Freddie Prinze Jr. says Kiefer Sutherland almost led him to quit acting

Actor Freddie Prinze Jr., who played a counterterrorism official in the 2010 season of Fox's "24," says difficulties working with series star Kiefer Sutherland almost led him to quit acting.

"I did '24'; it was terrible. I hated every moment of it," Prinze told ABC News at Comic-Con International in San Diego, where he was promoting the upcoming Disney XD animated series "Star Wars Rebels" over the weekend. "Kiefer was the most unprofessional dude in the world. That's not me talking trash," Prinze insisted. "I'd say it to his face. Everybody that's worked with him has said that."

Added Prinze, 38, "I just wanted to quit the business after that. So, I just sort of stopped."

Prinze -- the son of the late actor-comedian Freddie Prinze and the husband of actress Sarah Michelle Gellar -- did no other screen work in 2010 other than a guest appearance on USA's "Psych." But later that year the longtime pro-wrestling fan worked as a producer and director for the WWE -- which he called a less-stressful stint than "24."

"I went and worked for Vince McMahon at the WWE . . . and it was a crazier job than working with Kiefer," Prinze told ABC. "But, at least . . . [WWE majority owner McMahon] was cool and tall. I didn't have to take my shoes off to do scenes with him, which . . . [the '24' producers] made me do. Just put . . . [Sutherland] 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?" (Sutherland is actually 5-foot-9.)

"Kiefer worked with Freddie Prinze Jr. more than five years ago, and this is the first he has heard of Freddie's grievances," Sutherland's rep told Newsday. "Kiefer enjoyed working with Freddie and wishes him the best."