been able to juggle family life and still be professional, i.e. show up to work on time, get the job done, etc.
No reason why she shouldn’t have been able to do that.
I think it depends on the circumstances. At the point when Heigl adopted her daughter she was a producer on her own movies and essentially one of the bosses, and most likely they would have already have been putting those fittings and stuff around her schedule. For her to blow those off, wasting time and money (and potentially keeping all of THOSE people away from their kids) is unprofessional. If she wanted to spend more time with her new daughter she was more than financially secure enough to skip making Life As We Know It.
I’m tired of people agreeing with her about Knocked-Up being sexist but ignoring the fact that Heigl starred in and produced the far more sexist 27 Dresses and The Ugly Truth. What are the defenders explanations for that?
Thank you! I was hoping somebody would say it. I can’t take Heigl seriously after all that. Knocked Up was sexist, sure, but nothing compared to The Ugly Truth.
I think many actresses find TV appealing once they have kids, as it’s well paid but the family has stability in terms of work hours and where they live.
So it may not have anything to do with divine retribution for criticizing the fratboy oeuvre of Judd Apatow… who went on to make millions producing Bridesmaids. Maybe he listened.
It’s not like he wrote Bridesmaids – way more credit belong with Wiig and her writing partner, and Paul Feig.
And honestly, Knocked Up wasn’t even particularly sexist. Yes, it’s about yet another man-boy and his state of arrested development, but I didn’t necessarily think the women were shrewish. The whole story is essentially about Seth Rogen basically being dragged into adulthood, and it being a good thing.
what’s the big deal JEALOUS assholes? she’s not a bad actress, at least she’s a little funny and smart enough to realize that most tv shows and movies SUCK. good on her. leave her alone!
She always has Epic “B*tch-Face” doesn’t she?
Well the way TV shows on network Television provides limited job security there is not a big chance for success for her show. Also people by now know about ahem the diva antics Heigl had on Grays Anatomy and her notorious potty mouth momager. Weather you like her, a militarist of her who call people jealous assholes or you stand where I am, a critic, the prognosis for a series of over a few episodes are not good.
She completely shot herself in the foot, numerous times, and acted like a completely ungrateful bitch for the show that got her famous (sorry, wasn’t Roswell!)
So she goes into movies…alienates ALL of her male co-stars to the point that not one of them would ever work for her again…
And now…back to TV?
Sorry, I have to disagree with the posters here that say they feel ‘sorry’ for someone like her.
You reap what you sow.