Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Top 10 celebrity comebacks of all time

Some celebrities fade into oblivion after a short career, while others, like Britney Spears, have a mega-successful career followed by a long slew of screw-ups from which they may never recover. Whichever category they fall into, once stars have a taste of fame they're willing to put up a fight to keep it. But how many celebs have mastered a successful comeback? With Britney's hot new video, "Womanizer," we will go out on a limb and say the princess of pop is back, but she's not the only one who's done the impossible. Click through this slideshow for the top 10 celebrity comebacks of all time. 
    • #10 John Travolta
    • #9 Paula Abdul
    • #8 Rob Lowe
    • #7 Kylie Minogue
    • #6 Kiefer Sutherland
    • #5 Mariah Carey
    • #4 Ellen DeGeneres
photo 1 of 10

#10 John Travolta

Mega success with "Welcome Back, Kotter," "Grease" and "Staying Alive" was followed up with… 1989’s Look Who’s Talking. Yikes. Quentin Tarantino gave him the lead in 1994’s "Pulp Fiction" and totally resurrected his career.

Frank Micelotta/Getty Images
Syndication:

From the Community…

Comments 61-70 of 70
  • boethius's Avatar
    Posted by boethius Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:39pm PDT

    It's arguable that Travolta has ever truly "come back" - "Pulp Fiction" was merely a blip on the radar that somehow turned Travolta's status as a has-been into an overpaid has-been: Broken Arrow, General's Daughter, Michael, Basic, Phenomenon, Swordfish, and last but certainly not least his homage to his Scientolohero L. Ron, Battlefield Earth. What have these movies really done in terms of box office? Not much. Basically he's on the lifetime plan to pay for the fuel for the 727 he loves flying around the globe. Hollywood needs to cut the cord so he can fly off into the sunset.

    Report Abuse
  • deleta's Avatar
    Posted by deleta Tue Oct 21, 2008 7:53am PDT

    You left out Frank Sinatra!

    Report Abuse
  • Sarah's Avatar
    Posted by Sarah Tue Oct 21, 2008 12:18pm PDT

    These slutty outfits that have caught me eye on stage need to stop.

    It may be attractive to perverts but seriously, its ruining their reputations. Thats how Brittany Spears ended up shaving her

    head.

    Report Abuse
  • Sarah's Avatar
    Posted by Sarah Tue Oct 21, 2008 12:18pm PDT

    These slutty outfits that have caught me eye on stage need to stop.

    It may be attractive to perverts but seriously, its ruining their reputations. Thats how Brittany Spears ended up shaving her

    head.

    Report Abuse
  • Gail's Avatar
    Posted by Gail Tue Oct 21, 2008 2:31pm PDT

    Thanks to the magic of re-runs, I didn't realize these people ever went away. Is Lucille Ball still alive and performing?

    Report Abuse
  • Jason D's Avatar
    Posted by Jason D Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:03pm PDT

    What about William Shatner...two emmys!!

    Report Abuse
  • fixincars's Avatar
    Posted by fixincars Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:56pm PDT

    Ok first lets get something straight. Paula has always been HERE and didn't need to "come back" Paula is a great person and a wonderful singer and dancer. So Paula did not make any music for a short time shes not gone just busy you don't get to be the greatest singer and just disappear, Get used to hearing a lot about Paula shes here and will be a force for a long long time

    Paula, I love you and you know, always will.

    Report Abuse
  • Mui Mui's Avatar
    Posted by Mui Mui Sat Oct 25, 2008 4:38pm PDT

    To all you Mariah and Britney haters. Up yours because they rule! They have more talent and money than you losers will ever hate and are making money off your jealous behinds. Mimi and Brit-Brit will always be loved by millions while you punks won't. VIVA LA MC AND BS

    Report Abuse
  • Catrina's Avatar
    Posted by Catrina Sun Oct 26, 2008 2:36am PDT

    Mariah carey is a true comeback.

    Shes on the top now & doesnt look like shes coming

    down any time soon.

    Report Abuse
  • Fritz S's Avatar
    Posted by Fritz S Sun Nov 16, 2008 4:48pm PST

    Beyonce of course.

    Report Abuse
Comments 61-70 of 70

leave your comment

You must sign in to post a comment

Sign In for personalized information

New User? Sign Up

Updates Chatter on Shine…

Health Byte

Who doesn't want to look hot at all those holiday parties? ExerciseTV shares how to get in skinny jeans-shape -- and quickly!