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Celebrity Comebacks We're Rooting For — Full Breakdown & Transcript

0h 12m video Published Aug 7, 2026 Transcribed Aug 9, 2026 W WatchMojo.com
Beginner 5 min read For: Pop culture enthusiasts and general viewers interested in celebrity news and entertainment stories.
AI Trust Score 65/100
⚠️ Average / Some Fluff

"Delivers on the promise of listing celebrities we're rooting for, but the 'comeback' framing is loose for some entries."

AI Summary

This video from Watch Mojo counts down ten celebrities whose careers stalled or faded but who are now poised for a comeback. It highlights their past successes, the reasons for their setbacks, and the recent signs that they are returning to the spotlight, from new projects to public appearances.

[00:16]
Edward Furlong's Rise and Fall

Edward Furlong shot to fame as John Connor in Terminator 2 and impressed in American History X, but a substance use disorder halted his momentum. He has since spoken openly about sobriety and continues to work in independent films.

[01:26]
Cheri Oteri's SNL Legacy and Return

Cheri Oteri was a defining SNL cast member known for iconic characters and impressions. After leaving the show, she struggled to find another breakout role, but recently returned to the big screen in the latest Scary Movie and revived her beloved characters, sparking nostalgia.

[02:44]
Katt Williams' Controversies and Comeback

Katt Williams, known for sharp standup and successful specials, faced legal troubles and controversies in the 2010s. Instead of fading, he kept touring and refining his craft, and his 2024 appearance on Shannon Sharpe's Club Shay Shay podcast became a cultural phenomenon, leading to renewed tours and attention.

[04:07]
Mira Sorvino's Career Sabotage

After winning an Academy Award for Mighty Aphrodite, Mira Sorvino seemed destined for stardom, but opportunities dried up. It later emerged that Harvey Weinstein had allegedly worked to damage her career, with Peter Jackson confirming Weinstein discouraged him from casting her. She has continued acting and become an outspoken advocate against sexual violence.

[05:00]
Taylor Lautner's Post-Twilight Struggles

While Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart found success after Twilight, Taylor Lautner's career never reached the same heights. He has spoken about the pressures of overnight fame and its impact on his mental health, choosing a healthier path by co-hosting the Squeeze podcast with his wife.

[05:56]
Jonathan Taylor Thomas' Departure and Return

Jonathan Taylor Thomas was one of the biggest teen stars but made the rare decision to leave Hollywood at the height of his popularity to prioritize education. He has remained largely out of the spotlight, but audiences still hold affection for him and would welcome a return.

[06:51]
Macaulay Culkin's Rebuilding

Macaulay Culkin, one of the most famous child stars, retreated from Hollywood due to family conflict. He slowly rebuilt his career on his own terms, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and seems happier than ever, with fans hoping for more film work.

[07:47]
Fergie's Musical Hiatus and Return

Fergie dominated pop music in the 2000s with Black Eyed Peas and her solo album The Duchess, but her career stalled after a criticized national anthem performance in 2018. She created buzz with a surprise performance alongside Ludacris in late 2025 and reunited with the Black Eyed Peas at the 2026 Grammys.

[09:07]
Amanda Bynes' Mental Health Journey

Amanda Bynes was a strong comedic performer but faced years of public mental health struggles and legal issues. Since her conservatorship ended in 2022, she has prioritized her well-being, including launching an OnlyFans account with non-explicit content, and fans are rooting for her as a person.

[10:30]
Rick Moranis' Return to Acting

Rick Moranis, a beloved comedic actor of the 1980s and 90s, left Hollywood to raise his children after his wife's death. He has returned to voice acting and will reprise his role as Dark Helmet in the Spaceballs sequel, marking a triumphant homecoming.

The video celebrates the resilience of these celebrities, showing that comebacks are possible after setbacks, and expresses hope that they will continue to find success and happiness in their second acts.

Mentioned in this Video

Study Flashcards (5)

What role made Edward Furlong famous?

easy Click to reveal answer

John Connor in Terminator 2: Judgement Day.

00:29

Who allegedly sabotaged Mira Sorvino's career?

medium Click to reveal answer

Harvey Weinstein, who allegedly worked behind the scenes to damage her career.

04:21

What did Taylor Lautner do after Twilight to prioritize his mental health?

medium Click to reveal answer

He chose a healthier path, co-hosting the Squeeze podcast with his wife.

05:25

Why did Rick Moranis leave Hollywood?

easy Click to reveal answer

To raise his children after the death of his wife.

11:08

What was the reason for Fergie's career stall?

medium Click to reveal answer

A criticized rendition of the US national anthem at the 2018 NBA All-Star Game.

08:02

💡 Key Takeaways

💡

Weinstein's alleged sabotage of Sorvino

Reveals a systemic industry issue where powerful figures can derail careers, highlighting the #MeToo movement's relevance.

04:21
⚖️

Lautner's mental health prioritization

Shows a celebrity choosing well-being over career ambition, a counter-narrative to typical Hollywood pressure.

05:25
💡

Thomas's rare departure from fame

Demonstrates that leaving the spotlight can be a deliberate, positive choice, not just a fall from grace.

06:24
📊

Moranis's family-first decision

Highlights a personal sacrifice that resonates with audiences, making his return more meaningful.

11:08

[00:02] CUBE WITH RAPPER NIPY HUSTLE, Russian life coach Rasputin, chauvinist Terry life coach Rasputin, chauvinist Terry Rezner, legs for days Mitchy Gana, AND >> Welcome to Watch Mojo, and today we're looking at celebrities we're hoping make

[00:16] setbacks, time away from the spotlight, or simply not getting the opportunities >> You don't understand the risk. >> I don't care about the risks. >> Edward Furlong. >> I order you not to go. I order you not

[00:29] to go. I order you not to go. >> It felt like Hollywood had found its next great star. Then life happened. Edward Furlong exploded onto the scene John Connor in Terminator 2: Judgement Day before proving he was much more than

[00:43] a child actor in films like American History X. Unfortunately, a substance use disorder and personal struggles brought that momentum to a halt.

[00:58] several years getting his life back on track, speaking openly about his sobriety while continuing to work in independent films. He's also become a longtime supporters have embraced him with open arms. We love to see it.

[01:12] >> He owes me two lifetimes and a set of perfect blue eyes. >> Sherio Terry, >> break it down. fea taken up.

[01:26] >> Let's face it, Sheri Otter was one of the defining cast members of Saturday iconic characters [music] while delivering impressions that showcased ridiculous. >> Simma, [screaming]

[01:48] After leaving SNL, she continued working but never quite found another breakout such a welcome reminder [music] of her talent. Otter returned to the big screen in the latest scary movie, keeps popping

[02:00] even drew praise for reviving her >> When I'm not AT A PUPPY PLAYD DATE WITH MY BELOVED DOG, CHAA, [laughter] I'm in the celestial cafeteria with my besties. Just say nos Nancy Reagan.

[02:15] Looks maxing German showstoppers Sig Freed and Roy, [laughter] REAL HOUSEWIFE OF Heritage USA Tammy Fay, AND WIG HUSTLING KNOCKOUT RAQUEL WELSH. wave of nostalgia. [music] Hopefully, they're only the beginning of

[02:31] a well-deserved second act. >> We can make our own sandwich with us dog. >> Cat Williams. >> Thank you, sir. Thank you. >> Doesn't come up a lot. Yeah, really.

[02:44] following through his razor sharp standup, memorable performances in a variety of films, and a string of hugely successful comedy specials. But throughout the 2010s, legal troubles and public controversies often overshadowed

[02:57] >> So, I've been called in several catch 22s, and if that's what you get for the way that I choose to handle my career, then I shall live by and die by what I >> Rather than fading away, Williams kept touring and refining his craft. [music]

[03:10] Shannon Sharp's Club Shay Shay podcast in 2024 became a cultural phenomenon, [music] while reminding longtime fans exactly why he's one of comedy's most >> Uh cuz Pittdy be wanting to party. And you got to tell him no.

[03:26] >> You got to tell him no. I >> I did. everything I'm telling you. That's why I can say I'm so Can I need Can I need sir. Thank you. That renewed attention translated into tours and [music]

[03:40] happy that his comeback is already underway. We just hope it grows even happy if the truth coming out and lies is getting exposed. That's just what >> Are these stars bringing back a wave of nostalgia? Scan the QR code on your

[03:54] screen to join Watch Mojo's 24/7 pop culture live stream for more celebrity Cervino. >> But my real ambition is to be on Broadway in a musical. I sing. After winning the Academy Award for Mighty

[04:07] acclaimed performances throughout the 1990s, Mera Cervino seemed destined to become one of Hollywood's biggest stars. Then, almost inexplicably, major opportunities became harder to find. Years later, the reason became painfully

[04:21] clear. Following the rise of the #meto movement, it emerged that Harvey Weinstein had allegedly worked behind the scenes to [music] damage Servino's Heck, Peter Jackson even confirmed Weinstein discouraged him from casting

[04:34] Despite everything, she's continued acting while becoming an outspoken sexual violence. >> Look into the eyes of someone who has been treated like an object or or lower lower than a beaten animal just for the

[04:47] an other in the in the eyes of the trafficker. happened, it's time she rose to prominence again. Taylor Lner. >> Look, >> it's a wolf thing.

[05:00] >> Sadly, success can be [music] surprisingly uneven. Robert Patson became an acclaimed leading man and Kristen Stewart earned Oscar recognition of Twilight's Central Trio. Taylor Lner was the one whose post-franchise [music]

[05:12] career never reached the same heights. Despite enormous popularity as Jacob failed to launch the next phase [music] of his career. >> You're the only family I have left. You're leaving me all alone.

[05:25] the pressures of overnight fame, explaining how the intense focus on his affected his mental health. Rather than chasing every blockbuster, he chose a healthier path, co-hosting the Squeeze podcast with his [music] wife, Tay Lner.

[05:40] audiences seem more than ready to embrace a full-on comeback. >> Who's Zog? >> We know they're trying to get back at us Thomas >> and you look familiar.

[05:56] >> and you look familiar. [cheering and applause] >> That's not it. >> JTT became one of the biggest teen stars films. >> But I thought a king can do whatever he

[06:12] >> Oh, there's more to being king than getting your way all the time. >> There's more. But unlike so many child actors, Thomas made the rare decision to leave at the height of his popularity. He prioritized his education while

[06:24] from Hollywood. Aside from a handful of guest appearances, he has remained >> You know, a lot of times that middle child ends up being the funny one >> There was no scandal, [music] no dramatic fall from grace, just

[06:37] someone choosing a different life. Still, the affection audiences have for [music] Thomas ever decides to make acting a priority again, trust us, welcome him back. >> What makes you say that?

[06:51] >> Because ever since you came out back, she's been staring at you. McCauley Kulkin may become one of the most famous child stars in movie

[07:06] history, but years of family conflict and an early retreat from Hollywood left many wondering if he'd ever return. >> I'm up here. Come and get me. comeback, Koken slowly rebuilt his career on his own terms, including a

[07:21] Feature. Receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was also a fitting celebration of both his legacy [music] and resilience. More recently, brother Kieran has reminded audiences just how talented the entire Kulkin

[07:35] family is. Macaulay seems happier than ever now, and we'd absolutely love to film again. >> Hey Google, what's on my calendar today? Yourself. >> Oh, yeah.

[07:47] >> Oh, yeah. >> Fergie. [music] Black IP's biggest hits and the chart topping solo album, The Duchess, Fergie dominated pop music throughout the 2000s. But after stepping away from the

[08:02] group and releasing [music] Double Duchess in 2017, her recording career criticized rendition of the [music] US national anthem at the 2018 NBA All-Star >> [screaming] >> Oh,

[08:15] say does that star does that star spangled [music] yet [music] way?

[08:36] buzz with a surprise performance alongside Ludicrous in late 2025 before thrilling fans by reuniting on stage with the Black Eyed Peas at the 2026 >> Fergie, it was so beautiful seeing you guys all back together. My god,

[08:51] >> that's so crazy. What a blessing in 2026. I got to have a great date. full-fledged reunion with the Peas, we're more than ready to see Fergie >> Where is the love? [music] Where is the love?

[09:07] >> I see you've all met our new cast member, Amanda. know she's going to fit right in. >> Actress Amanda Bines effortlessly transitioned from Nickelodeon standout to big screen leading lady, earning a

[09:20] reputation as one of her generation's strongest comedic performers. Then came years of very public mental health struggles and legal issues that lasting nearly a decade. >> Troubles keep piling up. ordered into

[09:33] fire in a neighbor's driveway. >> Since that conservatorship ended in 2022, [music] Bines has largely prioritized her well-being over return back into the public eye, including launching [music] an Only Fans account

[09:46] feature non-explicit content. >> If you just want to support Amanda and send her some coin financially, shower her with love, great. But just be warned,

[10:03] >> More than anything, we're rooting for Amanda Binds the person. But if acting we'll be ready [music] to welcome her back with open arms. If you love games, be sure to check out Watch Mojo's new game, Terrible

[10:18] Influence. Just launched for purchase at terribleinfluence.com. game about the dark [music] side of fame from the writer of the most popular girls in school and us. Watch Mojo. >> Boom.

[10:30] >> Oh, you so would. >> Click on the link in the description to check out the game and be the first to play. Terrible influence. >> Rick Morannis. Some legends don't fade. They simply step away.

[10:42] They simply step away. >> I smell like somebody took a big >> Rick Morannis became one of the most beloved comedic actors of the 1980s and early 90s thanks to a slew of

[10:54] >> Do the kids know? >> Well, yeah, the kids know. That's great. >> Why? >> I shrunk the kids. about this big. They're in the backyard. >> Then, following the death of his wife in

[11:08] personal decision to leave Hollywood so he could raise his children. For years, only the occasional voice acting exploded when it was announced that he'd reprise his iconic role as Dark Helmet

[11:23] in the long-awaited Space Balls sequel. I am your father's brother's nephew's I am your father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate.

[11:35] >> Absolutely nothing. Which is what you are about to become. >> After decades away from major live action movies, his return feels less triumphant homecoming fans have been hoping for. And we hope there's plenty

[11:48] >> You know, Mr. Tully, you are a most fortunate individual. >> I know. You have been a participant in the biggest interdimensional crossrip since the Tungusa blast of 1909. >> Felt great.

[12:00] is long overdue? Let us know in the comments below.

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