Danny Masterson is an American former actor best known for playing Steven Hyde on the hit sitcom That ’70s Show. For years, he was recognized as one of television’s most familiar comedic faces and later starred in Netflix’s The Ranch. However, his acting career came to an abrupt end after multiple women accused him of sexual assault. In 2023, a California jury convicted Masterson on two counts of rape, resulting in a prison sentence of 30 years to life. His case has remained in the public eye because of ongoing appeals and its connection to allegations involving the Church of Scientology. This article explores his early life, acting career, legal case, and where matters stand today using verified public information.
Who Is Danny Masterson? A Short Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Peter Masterson |
| Date of Birth | March 13, 1976 |
| Age | 50 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Albertson, New York, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former Actor, DJ |
| Years Active | 1980–2018 |
| Famous For | Steven Hyde in That ’70s Show |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Father | Peter Masterson |
| Mother | Carol Masterson |
| Siblings | Christopher Masterson, Jordan Masterson, Alanna Masterson, Will Masterson |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Former Spouse | Bijou Phillips |
| Children | One daughter |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $4 million (public estimates) |
| Source of Income | Acting, DJ work, business ventures |
Early Life and Family Background
Daniel Peter Masterson was born on March 13, 1976, in Albertson, New York. He entered the entertainment industry at a very young age, beginning as a child model before moving into television commercials and acting. By his teenage years, he had appeared in numerous advertisements and television productions, building experience long before becoming a household name.
Masterson comes from a family closely associated with the entertainment industry. His brother, Christopher Masterson, is widely known for portraying Francis in Malcolm in the Middle. His half-siblings, Jordan Masterson and Alanna Masterson, also became actors. Growing up in this environment exposed him to television production and helped shape his early career.
Danny Masterson’s Rise to Fame
Breakthrough with That ’70s Show
Danny Masterson achieved widespread recognition in 1998 when he was cast as Steven Hyde in That ’70s Show. Hyde became one of the sitcom’s most memorable characters thanks to his sarcastic personality, dry humor, and close friendship with the show’s main cast.
The series ran for eight seasons and became one of Fox’s most successful sitcoms. Masterson appeared in all 200 episodes, making Hyde synonymous with his acting career. The show’s lasting popularity through streaming platforms introduced the character to new generations of viewers long after its original broadcast ended.
Film and Television Career
Following the success of That ’70s Show, Masterson continued acting in both television and films. His notable projects included:
- Men at Work
- The Ranch
- Beethoven’s 2nd
- Yes Man
- Guest appearances in various television series
Outside acting, he also worked professionally as a DJ under the name “DJ Mom Jeans” and invested in several hospitality businesses in Los Angeles.
Departure from The Ranch
In 2017, allegations of sexual assault became increasingly public. As public attention intensified, Netflix removed Masterson from The Ranch. Although episodes already filmed continued to air, his character was ultimately written out of the series.
His departure marked the effective end of his mainstream acting career, as studios and producers distanced themselves from the controversy.
The Criminal Case Against Danny Masterson
The Charges
In 2020, Los Angeles prosecutors charged Danny Masterson with three counts of forcible rape involving three women. Prosecutors alleged the assaults occurred between 2001 and 2003 at his Hollywood Hills residence.
Masterson pleaded not guilty, maintaining that all encounters were consensual. The case attracted national attention because of his celebrity status and testimony regarding the role of the Church of Scientology, of which both Masterson and the accusers had been members.
Trials and Conviction
The first criminal trial concluded in late 2022 with a hung jury, resulting in a mistrial.
A second trial began in 2023. On May 31, 2023, the jury found Masterson guilty on two counts of rape involving incidents from 2003. Jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict on the third count.
In September 2023, the court sentenced him to 30 years to life in California state prison. The judge imposed consecutive sentences for the two convictions, making the punishment among the most significant handed to a television actor in recent years.
Is Danny Masterson Still in Prison?
Yes. As of 2026, Danny Masterson remains incarcerated in the California prison system while pursuing legal appeals.
His attorneys have challenged the conviction through direct appeals and additional legal filings, arguing that errors during the trial affected the outcome. California appellate courts have heard arguments, but no final decision overturning the conviction has been issued. Therefore, his conviction and sentence remain in effect.
The Church of Scientology’s Role
One of the most widely discussed aspects of the case involved testimony regarding the Church of Scientology.
During the trial, several witnesses testified that they initially avoided reporting the alleged assaults because they feared consequences within the church. Prosecutors argued that this contributed to the lengthy delay before criminal charges were filed. The church has denied wrongdoing and has rejected allegations that it discouraged victims from reporting crimes.
The relationship between the criminal proceedings and Scientology received extensive media coverage, making the case significant beyond the allegations against Masterson alone.
Personal Life
Danny Masterson married actress Bijou Phillips in 2011 after several years of dating. The couple has one daughter.
Shortly after Masterson received his prison sentence in 2023, Phillips filed for divorce. Subsequent court filings have addressed family-related legal matters while Masterson remains incarcerated.
Career Legacy
Before his criminal case, Danny Masterson had built a successful television career spanning nearly four decades. His portrayal of Steven Hyde remains one of the defining performances of late-1990s and early-2000s sitcom television.
Today, however, discussions surrounding his career are largely overshadowed by his criminal conviction. His television work continues to exist through syndicated broadcasts and streaming services, but his public legacy has fundamentally shifted from entertainment to the legal proceedings that ended his acting career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Danny Masterson famous for?
Danny Masterson is best known for portraying Steven Hyde in the television sitcom That ’70s Show. He also starred in The Ranch and Men at Work before his acting career ended following criminal charges and his subsequent conviction.
Why is Danny Masterson in prison?
He was convicted in 2023 on two counts of rape involving incidents that occurred in 2003. A California judge sentenced him to 30 years to life in prison. He has appealed the conviction, but the sentence remains in effect while those appeals continue.
Is Danny Masterson still appealing his conviction?
Yes. His legal team continues to pursue appellate review and related legal petitions challenging aspects of the trial. As of 2026, the conviction has not been overturned, and he remains incarcerated.
What happened to Danny Masterson’s acting career?
His acting career effectively ended after allegations became public. Netflix removed him from The Ranch, and he has not returned to professional acting since.
What is Danny Masterson’s estimated net worth?
Public estimates place Danny Masterson’s net worth at approximately $4 million. These estimates are based on his earnings from acting, DJ performances, and previous business interests, although exact figures are not publicly confirmed.
Conclusion
Danny Masterson’s story reflects one of the most dramatic reversals in modern television history. Once celebrated for his role as Steven Hyde on That ’70s Show, he experienced decades of professional success before allegations of sexual assault led to criminal prosecution. His 2023 conviction on two counts of rape and sentence of 30 years to life transformed both his public image and career. While his legal team continues to challenge the verdict through the appellate process, the conviction remains in place. As a result, Danny Masterson is remembered today not only for his work in television but also for a landmark criminal case that continues to draw public attention.
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