Freddie Prinze Jr. Almost Quit Acting After 24 Co-Star Clash

The actor had a difficult time on the set of the hit TV drama series.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:55am

Freddie Prinze Jr., known for his roles in 1990s teen movies, almost quit acting entirely after a negative experience working on the set of the TV series "24" in 2010. Prinze played the character of Cole Ortiz, the director of field operations at CTU New York, who was partnered with Kiefer Sutherland's Jack Bauer. The long hours and intense work environment on "24" nearly caused Prinze to abandon his acting career.

Why it matters

Prinze's experience on "24" highlights the challenges and pressures that actors can face on high-intensity TV productions, which can sometimes lead them to reconsider their profession. This story provides insight into the behind-the-scenes realities of the entertainment industry.

The details

Prinze has said that working with Kiefer Sutherland on "24" was a major factor in his almost quitting acting. He found Sutherland to be difficult and the work environment to be extremely demanding, with long hours and intense pressure. The experience left Prinze feeling burned out and questioning whether he wanted to continue his acting career.

  • Prinze joined the cast of "24" in 2010 for the show's eighth season.
  • The difficult experience on the "24" set nearly caused Prinze to quit acting entirely.

The players

Freddie Prinze Jr.

An American actor known for his roles in 1990s teen movies like "She's All That" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer".

Kiefer Sutherland

The lead actor on the TV series "24", playing the role of Jack Bauer.

Cole Ortiz

Prinze's character on the TV series "24", the director of field operations at CTU New York.

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The takeaway

This story serves as a reminder of the intense pressures and challenges that actors can face in the entertainment industry, even those who have found success. It highlights the importance of maintaining work-life balance and mental health, even for high-profile performers.