Danny Masterson: Biography, Career, Net Worth, and Lesser-Known Facts
Introduction
Danny Masterson is an American actor best known for his role as Steven Hyde in the popular sitcom That ’70s Show. Masterson gained fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming a familiar face in Hollywood, particularly in comedy television. Over the years, he expanded his career to include production work and appeared in several other notable TV shows and movies. However, his career has not been without controversy, particularly in recent years due to legal issues that have impacted his public and professional life.
Table of Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Peter Masterson |
| Date of Birth | March 13, 1976 |
| Place of Birth | Long Island, New York, USA |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, DJ |
| Years Active | 1988 – 2020 |
| Famous For | That ’70s Show (Steven Hyde), The Ranch (Rooster) |
| Spouse | Bijou Phillips (married in 2011) |
| Children | 1 daughter |
| Religion | Scientology |
| Notable Legal Issues | Convicted of multiple sexual assaults (2023) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $8 million (pre-legal issues) |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hobbies | DJing, Nightlife, Animal Rights Advocacy |
This table consolidates the key aspects of Danny Masterson’s life, career, and personal background for a quick overview.
Early Life and Background
Danny Masterson was born on March 13, 1976, in Long Island, New York. He grew up in a family that had strong ties to the entertainment industry; his younger brother, Christopher Masterson, is also an actor, best known for his role as Francis in Malcolm in the Middle. Danny began his career in the entertainment world at a young age, working as a child model and appearing in over 100 commercials by the time he was a teenager. His early exposure to acting set the foundation for his career in television and film.
Masterson’s upbringing included a focus on Scientology, a religion he has been associated with throughout his life. He attended public school initially but switched to homeschooling in order to accommodate his busy acting schedule. His early work in television commercials and minor TV roles led to his breakthrough in sitcoms during the late 1990s.
Career Highlights
That ’70s Show (1998–2006)
Danny Masterson’s career took off when he was cast as Steven Hyde in the hit sitcom That ’70s Show. The character, known for his laid-back attitude, rebellious nature, and sarcastic humor, quickly became a fan favorite. Masterson’s portrayal of Hyde solidified his place in Hollywood, and the show’s success made him a household name. That ’70s Show ran for eight seasons, and Masterson remained a main cast member throughout its entire duration.
Other TV Roles
Following the success of That ’70s Show, Masterson appeared in several television shows and movies. He guest-starred in popular series such as Punk’d, White Collar, and Raising Hope. Although he continued to work steadily, none of these roles reached the same level of acclaim as his performance in That ’70s Show.
The Ranch (2016–2018)
In 2016, Masterson joined the cast of The Ranch, a Netflix comedy series that reunited him with his former That ’70s Show co-star, Ashton Kutcher. In The Ranch, Masterson played the character Rooster Bennett, a humorous and carefree rancher who often clashed with his brother, played by Kutcher. His involvement in the show ended in 2018 following allegations of sexual misconduct.
Personal Life
Danny Masterson married actress and singer Bijou Phillips in 2011, after dating for several years. The couple has one daughter, born in 2014. Bijou Phillips stood by Masterson’s side during his legal challenges, showing support throughout the highly publicized trials.
Masterson’s personal life has been deeply intertwined with Scientology, a religion he has defended and spoken about publicly. His faith has been a significant aspect of his identity and was mentioned frequently during his legal proceedings.
Legal Controversies
In recent years, Danny Masterson’s career has been overshadowed by legal controversies. In 2023, he was convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault, leading to a significant public and professional fallout. These legal issues led to his dismissal from The Ranch and affected his reputation in Hollywood. The court case drew attention due to the involvement of the Church of Scientology, with accusations that the church attempted to silence the victims.
Achievements and Awards
- YoungStar Award Nominee: Masterson received recognition early in his career for his role in That ’70s Show, earning nominations for his comedic performance.
- Teen Choice Awards: He and the cast of That ’70s Show were nominated multiple times for ensemble performance awards.
- Comedy Accolades: While he did not win major awards, his role as Hyde remains iconic in TV comedy, with the show maintaining a cult following.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Danny Masterson’s net worth was estimated at around $8 million before his legal issues. His primary sources of income included:
- Television and Film: Salaries from major shows like That ’70s Show and The Ranch contributed significantly to his wealth.
- Production Ventures: He has also worked behind the scenes as a producer, which added to his financial stability.
- Endorsements: Masterson was involved in various brand endorsements and had financial interests in nightclubs, including a co-ownership of Los Angeles clubs like Downstairs.
Following his legal troubles, however, his financial status became more uncertain due to legal fees and the loss of professional opportunities.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Danny Masterson was an accomplished DJ under the name “DJ Mom Jeans,” performing at various events and clubs.
- He co-owned several Los Angeles nightlife venues, including clubs like Downstairs and Hollywood’s Dolce.
- Masterson was an advocate for animal rights and participated in charity events supporting animal welfare.
- He has consistently credited Scientology for guiding his personal and professional decisions, even amid controversy.
- In addition to acting, Masterson dabbled in producing, lending his skills to projects both on TV and film.
FAQs
What is Danny Masterson’s net worth?
Before his legal issues, Masterson’s net worth was estimated at $8 million, but recent events have impacted his financial situation.
How did Danny Masterson get famous?
Masterson gained fame primarily for his role as Steven Hyde in That ’70s Show, which aired from 1998 to 2006 and remains popular in syndication.
Is Danny Masterson married?
Yes, Danny Masterson married Bijou Phillips in 2011, and the couple has one daughter.
What happened to Danny Masterson’s career?
Masterson’s career faced a major downturn following his conviction on sexual assault charges in 2023, leading to his removal from acting projects and a damaged reputation.
Conclusion
Danny Masterson’s journey in Hollywood has been a mix of early success and later controversy. Known for his iconic role in That ’70s Show, he became a notable figure in comedy television. However, his legal challenges have overshadowed his accomplishments, leading to significant professional and personal repercussions. As his story continues to unfold, Masterson’s legacy remains a complex blend of talent, controversy, and public scrutiny.
