50 Facts About Danny Masterson

Early Life and Family

Danny Masterson's journey began in New York, where he was born into a family with a knack for the arts.

1. Danny Masterson was born Daniel Peter Masterson on March 13, 1976, in Nassau County, New York.
2. His parents, Carol and Peter Masterson, raised him in Albertson, Garden City, and East Williston on Long Island.
3. Christopher Masterson, his brother, is also an actor known for playing Francis on "Malcolm in the Middle."
4. Danny has maternal half-siblings, Jordan Masterson and Alanna Masterson, who are also actors.
5. He also has a paternal half-brother named Will Masterson.

Acting Career

Masterson's acting career took off early, leading to roles that would define his professional life.

6. He began acting in the early 1990s, appearing in movies like "Beethoven's 2nd".
7. He starred as Justin in the TV series "Cybill."
8. His breakthrough role came with "That '70s Show," where he played Steven Hyde.
9. Despite initial resistance, his unique humor won him the role of Hyde.
10. Masterson starred in all eight seasons of "That '70s Show" from 1998 to 2006.

Post-'70s Show' Roles

After "That '70s Show," Masterson continued to find success in television.

11. He appeared in the sitcom "Men at Work" from 2012 to 2014.
12. Masterson played Jameson "Rooster" Bennett in Netflix's "The Ranch" from 2016 to 2018.

DJing Career

Beyond acting, Masterson found a passion for DJing, performing under various names.

13. He began DJing in 1997 under the name DJ Donkey Punch.
14. Later, he changed his DJ name to DJ Donkey Pizzle and eventually DJ Mom Jeans by 2010.
15. Masterson describes himself as a "rock and hip hop fanatic".
16. He enjoys DJing with indie, electro, and funk music.

Other Ventures

Masterson's interests extend beyond acting and DJing, including business and poker.

17. He owned a lounge and bar in Park City, Utah, called Downstairs.
18. Masterson appeared as part of a poker team, the Unabombers, in the 2005 GSN series.
19. He hosted celebrity poker events like the Phat Farm Stuff Casino Weekend Poker Tournament.

Personal Life

Masterson's personal life has been as eventful as his career, marked by relationships and family.

20. He is a Scientologist and started dating actress Bijou Phillips in 2004.
21. They became engaged in 2009 and married on October 18, 2011.
22. The couple has one daughter, born in February 2014.
23. On September 18, 2023, Phillips filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

Fashion and Comedy

Masterson has also dabbled in fashion and comedy, showcasing his versatility.

24. He has collaborated with various fashion brands and appeared in fashion magazines.
25. Masterson has performed stand-up comedy at renowned comedy clubs.

Music and Advocacy

His love for music and advocacy for social causes are also notable.

26. Masterson has appeared in music videos for bands like Aerosmith and The Black Keys.
27. He has been vocal about animal rights issues, supporting organizations focused on animal welfare.
28. Masterson enjoys photography and often shares his work on social media.
29. He has spoken openly about his struggles with mental health.

Legal Troubles

Masterson's life has been marred by serious legal issues, impacting his career and public image.

30. In March 2017, four women claimed that Masterson sexually assaulted them in the early 2000s.
31. A fifth woman came forward in December 2017, alleging repeated rape while dating him.
32. Masterson was charged in June 2020 with allegedly raping three women.
33. He pleaded not guilty in January 2021 to three counts of rape.
34. His first trial ended in a mistrial, and he was retried in spring 2023.
35. Masterson was convicted of two counts of rape in April 2023.
36. In September 2023, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.

Impact on Career

The allegations and subsequent trial had a significant impact on Masterson's professional life.

37. He was written out of "The Ranch" mid-season.
38. Masterson was not invited back to the sequel series "That '90s Show".
39. His character was simply not mentioned in the sequel series.

Public Reaction and Civil Lawsuits

The public and legal fallout from the allegations has been extensive.

40. Public reaction to the allegations and conviction was mixed.
41. Masterson has faced civil lawsuits from his accusers.
42. His public image has been significantly impacted by the allegations and conviction.

Support from Scientology

Despite the controversies, Masterson has maintained his ties with the Church of Scientology.

43. The Church of Scientology has been accused of interfering with the investigation.
44. This interference led to a 20-year delay in bringing the crimes to justice.

Personal Struggles and Advocacy

Beyond his legal troubles, Masterson has been open about his personal struggles and advocacy.

45. He has spoken about his struggles with mental health.
46. Masterson has worked to raise awareness and eliminate stigmas surrounding mental illness.

Continued Interests

Despite his controversies, Masterson has continued to pursue his interests in fashion, music, and poker.

47. He has collaborated with various fashion brands.
48. Masterson has performed DJ sets at various events.
49. He has participated in professional poker tournaments.
50. Masterson is a fan of the band Radiohead and enjoys their music.

Danny Masterson: A Complex Legacy

Danny Masterson's life and career are a mix of highs and lows. Known for his role as Steven Hyde on That '70s Show, he also made waves as a DJ and poker player. His personal life, however, has been marred by serious allegations and legal battles. Convicted of two counts of rape in 2023, Masterson's actions have overshadowed his professional achievements. His involvement with the Church of Scientology and its alleged interference in his case adds another layer of controversy. Despite his early success and diverse talents, Masterson's legacy is now defined by his criminal actions and the impact on his victims. This complex narrative serves as a reminder that fame and talent do not excuse harmful behavior. Danny Masterson's story is a cautionary tale of how personal choices can drastically alter one's legacy.