Actors Who Never Recovered From Their Most Distressing Roles

Martin Sheen and Francis Ford Coppola in Apocalypse Now

Although Apocalypse Now reached critical acclaim, it was a total nightmare to film. Harvey Keitel had to be replaced after two weeks and everyone on set was struck with a variety of tropical diseases. Marlon Brando had gained a tremendous amount of weight without telling anyone, didn't read the script, would only be shot in shadow, and attempted to improvise all of his lines. Director Francis Ford Coppola had a seizure followed by a nervous breakdown and threats of suicide. As for Martin Sheen, he suffered a heart attack in the sweltering jungle and had to crawl away for help.

Although the film was a roaring success, it nearly cost and cast and crew their sanity.