In the entertainment industry, an actor’s career is shaped not only by talent and box office numbers but also by public perception and personal beliefs. Sometimes, those beliefs spark controversy that can ripple across Hollywood and influence future opportunities. When a beloved actor publicly shares politically divisive views, the consequences can be swift and far-reaching.
One such actor, who once charmed audiences as a Disney favorite, recently opened up about how his political opinions have impacted his professional life.
Related: Whoopi Goldberg “Schools” Disney Star After “B.S.” Statements
Zachary Levi rose to prominence as the voice of Flynn Rider in Disney’s 2010 hit animated film Tangled. The charismatic thief with a heart of gold quickly became a fan favorite, leading Levi to reprise the role in several Disney projects, including video games, shorts, and television series related to Tangled.
Beyond Disney, Levi achieved mainstream success starring as the superhero Shazam in the DC Extended Universe, with the original Shazam! grossing over $350 million worldwide. However, his career momentum stalled following the disappointing box office performance of Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
Related: Disney Pauses ‘Tangled’ Remake Following Backlash from ‘Snow White’ Fiasco
Levi’s shift into the political spotlight began when he publicly expressed support for President Donald Trump, having initially backed Robert Kennedy Jr. in his presidential campaign. Raised in a conservative Christian household, Levi has cited a deep-rooted distrust of the government as part of his worldview, which informed his political endorsements. These declarations drew mixed reactions from fans and colleagues alike.
The controversy intensified after Levi made serious claims in an October 2024 Instagram Live video about Broadway star Gavin Creel, who had been battling cancer. Levi alleged that Creel was compelled to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to continue performing and that the vaccine transformed his illness into what Levi called “turbo cancer.” These assertions lacked scientific backing and sparked criticism from the entertainment community.
Notably, Laura Benanti, who performed with both Levi and Creel in the Broadway production She Loves Me, publicly condemned Levi’s comments. Benanti called out Levi for exploiting Creel’s death to advance false narratives, describing her longstanding personal grievances with Levi and highlighting the divisiveness his claims caused.
These incidents appear to have had professional repercussions for Levi. In an interview reported by Variety, Levi revealed that many industry professionals now prefer not to collaborate with him due to his outspoken views.
He explained:
“I know that there are people that would prefer not to work with me now because of my opinions. My team has let me know,” he says as he nods in the direction of Beverly Hills, where his agents at UTA are headquartered. “They haven’t given me any specific names, but there are people who prefer not to work with me at this time. And it’s unfortunate. I knew that was probably going to happen. I didn’t make this decision blindly or casually.”
Related: Disney Actor Called Out by Broadway Star With Scathing ‘F*** You Forever’ Remark”
Despite the backlash, Levi says his candor has also inspired a number of actors who want to collaborate with him, though he did not disclose who they are.
Currently, Levi has several projects lined up. Two completed films, Not Without Hope and Sarah’s Oil, are slated for release later this year. Meanwhile, Hotel Tehran is in production, and both Free Fall and Undercover are in pre-production.
Levi’s experience underscores the complex relationship between personal beliefs and professional opportunities in today’s Hollywood climate. It raises broader questions about how political and social views affect career trajectories and the entertainment industry as a whole.
What’s your take? Did Zachary Levi cross a line with his claims about the COVID-19 vaccine and Gavin Creel? Do you understand why some may hesitate to work with him now? We want to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments below.
It’s a shame when celebrities feel they are scientists and thus qualified to offer medical opinions and advice. Levi claims to be a devout Christian and yet has aligned himself with Trump who wouldn’t know a Christian thought if one was suggested to him. He is a bigot, an adulterer, a hypocrite, and tried to overthrow the government he took an oath to uphold.
Boo hoo
Funny how liberals in Hollywood are fine if they profess their loyalty to the whacko left but when a conservative expresses their views, they get attacked. Great example of hypocrisy from the dems. To Rosemarie, you are a perfect example. The dem party is imploding. Well Rosemarie, Boo Hoo.
To Nick, not feeling the liberal “joy” from the election? I love it.