Danny Masterson was born on March 13, 1976, in Long Island, New York. He began his career in the entertainment industry at a young age, working as a child model and actor in commercials. His breakthrough role came with the popular sitcom That ’70s Show, where he played Steven Hyde from 1998 to 2006. The show’s success catapulted Masterson to fame and made him a household name.
Acting Career
Masterson gained widespread recognition for his role on That ’70s Show, a period sitcom centered around a group of teenage friends in the 1970s. His portrayal of the laid-back and rebellious Hyde became a defining part of the series. Following the show’s conclusion, Masterson continued acting, appearing in films and television series, including The Ranch on Netflix alongside former co-star Ashton Kutcher. However, his career came to a halt amid serious legal troubles.
Legal Issues and Conviction
In 2020, Masterson was charged with three counts of rape, with allegations dating back to the early 2000s. The accusations surfaced as part of the #MeToo movement, drawing significant public attention. In May 2023, after a highly publicized trial, Masterson was found guilty of two counts of rape and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Masterson maintained his innocence, while the victims shared their experiences in court. His conviction marked a significant moment in the ongoing discourse around sexual assault in Hollywood.
Appeals and Legal Efforts
In December 2024, Masterson filed an appeal against his conviction, citing procedural errors and questioning the credibility of the witnesses involved in his trial. His legal team has argued that the trial was influenced by media coverage and public opinion rather than facts presented in court. Despite the appeal, Masterson remains incarcerated as of January 2025.
Personal Life
Masterson was married to actress Bijou Phillips, with whom he shares a daughter. Following his conviction, Phillips filed for divorce in September 2023. Recent reports indicate that Phillips has moved on with businessman Jamie Mazur, emphasizing her desire to focus on personal healing and her daughter’s well-being.
Impact on Career and Public Perception
Masterson’s legal troubles have severely impacted his career. He was removed from The Ranch in 2017 following the initial allegations and has since become a divisive figure in the entertainment industry. Former colleagues have distanced themselves from him, and his reputation remains tarnished by the conviction.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Before his legal issues, Masterson was involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly within the Church of Scientology, of which he was a prominent member. However, his association with the church has drawn criticism, as the organization faced allegations of protecting him from earlier accusations.
Current Status and Future
As of 2025, Masterson remains in prison while awaiting the outcome of his appeal. His case has sparked conversations about accountability in Hollywood and the justice system’s handling of celebrity cases.
Despite his fall from grace, Masterson’s influence on the entertainment industry, particularly his role in That ’70s Show, remains a significant part of his legacy, albeit overshadowed by the serious legal issues he now faces.
