Freddie Prinze Jr. says former co-star is the reason he stopped acting as he makes savage claim

In recent years, Freddie Prinze Jr has become somewhat of an open book when it comes to the highs and lows of his acting career.

And this week, an interview he once gave ABC News - where the TV and film star has made a pretty bombshell claim about the real reason he took a step away from the world of showbiz, claiming his beef with another actor prompted the decision - has re-emerged.

For those in need of a reminder of the 49-year-old's on-screen achievements, Prinze Jr first shot to fame back all the way back in the early 90s, firstly appearing in slasher movie I Know What You Did Last Summer.

He quickly moved onto rom-coms, appearing in the likes of She's All That, Down To You, Boys and Girls, and Head Over Heels.

After featuring alongside now-wife Sarah Michelle Gellar in the movie adaptation of Scooby-Doo in 2002, Prinze Jr made less and less frequent appearances on the silver screen.

The actor shot to fame in the 90s (Miramax)

As we say, the father-of-two previously opened on his apparent removal from Hollywood circles, admitting it was an entirely conscious decision.

Speaking to ABC News back in 2014, he claimed that a 'terrible' experience on the set of much-loved action series 24 - sparked by his co-star Kiefer Sutherland - had put him off entertainment for good.

Sutherland played the lead on the show, intelligence agent Jack Bauer. Prinze Jr, meanwhile, joined the cast for the eighth season as Cole Ortiz, the director of field operations at the Counter Terrorist Unit Los Angeles Division - another central role.

Apparently, however, their competing levels of leadership meant that pair got off to a bad start.

"Kiefer was the most unprofessional dude in the world," Prinze Jr told the publication.

"That’s not me talking trash, I’d say it to his face. I think everyone that’s worked with him has said that."

Supplying examples of 58-year-old Sutherland's high-maintenance attitude, he claims he was required to remove his shoes to as not to threaten his height.

"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," Prinze Jr jibed.

Though he opted not to go into further detail regarding the nature of their relationship, he did claim that the experience on set left him scarred for life.

"I hated every moment of it. I just wanted to quit the business after that. So, I just sort of stopped," he explained.

The pair worked together on 24 (Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic)

IMBD claims that Prinze Jr took a two-year break from acting in 2010 following the incident.

Addressing the allegations against him at the time, Sutherland's representatives told FOX News: "Kiefer worked with Freddie Prinze, Jr. more than five years ago, and this is the first he has heard of Freddie’s grievances.

"Kiefer enjoyed working with Freddie and wishes him the best."

Tyla contacted Sutherland's representatives for comment.