Danny Masterson gained widespread recognition for his role as Hyde in the popular TV series That ’70s Show, where he starred alongside Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis. However, his career took a drastic turn in 2019 when he faced accusations of rape by three different women.
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After a trial that spanned several months, Masterson, now 47 years old, was found guilty of two charges of rape on September 7, 2023. The verdict resulted in a sentence of 30 years in prison, with 15 years to life for each charge, to be served consecutively.
The trial, which began in 2022, initially faced challenges as the jury struggled to reach a unanimous decision regarding his innocence. Ultimately, the jury voted 8-4 in favor of convicting him on two out of three rape charges in May 2023.
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Profile summary
| Born | Daniel Peter Masterson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 13, 1976 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 47 |
| Place of Birth | Nassau County, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1980–2018 |
| Spouse | Bijou Phillips (m. 2011; sep. 2023) |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | Christopher Masterson (brother), Jordan Masterson (half-brother), Alanna Masterson (half-sister) |
| Penalty | 30 years to life in prison |
| Imprisoned at | Los Angeles County Jail (temporary)[1] |
| Net Worth | $8 Million |
Who is Danny Masterson?
Danny Masterson, whose full name is Daniel Peter Masterson, is an American actor known for his roles in popular television series. He portrayed Steven Hyde in “That ’70s Show” from 1998 to 2006, played Milo Foster in “Men at Work” from 2012 to 2014, and took on the character of Jameson “Rooster” Bennett in “The Ranch” from 2016 to 2018.
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How old is Danny Masterson?
As of 2023, the American actor Danny Masterson is 47 years old. He was born on March 13, 1976, on Long Island, New York, and his zodiac sign is Pisces.
Early Life and Family Background
His formative years were spent in Albertson, Garden City, and East Williston on Long Island. Within his family, Danny shares his acting talents with his brother, Christopher Masterson, widely recognized for his role as Francis in Malcolm in the Middle.
The Masterson family’s ties to the entertainment industry extend beyond Danny and Christopher. His maternal half-siblings, Jordan Masterson and Alanna Masterson, have also pursued careers in acting, contributing to the family’s artistic legacy. Additionally, Danny has a paternal half-brother, Will Masterson, further enriching their family’s diverse background.
Career
Danny Masterson’s career began at a young age. He worked as a child model starting at four years old and appeared in numerous commercials and magazine articles by the age of five. He even starred in musicals at eight. However, his singing voice changed during his teenage years.
In the early 1990s, Masterson had roles in Beethoven’s 2nd and the TV show Cybill. His breakthrough came with That ’70s Show, where he portrayed Steven Hyde for all eight seasons. Despite initial resistance from the casting director, Masterson’s audition redefined the character.
After the show, he acted in movies and made TV guest appearances. In 2012, he starred in the sitcom Men at Work and appeared in the film Alter Egos. He later joined the cast of The Ranch from 2016 to 2018 but was written out due to rape and assault allegations.
Beyond acting, Masterson pursued DJing and even owned a lounge in Utah. He also participated in poker tournaments and hosted celebrity poker events.
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Sentenced to 30 Years for Rape
Danny Masterson was handed a sentence of 30 years to life in prison on September 7, 2023. This means that he could be considered for parole after serving 25½ years, but there is also the possibility of him remaining incarcerated for the rest of his life.
In response to the conviction, Masterson’s legal team has expressed their intent to appeal, citing the discovery of “several substantial evidentiary and constitutional concerns” surrounding his convictions.
Who is Danny Masterson’s wife?
They began their relationship in 2004 and eventually decided to take the next step. After getting engaged in 2009, they exchanged vows on October 18, 2011. Their family expanded with the birth of a daughter in February 2014.
However, their once-happy marriage took a different course. On September 18, 2023, Phillips filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. In her divorce petition, she sought full legal and physical custody of their child, along with spousal support.
Did Danny Masterson return as Hyde in That ’90s Show?
In the original television series “That ’70s Show,” spanning from 1998 to 2006, Danny Masterson portrayed the character Steven Hyde. Fast forward to January 2023, and fans were thrilled to see the return of the show in the form of a spin-off called “That ’90s Show.”
However, during this revival, fans noticed the absence of Danny Masterson from the initial 10 episodes released on Netflix on January 19, 2023. While the exact reasons were not disclosed, many speculated that his absence might have been related to Masterson’s ongoing trial.
Despite the return of numerous beloved characters from the original series, such as Red (Kurtwood Smith), Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp), Donna (Laura Prepon), Fez (Wilmer Valderrama), Eric (Topher Grace), Michael (Ashton Kutcher), and Jackie (Mila Kunis), fans remained curious about whether Masterson would make an appearance in the spin-off series.
Danny Masterson is a Scientologist
Danny has been a practitioner of Scientology since his teenage years, adhering to the principles and teachings laid out in the books of its late founder, L. Ron Hubbard. In a 2015 interview with Paper magazine, Danny shed light on his perspective, explaining, “In Scientology, there’s no belief system or deities to worship; it’s more akin to a college of the mind. I grew up without the need to engage in formalized prayers or worship. It was more about practicality, like ‘If you’re thirsty, drink water.'”
It’s worth noting that the Church of Scientology faced legal action from three individuals who accused Danny of rape. They alleged that the Church was involved in covering up these alleged crimes and subjected them to what they described as “fair game attacks” after they reported the incidents to the police. In October 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court officially rejected the Church’s appeal related to this case, as reported by Variety.
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Danny Masterson Net Worth
In 2023, Danny Masterson’s estimated net worth stands at slightly over $8 million. How does Masterson’s financial standing compare to that of his fellow ‘That ’70s Show’ cast members? Ashton Kutcher, another star from the series, boasts a significantly higher net worth, with an estimated fortune of $200 million.
