Famous People Who Were Fired for Ridiculous Reasons

Actor Thomas Gibson was fired from Criminal Minds following reports of an on-set altercation in which the actor allegedly kicked a writer over creative differences. Show executives put the actor on a two episode suspension before making his dismissal permanent.

We've all had those moments where anger gets the best of us, but keeping cool at work is key. Getting angry could cause you to lose the respect of your colleagues and ultimately, your job.

Canadian heartthrob Ryan Gosling was fired for gaining weight. He put on 60lb (27kg) for his role in The Lovely Bones because he thought it would make him look older. The director didn't agree and cast Mark Wahlberg instead.

If your job depends on your looks, you need to maintain those looks. If you're planning a big change, even just a haircut, it's not a bad idea to check with your employer first.

Former Journey frontman Steve Perry broke his hip in the 90s, just as the band was about to embark on a tour. His fellow band members replaced him with a singer from a Journey cover band.

When there is an important work project coming up, take care of your health so that you won't leave your colleagues in the lurch.

The Following's James Purefoy lost the part of V in V for Vendetta six weeks into the movie's production because, rumour has it, he didn't like wearing a mask. However, V was all about the Guy Fawkes mask the character wore throughout.

American Psycho director Mary Harron had already cast Christian Bale in the lead role for the film when the suits at Lions Gate studios announced that Leonardo DiCaprio would play the part. DiCaprio pulled out, as did next choice Ewan McGregor, and the studio eventually gave Bale his job back.

No project can be successful if those involved don't communicate about what's happening and what they're planning.

When The Lord of the Rings was cast, the part of Aragorn went to Irish actor Stuart Townsend. He spent months preparing for the role but was replaced by Viggo Mortensen a day before filming began because he looked too young.

When it comes to hiring employees, know what you want. Changing your mind at the last minute wastes everyone's time and could land you in a lawsuit.

Transformers star Megan Fox lost a part in the third installment of the series when Steven Spielberg heard her tell a British magazine that the film's director, Michael Bay, was like Hitler.

Back when she was still a struggling wannabe dancer in New York, Madonna got a job at Dunkin' Donuts. She says that on her first day, she squirted jelly filling on some customers. There wasn't a second day.

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder used to be a night security guard. He got fired for playing his guitar on the job.

Sometimes a job can be soul-destroyingly boring but it's best to pass the time with activities that can help you do better at the current gig.

The man who founded an empire based on a talking mouse lost his job at a newspaper early on in his career. The reason Walt Disney didn't make the grade? The editor said he wasn't creative enough.

Never be afraid to present your ideas, even if they seem silly, because you might just have the big one that impresses everybody.

Comedy legend Lucille Ball's boss at the ice cream parlour where she used to work actually had a very good reason for firing her. She kept forgetting to put bananas in the banana splits.

No matter how unimportant your job may seem, learn to do it well and to pay attention to the details. It'll pay off in the long run.