In 2005, Isaiah Washington was given the opportunity to play the part of talented cardio-thoracic surgeon, Dr. Preston Burke, on the ABC medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy. Isiah’s performance in the show garnered him a couple of NAACP Image awards for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, as well as a Screen Actors Guild award. Aside from those awards, he was also named as one of “TV’s Sexiest Men” by TV Guide in June of 2006 and one of “TV’s Sexiest Doctors” in June of 2008. Before that, he was also considered as one of People magazine’s “50 Beautiful People” in May of 2006.
Isaiah, however, was permanently suspended from the Grey’s Anatomy show because of an epic homophobic rant in 2007. He made a comeback on the show in 2014, but only as a guest to expound one character’s history. Today, he plays a major role in the post-apocalyptic CW series, The 100.
Pat O'Brien, The Insider
Because of his Irish lineage, Pat O’Brien typically performed Irish and Irish-American roles and was coined as "Hollywood's Irishman in Residence" by the media. He also starred as various characters including priests, cops, military figures, pilots, and reporters from the 30s and 40s. The Irish American actor was often in duo with Hollywood icon, James Cagney.
During his time with The Insider, his status was already in a precarious state following the appearance of voicemail recordings that contained provocative, lewd messages to an unidentified woman. The versatile actor was then formally discharged from the show when he sent a rude email to other workers regarding his (soon-to-be) replacement, Lara Spencer. Pat O’Brien authored his own autobiography, I’ll Be Back Right After This, that was published in 2014
Bill Maher, Politically Incorrect
Bill Maher played the main role in Politically Incorrect, which was broadcast on Comedy Central for four years and then on ABC for a further five years. The late-night political talk show raked in an assortment of awards, including the Emmy award for Outstanding Technical Direction, Best Talk Show Series and a Genesis award for Best Television Talk Show. Bill Maher achieved a lot of award nominations, including 10 Emmy nominations, 2 TV Guide nominations, and 2 Writers Guild nominations.
In spite of the show’s success, Bill Maher was still axed following the 9-11 attack in New York because of his disturbing statements describing the people who “Kamikazee-d” their planes into the buildings and claiming they weren’t cowards and that the Americans “have been the cowards.” Those who loved Bill’s critical humor though, were able to see their idol rebound quickly. Today, the American comedian hosts Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO, a position he’s safely held onto since 2003.
Naya Rivera, Glee
In 2009, Rivera was chosen to play the part of the high school cheerleader, Santana Lopez, in the hit musical comedy series, Glee. As her appearance and musical participation improved during the next half of the first season, Naya enjoyed a staple role at the start of the second season. In July 2011, Rivera received nominations for two ALMA Awards in the categories of Favorite Female Music Artist and Favorite TV Actress – lead actress in a Comedy.
No one knows for sure what became of Naya Rivera near the finale of season five in the casting of Glee. Many gossiped that she butted heads with the show’s producers. Regardless of what it was, Naya didn’t receive an invitation for the casting of the sixth season of Glee. After her time with the show, Naya made regular appearances on Devious Maids and was a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Dave Hester, Storage Wars
Dave Hester is best known for his role in the “Storage Wars” show. The American TV personality has worked in the storage auction business for more than 25 years now. The Golden Pool painting by Jack Wilkinson Smith is considered one of the biggest finds in his career, after buying the painting for only $750 and selling it for a whopping $155,000. Hester is also the CEO and owner of Dave Hester Auctions.
David was canned from the show “Storage Wars” in 2012, but he fired back with a lawsuit of his own in December 2012, with the claim of wrongful dismissal. According to the auctioneer, the show was a setup, because there were valuable items that were purposely installed on the storage units. The case was settled in July 2014 and quickly after, he came back to the show. Hester has a popular trademarked catch phrase “YUUUP!”, which has been imprinted on products like hats and T-shirts.