Freddie Prinze Jr. is blaming his experience on the set of FOX's "24" as his reason for staying out of the limelight in recent years - but why?
The 38-year-old "Scooby-Doo" actor told ABC News that working with Kiefer Sutherland on the popular show made him consider quitting acting. Prinze Jr. claimed that Sutherland, 47, was "unprofessional" and that he found working with the actor extremely difficult.
"I did '24,' it was terrible. I hated every moment of it," Prinze said during his appearance at Comic-Con in San Diego. "Kiefer was the most unprofessional dude in the world. That's not me talking trash; I'd say it to his face. I think everyone that's worked with him has said that."
The actor added: "I just wanted to quit the business after that. So, I just sort of stopped."
Prinze Jr., who played Cole Ortiz, Director of Field Operations for CTU New York on the action series in 2010, continued with the insults - even stating that working for the WWE wasn't as bad as working with Sutherland.
"I went and worked for Vince McMahon at the WWE for Christ's sake and it was a crazier job than working with Kiefer," he added. "But, at least he was cool and tall. I didn't have to take my shoes off to do scenes with him, which they made me do. Like, just put the guy on an apple box or don't hire me next time. You know I'm 6 feet and he's 5'4". What do you want me to do?"
Us Weekly reported that Sutherland is actually 5 feet, 9 inches tall.
In a statement to E! News, a representative for the actor said that "Kiefer worked with Freddie Prinze, Jr. more than 5 years ago, and this is the first he has heard of Freddie's grievances. Kiefer enjoyed working with Freddie and wishes him the best."
Sources connected to the show previously reported that Sutherland would regularly show up on set drunk, forcing his cast members to wait hours for him to get ready. The actor reportedly also had a temper and would fire employees he did not like.
An executive from the network denied the accusations and stated that Sutherland was "nothing but professional during the run of the show and is beloved by cast and crew."
Prinze Jr., who appeared in every episode of the FOX's series eighth season, was at Comic Con promoting his new Disney XD series "Star Wars Rebels". The actor recently appeared in Lifetime's "Witches of East End" and FOX's "Bones".
