Danny Masterson, born on March 13, 1976, is a renowned actor from the USA. He is famous for his iconic portrayal of Steven Hyde in the long-running series "That '70s Show" (1998–2006). He also made a mark with his role as Milo Foster in "Men at Work" (2012–2014) and as Jameson "Rooster" Bennett in "The Ranch" (2016–2018). However, his career took a dramatic turn in May 2023 when he was convicted of sexually assaulting two women, both former members of the Church of Scientology, with a hung jury on a third rape charge. Subsequently, on September 7, 2023, Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
Danny Masterson, born March 13, 1976, is a well-known American actor famous for his roles in "That '70s Show," "Men at Work," and "The Ranch." However, in May 2023, he was convicted of sexual assault, leading to a 30-year to life prison sentence on September 7, 2023.
Born on March 13, 1976, in Long Island, New York, USA, as Daniel Peter Masterson, Danny Masterson spent his early years in Garden City and East Williston, New York. He proudly holds American nationality and he has a mixed ethnicity, while his religious affiliation is with Scientology. His parents are Carol Masterson, who worked as a manager, and Peter Masterson, an insurance agent. Danny also has a younger brother, Christopher Masterson, known for his roles in acting and DJing, and they share maternal half-siblings, Jordan Masterson and Alanna Masterson, who are also actors, as well as a paternal half-brother named Will Masterson. Following his parents' divorce, his mother, Carol, remarried Joe Richie, an Australian rugby player. Danny pursued his education up to the 10th grade in a public school before seeking private tutoring to complete his high school education. He briefly attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, but his demanding work schedule led to his departure from the institution.
Danny Masterson's journey in entertainment started at a remarkably young age, with a foray into child modeling at four and TV commercials by age five. His early acting career led to appearances in over 100 commercials, including notable brands like Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Hardee's, Hostess, Tang, and Clearasil. In the early '90s, he secured roles in "Beethoven's 2nd" and "Cybill." However, his breakthrough came with "That '70s Show," where he portrayed Steven Hyde, redefining the character as the tough, funny guy. He continued to act in various movies and TV shows, hosted Fox TV's Woodstock 1999 special, and starred alongside his future wife, Bijou Phillips, in "The Bridge to Nowhere." Masterson's DJing career took off as a side business, and he owned a lounge in Park City, Utah. Despite his successful career, allegations led to his departure from "The Ranch" and exclusion from the "That '90s Show" sequel series, marking a significant turn in his professional life.
Danny Masterson, a highly skilled actor, has an impressive net worth estimated at $25 million in 2023. Over the course of his career, which spans from 1988 to the present day, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the film industry, accumulating his wealth through various movies and television projects. Currently, he commands an annual salary exceeding $5 million. In addition to his acting endeavors, Masterson has lent his name and talent to numerous brand endorsements and commercials, including Swift Premium, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Hardee's, Hostess, Tang, Clearasil, Clorox, Peep's Sunglasses, Twinkies, and Volkswagen Jetta. His primary source of wealth remains his successful career in entertainment, allowing him to lead a lavish lifestyle.
In 2007, it was reported that Danny was selling his Los Angeles home on Holly Mont Drive for $1.595 million. This four-bedroom house boasted a marble and gold leaf fireplace, a private pool, a multi-terraced yard, a hot tub, and a 2-car garage. Danny originally bought the property in 1998 for $560,000, shortly after his successful role on "That '70s Show." He had also invested in six apartments and small apartment buildings, as well as purchased an LA apartment which he later sold to Laura Prepon for $165,000 in 2003. In 2007, he acquired a 4,323-square-foot home, once owned by Chuck Berry, for $2.995 million. For a time, Masterson owned a lounge and bar in Park City, Utah, called Downstairs.
Danny Masterson is a happily married man, having exchanged vows with his beautiful wife, Bijou Phillips, in a private castle in Ireland on October 18, 2011. Bijou, known for her roles as an actress, model, socialite, and singer, is the daughter of musician John Phillips. Their love story began in 2005 when they met during a poker tournament in Las Vegas, and they've since collaborated on various film and television projects, including Fox's "Raising Hope" in 2011. After getting engaged in 2009, they welcomed their daughter, Fianna Francis Masterson, into the world on Valentine's Day in 2014. This couple continues to enjoy a harmonious and blissful life together, free from any disturbances.
In March 2017, Danny Masterson faced sexual assault allegations from three women, which prompted a Los Angeles Police Department investigation. Masterson, denying the allegations through his agent, faced further accusations from a fourth victim in December 2017, leading to his firing from Netflix's series "The Ranch." Subsequently, a fifth woman made similar rape accusations, resulting in his release from United Talent Agency. In 2019, a planned episode of Leah Remini's show "Aftermath" covering the allegations was delayed, allegedly due to pressure from the Church of Scientology. Cedric Bixler-Zavala, singer for bands The Mars Volta and At the Drive-In, accused Masterson of sexually assaulting his wife and suggested a song was inspired by the incident. In August 2019, four women filed a lawsuit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology for stalking and harassment related to their rape allegations.
In June 2020, Masterson was charged with raping three women after a three-year investigation. On January 21, 2021, he pleaded not guilty, and a preliminary hearing took place in May 2021, resulting in the charges moving forward. Masterson pleaded not guilty again in June 2021, with his defense alleging collusion among the accusers. The trial, originally set for August 2022, was rescheduled for October 2022 and ultimately resulted in a mistrial in November 2022. A new trial in April and May 2023 led to Masterson's conviction on two counts of forcible rape, with a hung jury on the third charge. On June 7, 2023, Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison, and prosecutors announced they would not retry him on the hung charge in July 2023. On September 7, 2023, Masterson received a 30-year to life sentence, with plans to appeal the convictions based on evidentiary and constitutional concerns.
Danny Masterson is a handsome hunk. He stand at the perfect height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) and he maintains a fit physique with a weight of 165 pounds. He has a pair of blue eyes and his hair color is light brown. He has an athletic body type. He wears a US shoe size of 10. He exudes a charming personality, complemented by his healthy physique.
At the tender age of eight, Danny Masterson embarked on his journey in the world of acting, making his inaugural on-screen appearance in a McDonald's commercial. This early debut would set the stage for his future career in the entertainment industry, where he would go on to achieve recognition and fame for his roles in various television shows and movies.
Danny Masterson hails from a family with deep ties to the entertainment industry. His father, Pete Masterson, carved a name for himself as a prominent talent manager, undoubtedly influencing Danny's career in showbiz. Moreover, his brothers, Christopher Masterson and Jordan Masterson, have also embraced the world of acting, making it clear that the Masterson family has a strong legacy in the realm of entertainment. This background in showbiz has undoubtedly played a role in shaping Danny's successful career in the industry.
Beyond his acting endeavors, Danny Masterson has ventured into the realm of music as a DJ, going by the stage name DJ Mom Jeans. His passion for music has allowed him to explore a different artistic avenue, showcasing his versatility beyond the screen. This dual career path demonstrates Masterson's multifaceted talents and interests, as he continues to leave his mark in both the acting and music worlds.
Danny Masterson is a notable and committed advocate of the Church of Scientology, having been an active member since his teenage years. His strong affiliation with Scientology is a defining aspect of his personal and public life, with Masterson openly expressing his dedication to the Church's teachings and principles. This affiliation has also been intertwined with his career and public image, making him one of the more prominent celebrities associated with Scientology in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his acting career, Danny Masterson is a skilled skateboarder who finds joy and relaxation in this sport during his free time. His passion for skateboarding extends beyond mere recreation, as he has actively participated in various skateboarding events, showcasing both his talent and dedication to the sport. This multifaceted aspect of Masterson's life underscores his commitment to pursuing diverse interests beyond the realm of entertainment.