You've probably heard stories about celebrities having all kinds of extravagant requirements before they walk on set to act or out on stage to perform - and it's not limited to those A-listers commonly known for being high-maintenance. Apparently, no request is too big or weird in the world of entertainment. So we've dug deep to find the most unusual and expensive demands from artists, and you'll be surprised what some of your favorite Hollywood stars have gone out of their way to include in their contracts.
Daniel Radcliffe Requests Magic Sets
This one sounds really weird at first, until you think back to actor Daniel Radcliffe's breakout role playing Harry Potter. Then, it actually starts to make a little bit of sense. Before Radcliffe walks on set, he asks that his trailer be stocked with a couple of different magic kits, so he can have something to do when he's taking a break from filming or when he just wants to entertain guests.
It's kind of cool to know that when he was playing Harry Potter, he actually had an interest in magic, even if the magic he practices now involves more sleight of hand than actual wand play.
Kate Winslet Wants Her Trailers Covered In Rose Petals
Requesting roses for your trailer seems like a pretty reasonable request, but actress Kate Winslet goes a step further. In her contracts, she asks that the entire interior of her trailer be covered in rose petals. It's actually a pretty cool request, and we can certainly see how it might help her stay relaxed after a long day of shooting. However, we'd imagine there would be some logistical difficulties.
Where does one get enough rose petals to cover the entire interior of a trailer? Do they just buy a bunch of roses and then pick the petals, or do they get them separately?
Barbra Streisand Asks For Toilet Paper That Compliments Her Tone
Singer Barbra Streisand is known for having a couple of odd requests from venues where she performs. For starters, she requests that her room has a particular shade of toilet paper that compliments her skin tone. We weren't even aware that toilet paper came in any shade other than white, but apparently it does. She also asks that staff put rose petals in her toilet before she gets to the venue.
This next one is comparatively less odd, but she requests that her room contain vintage lamps. We're not entirely sure why, but maybe she just enjoys the way they look.
Lindsay Lohan Asked For The Entire Crew To Get Naked
It can be nerve-wracking to film any kind of scene as an actor, considering all of the people around, but we'd imagine that it's probably especially hard to film an intimate scene. Lindsay Lohan starred in The Canyon, where she had to film a scene that involved nudity. Her response was to make the rest of the cast and crew on set get naked with her. It was honestly kind of ingenious.
They say that when you're nervous, it helps to imagine other people without their clothes on, but Lohan did one better and just made everyone else take off their clothes with her.
Uma Thurman Wanted The Ability To Override Creative Choices
When it comes to acting, there are a lot of big egos, whether from the actors themselves or the directors and writers. Producers have to somehow strike a balance with everyone on set. Uma Thurman apparently sometimes asks for complete creative control, or at least the ability to override creative decisions made by anyone working on a film, including directors, writers, and other actors. It's very rare for directors to give actors that much control.
However, it's probably even rarer for actors to ask for that much control. Thurman made her request while filming Eloise in Paris, but if she asked for it there, she's probably asked for it on other sets.
Madonna Wanted A Date With Lenny Kravitz
Madonna is one of the most popular pop singers of all time. She's pretty much a household name, even though she doesn't really put out any new music now. So, we were kind of surprised by this request. Reportedly, when she was starring in a movie, her condition was that she wanted to have a date with rock legend Lenny Kravitz. Honestly, it's a really cool request.
However, we're also kind of surprised that she just couldn't get the date herself. We mean, it's Madonna we're talking about here, but maybe she just didn't have Kravitz's number at the time.
Tom Cruise Made $20 Million For Two Weeks Of Work
Most of the requests on this list are weirder than they are crazy pricey, but we had to mention Tom Cruise's request for $20 million, plus his other requirement. It's hard to think of a bigger-name action star than Cruise, and he's certainly known for his eccentric nature. However, he once famously asked for another $10 million for another week of work, after already signing up for a single week making $10 million.
Firstly, how is anyone worth $10 million for a week's worth of work, even if it's Tom Cruise? Secondly, good for him. His other request is that he just needs a brand new Corvette to drive around while working on a movie, which honestly makes sense considering it's him.
Will Smith Needs Four Jaguars To Drive
Will Smith is a Hollywood veteran, and he's honestly earned the right to ask for pretty much anything he wants. But that doesn't mean we're going to overlook his odd requests. Smith requires a private jet to fly him from location to location while he's working on a film, which isn't too odd. However, he also requires four Jaguars to be waiting for him when he lands at the airport.
That one is kind of perplexing. We're not really sure why he needs four different cars or if he actually drives all of them around, or if someone else drives them for him.
Justin Bieber Asked For Meals Named After His Hit Songs
Justin Bieber had a pretty meteoric rise to fame. He basically started on YouTube way back in 2007 and has since gone on to become one of the most famous artists in the world. So, maybe he just wanted a little reminder of everything he's accomplished throughout the years when he once asked a private chef to whip up some dishes named after some of his most popular songs.
The request was made while he was on tour, and sadly, we don't know the names of the dishes that were prepared nor what types of dishes they actually were.
Lady Gaga's Rooms Have A Mannequin With "Pink Pubic Hair"
Lady Gaga is known as a pretty free spirit, so this one doesn't surprise us too much. Still, it is a bit odd. She asks that her dressing room, no matter where she is, come with a mannequin that has "fluffy pink pubic hair." It's definitely a conversation starter and it's probably a hit with guests. That's not the only request she has regarding her dressing room, but it is the most noteworthy.
She also asks that it be decorated in what was described as "glam rock," so we're guessing it is similar to what you think of when you think of artists in the 1970s.
Leonardo DiCaprio Requested No Eye Contact On Set
Leonardo DiCaprio is probably one of the best actors out there right now. In nearly every film he's been in, he gives an amazing performance. However, he's also a bit mysterious in that he doesn't really publicize his social life and he seems to be hyper focused on his career. DiCaprio also reportedly has a bit of an odd request on a lot of the sets he works on.
He often asks that there be no eye contact with him while he's on set, just hanging around. We're not sure what the reason for this is, but it does add another layer of mystery to the acclaimed actor.
Sean Connery Wanted His Name Larger Than Costars
This one might happen all the time, and it wouldn't be that surprising given all the huge egos in Hollywood, but it is rare for it to actually be confirmed. Actor Sean Connery, asked that his name be around 25% bigger on promotional material, such as posters and images, for the movie Goldfinger. The James Bond actor's career was on an upward trajectory when the movie came out and he wanted to take advantage of it.
Really, it was a smart publicity move and one that obviously paid off, considering the actor is still a household name today. He's also remembered as one the best to play James Bond.
Marilyn Manson Requests A "Bald, Toothless Hooker"
Singer Marilyn Manson is no stranger to controversy. Since his earliest days, he's been a pretty divisive figure, but more so recently with accusations of abuse coming out. He also has had some pretty odd requests throughout his years of performing. For example, he has requested that places provide him with a "bald, toothless hooker." It was probably just meant to shock people, but with Manson, who can be sure?
What is clear is that he's often made shocking statements throughout his career to try and get a rise out of people. Still, it's a pretty odd request for a venue, or anywhere for that matter.
Gwyneth Paltrow Asked That A Hotel Be Evacuated
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has recently been in the headlines for all kinds of odd reasons, most of which have to do with her business ventures. However, there was a time when she had an entire hotel evacuated right before she was scheduled to give a press conference. Reportedly, she was going to walk down to the conference in her slippers but she didn't want anyone to see her wearing said slippers.
So, she had the whole hotel evacuated, guests and all, so that she could sneak down to the conference room without anyone seeing her without her usual high heels.
Eddie Murphy Only Wears New Socks And Underwear
There are a lot of people out there with specific quirks around socks and underwear, but it's still a bit odd to see an actor with such a quirk. Reportedly, Eddie Murphy will only wear brand-new socks and underwear while he's on set. “Every morning when he shoots a movie, he demands a new set of special underwear and socks. He puts them on, and at the end of the day, he throws them away,” a teamster rep has said.
While the request itself isn't too crazy, it's still a shame that all of those perfectly okay clothes are just thrown away at the end of every single day.
Kevin Hart Would Ask For Five Women
This is another odd request, and considering Kevin Hart is now married, we'd be surprised if he still asks for it. But Hart reportedly used to ask to have five women between the ages of 21 and 27. The women would have to be in his dressing room an hour before he arrived and stay for an hour after the show was finished. They'd also be told to wear tight clothing.
We're not sure why he requested this, but it's definitely one of the weirder requests on this list and one that we had no idea about before compiling this.
Kim Basinger Requires Evian Showers
There are extravagant requests; then there's asking for your shower water to be replaced with Evian water. Kim Basinger reportedly stipulates that she wants to have her water replaced so that she can shower in pure Evian. Maybe she's trying to avoid any potential iron or other minerals that might be found in tap water. We're not sure, but the request would probably be a nightmare to try and fulfill.
We can just imagine someone going around to all the local stores and buying up all of the Evian to take back to set and start pouring in tanks.
Sam Smith Has Someone That Ties Shoes
Sam Smith seemed so down to Earth when he first rose to stardom, but we guess the spotlight does something to people. Smith reportedly has an assistant whose only job is to tie his shoes for him. It's unclear what the going rate is for someone who ties other people's shoes, but we'd imagine it probably pays decent money, considering there's likely a shortage of professionals out there. That's not all though.
Smith has said that there was one point in his career when he couldn't wear the same pair of pants twice, so he'd just wear a brand new pair every day.
Victoria Beckham Refers To All Her Nannies As "Jo"
Victoria Beckham and her husband, David Beckham, are probably among some of the most high-profile personalities in the world. However, it was still a bit of a shock when we learned that she forces all of the nannies under her employment to go by the name "Jo." We're not sure as to the exact reason, but we do know that the first nanny her daughter had was named Jo, but still.
The nanny who told a paper about all of it was eventually sued by the Beckhams and forced to issue an apology. She also had to promise not to reveal anymore information about the family.
Mariah Carey Had An Assistant To Get Rid Of Gum
Singer Mariah Carey is another star who's known for having some pretty extravagant requests. However, the oddest one we could find has to do with her assistant, or at least one of them. She has an assistant who's just there to throw away her gum for her. Reportedly, they're also paid well, which we guess you'd probably have to be. Carey doesn't like touching gum after she's finished chewing.
It's a bit unclear if the assistant is only called on when she's chewing gum, or if they're just always around in case Carey decides she feels like having some.
Selena Gomez Banned Justins From Her Entourage
The reasons for this one are probably pretty obvious to Selena Gomez fans. The singer and actress used to date Justin Bieber. After the two split up, she asked that anyone named Justin go by a different name and that nobody even mention the name Justin while they were touring. It's unclear how long this went on for, but it's probably safe to say that she no longer has a problem with Justins.
However, we still feel kind of bad for all the Justins who had to go by different names during her tour. Justin is a common name, and it wasn't really their fault.
Gwen Stefani Needs A Special Room For Shoes
Singer Gwen Stefani is kind of known for her opulent requests when she's touring. Reportedly, she always books an extra room just to store her shoe collection. Considering she probably stays at some of the most expensive hotels available, that's a lot of extra money to spend. She also has her rooms redecorated in nothing but white. That means a white carpet and even a white piano. Elton John usually has a similar request.
In addition, she always has an army of stylists on call. Stefani certainly knows how to travel in style, even if it probably costs a small fortune every time she visits a different city.
Michael Richards Requested 1,000 Pounds Of Dirt
We've always wondered if Michael Richards was anything like his character, Kramer, who he played on Seinfeld, and now we have our answer. It turns out that he kind of was. Once, when he was acting on a different show, he asked that they bring in 1,000 of dirt for a scene involving his character. The scene didn't need 1,000 pounds of dirt, and the dirt in the area probably would've worked fine.
However, he wouldn't even walk to the set unless it was delivered. Seinfeld's crew also had to fix the doors on set pretty often due to his erratic entrances.
Paula Abdul Asks To Be Reminded She's A "Warrior"
Singer and pop star Paula Abdul has been in show business for a long time, which might somewhat explain her odd requests. Reportedly, while she's working, she asks people to constantly say she's a warrior, a survivor, and a godsend. It's unclear why she has people remind her of these things, but she also has them do something else. Her assistants have to monitor shows to see if she's ever mentioned.
If they do spot someone mentioning her, then they have to record it to show her later. It would probably mean that she's a bit compulsive about her public image.
Axl Rose Had To Have A Square Melon
Axl Rose and Guns N’ Roses were one of the biggest rock bands of all time. So, his request for a square melon is a little surprising. We guess if it was anyone else, it'd still be a bit odd, but coming from a rock star, it just feels a bit random. We'd expect him to make some kind of opulent or party-oriented request. Instead, no. The rockstar just wanted a melon.
But to be fair, square melons don't come cheap. You're looking at around $500 per melon, then you actually have to find one, which is extremely difficult depending on where you are.
Charlie Sheen Wanted Costar Selma Blair Fired
Charlie Sheen has a reputation for being a Hollywood bad boy and for partying and sometimes slacking off at work. However, this request was pretty far, even for him. He once asked that producers fire his costar, Selma Blair. What was the reason for this, you might ask? She reportedly took issue with his work ethic, which probably isn't too shocking to most and probably shouldn't have been shocking to Sheen.
However, he got pretty upset about it. The show's producers didn't fire her, but she was written off the show later. If it had anything to do with the request or not is up for debate.
Dustin Diamond Prohibits People From Mentioning Saved By The Bell
When you're a child star, it can be pretty hard to move past that stage of your career. Some do it more successfully than others, and some are never able to do it at all. Dustin Diamond played the hugely popular character Screech in Saved by the Bell. It's a role that's followed him around all his life. So much so that he actually prohibits people from mentioning it when he's doing standup.
At least, he tries to buy, putting in a clause that venues have to pay him $100 every time it's mentioned. However, we're not really sure how enforcement would work in this case.
Red Hot Chili Peppers Require Glacier Water For Performances
Most of the rockstars on this list have some pretty specific demands. They aren't all necessarily outrageous, but they are sort of random. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, on the other hand, require something that takes a bit more effort. Reportedly, they ask for glacier water before performing, but not just any glacier water. It has to come from either Hawaii or Australia. We weren't even aware those two places had glacier water.
Their other asks include a meditation room with walls that are dark but not painted in the color blue, which, again, is a very specific request that might seem a bit more normal on its own.
Trent Reznor Needed Two Boxes Of Cornstarch
Nine Inch Nails band member Trent Reznor has a pretty random request. That is until you hear what he uses it for. Reznor asks for two boxes of cornstarch before his performances. It seems like a pretty reasonable request for a rock star, even if it's sort of random. However, Reznor actually needs it to help him get into his leather pants before performances. He's been wearing the same kind of pants for decades.
However, we're not exactly sure if he's been making the cornstarch request for just as long or if it's something that he figured out helped slip into the pants more recently.
Edward Norton Wanted Control Over Plot And Lines
If you're a fan of the Hulk, or if you've just ever wondered why they eventually switched from Edward Norton to Mark Ruffalo, then we have an answer. Reportedly, Norton tried to stipulate that he had to have control over the film's plot and the ability to change his own lines. Because of this, the studio decided to go in a different direction after they wrapped up his first film.
That wasn't the only time he'd asked for that kind of control either. Reportedly, he asked for similar things when he worked on American History X and Red Dragon.
Ben Kweller Asks For Fishing Bait
Singer and songwriter Ben Kweller seems like he's pretty down to earth. Apparently, he has one hobby that he can't go without and that's fishing. No matter where he goes, he always asks for someone to bring him some bait so that he can go fishing during his downtime, which honestly sounds super relaxing and like the perfect way to unwind after a show or a long drive on the road.
It's unclear just what kind of fishing he does, but considering that he asks for bait wherever he goes, it's likely he fishes both salt and fresh water when he can.
Faye Dunaway Needed A 10-Foot Perimeter Of Solitude
When you have a nickname like "Hurricane Faye," then you're probably not known for being the easiest person to work with. Faye Dunaway was reportedly very difficult to work with, especially when it came to taking criticism during filming. However, she also had somewhat of an odd request. She asked that producers enforce a 10-foot perimeter around her trailer while she was on set. What was the reason for this?
Well, she didn't want people making noises and disturbing her. In fact, you weren't allowed to make any noise at all once you got within the perimeter, although we're sure this probably applied right outside it as well.
Michael Cimino Had An Entire Set Rebuilt
Director Michael Cimino Heaven's Gate is probably more famous for the demands he made of his crew than the actual movie itself, which some consider the worst ever released. The film involved a battle, so Cimino decided that he wanted the battle to take place on very green grass, except his set was already built. His solution was to destroy the set, and then have an incredibly expensive irrigation system installed.
After the irrigation system was put in, he had the entire set rebuilt. Of course, considering the way the movie turned out the entire thing was a bit pointless.
Steven Seagal Demanded Complete Control
There are some pretty crazy demands from actors on this list, but Steven Seagal's demand for complete control over everything might take the cake. Reportedly, when Seagal was filming Executive Decision, the first thing he did on set was make an announcement that he was in total control and "What I say is law." Obviously, another actor laughed when he heard this, but Seagal wasn't joking, and he made it known.
He went up to the actor and then threw him into the wall. He was also reportedly known for kicking stuntmen at random to check and see if they were wearing a cup.
Marlon Brando Once Acted In A Scene Without Wearing Pants
In the age of remote work, it's become somewhat common for people to only be dressed in business attire from the waist up during meetings, but when Marlon Brando was working, it was still a bit weird. Brando was known for being very difficult to work with throughout his career, but this particular time, he simply showed up for filming and told the director to only film him remote work style.
He also wasn't too fond of memorizing lines, and he would have someone hold cue cards off-camera so he could just read from them while filming a scene.
Clint Eastwood Took Someone's Job Directing
While most of Clint Eastwood's work today involves directing, he used to strictly be an actor. For whatever reason, he made a decision to change that while he was working as an actor on Outlaw Josey Wales. We say that, because he went to the producers and demanded that the director be fired and that he take over control of filmmaking. As might be expected, the director at the time didn't like the suggestion.
Arguments between him, Eastwood, and the producers resulted in the director being fired and Eastwood starting his new career in filmmaking. The studio was also fined by the director's union.
Slayer Once Requested 50,000 Live Bees
If you know anything about the band Slayer, then you probably know that they're pretty wild. The band is thrash metal, and it started way back in the 1970s. Throughout the years, they've collected quite the following. They've also made some wild requests. For one show, they asked for 50,000 bees, 100 white goats, "blood-proof" umbrellas (aren't all umbrellas bloodproof?), and a pentagram made out of a sandwich tray.
Not only that, but they said that they needed some halal butchers to slaughter the goats and of course, a way to store the meat. Oh, and they also needed some yoga ball chairs because you've gotta stay flexible.
Kirk Cameron Asked For His Costar To Be Fired
You've probably never heard of actor Kirk Cameron, but he was a pretty big deal in the 1980s. He was such a big deal that he had some sway over casting choices and the direction of shows. For example, he had the actress who played his girlfriend on a show he starred in sacked because he found out that she posed for Playboy. What's even crazier is that the producers listened to his request.
Not only that, but it wasn't like this was the start of the show. She'd been there for four seasons, so they had to find someone else to play his character's girlfriend for the next season.
Brigitte Bardot Requested Donkey Milk For Bathing
As odd as this request is, we're actually surprised it doesn't show up more on this list. Brigitte Bardot used to ask for a bathtub full of donkey milk. This is a pretty old practice, and even Cleopatra is thought to have bathed in milk. It's supposed to be really good for the skin, which is why Bardot requested it while working on a film all the way back in 1956.
These days, Bardot is fully retired, and she lives a life mostly away from the cameras. But she can add her name to the long list of celebrities and royalty who've famously bathed in milk.