Danny Masterson is an American actor, DJ, and convicted criminal who has a net worth of $8 million. He is best known for playing the role of Steven Hyde in the hit sitcom That ’70s Show, which aired from 1998 to 2006. He also starred in the Netflix comedy series The Ranch, which was canceled in 2018 after he was accused of multiple rapes. In 2023, he was found guilty of two counts of forcible rape and sentenced to 30 years in prison. But how did he earn his fortune? And what will happen to his money now that he is behind bars?
Danny Masterson’s Early Life and Career
Danny Masterson was born on March 13, 1976, in Long Island, New York. He started his career as a child model and actor, appearing in over 100 commercials and several musicals by the age of 16. He made his film debut in Beethoven’s 2nd in 1993 and his TV debut in Cybill in 1995.
In 1998, he landed his breakthrough role as Hyde, a rebellious teenager and friend of the main character Eric Forman (played by Topher Grace) in That ’70s Show. The show was a huge success, running for eight seasons and 200 episodes. Masterson appeared in every episode and became one of the most popular and recognizable stars of the show. He reportedly earned $20,000 per episode in the first season and $40,000 per episode in the later seasons.
Danny Masterson’s Success and Controversy
After That ’70s Show ended in 2006, Masterson continued to work as an actor and a DJ. He appeared in several movies, such as Yes Man, The Bridge to Nowhere, The Chicago 8, and Alter Egos. He also starred in two other sitcoms: Men at Work on TBS from 2012 to 2014 and The Ranch on Netflix from 2016 to 2018. The Ranch reunited him with his That ’70s Show co-star Ashton Kutcher, who played his brother on the show. Masterson also produced and co-wrote some episodes of the show.
When Masterson was charged with raping three women in the early 2000s, his career was put on hold in 2017. The Los Angeles Police Department received the claims and opened an investigation. Masterson was sacked from The Ranch by Netflix, and he was also dropped from its advertising campaigns. Masterson refuted the charges and insisted that they were brought against him because of his Scientology affiliation.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office formally filed three counts of forcible rape against Masterson in 2020. He entered a not guilty plea and was granted bail. He had a preliminary hearing in 2021, and four women gave evidence against him. The judge decided that there was sufficient proof to move forwards with the trial. Masterson was found guilty of two charges of forcible rape and cleared of a third following a six-week trial in 2023. He was given a 30 year prison term with a 15 year parole potential.
Danny Masterson’s Net Worth and Future
As of 2023, Danny Masterson’s estimated net worth is $8 million. He made most of his money from his acting career, especially from his roles in That ’70s Show and The Ranch. He also earned money from his DJ gigs, endorsements, and business ventures. He owns several properties around the world, including a mansion in Los Angeles, a ranch in Utah, a penthouse in New York City, and a villa in France. He also has a collection of luxury cars, such as a Bentley Continental GT, a Porsche 911 Carrera, and a Ford Mustang.
However, Masterson’s net worth may change significantly due to his legal troubles. He faces civil lawsuits from his accusers, who are seeking damages for emotional distress, assault, battery, false imprisonment, and negligence. He may also have to pay fines, restitution, and legal fees. Moreover, he may lose some of his income sources due to his imprisonment. For example, he may not receive residual payments from That ’70s Show or The Ranch if the shows are pulled from syndication or streaming platforms due to his conviction.
Masterson’s net worth may also be affected by his divorce from his wife Bijou Phillips. Phillips is an actress and model who has appeared in movies such as Almost Famous, Bully, Hostel: Part II, and Choke. She married Masterson in 2011 and they have one daughter together. Phillips has supported Masterson throughout his ordeal and attended his trial. However, in 2021, she filed for divorce from him, citing irreconcilable differences. She is seeking joint custody of their daughter and spousal support from Masterson. The divorce is not yet finalized and the terms of their settlement are not known.
Masterson’s net worth is likely to decrease in the coming years due to his legal and personal issues. He may also face difficulties in resuming his career after his release from prison, as he will be in his 60s and have a tarnished reputation. He may have to rely on his savings, investments, and assets to maintain his lifestyle and support his family.
FAQs
Q: When was Danny Masterson born?
A: Danny Masterson was born on March 13, 1976, in Long Island, New York
Q: How many children does Danny Masterson have?
A: Danny Masterson has one daughter with his estranged wife Bijou Phillips. Their daughter’s name is Fianna Francis Masterson and she was born in 2014.
Q: What awards has Danny Masterson won?
A: Danny Masterson has not won any major awards for his acting work. He has been nominated for three Teen Choice Awards for his role in That ’70s Show, but he did not win any of them.
Q: What is Danny Masterson’s best-known role?
A: Danny Masterson’s best-known role is Steven Hyde in That ’70s Show (1998-2006). He played a rebellious teenager and friend of the main character Eric Forman (played by Topher Grace) in the sitcom.
Q: What is Danny Masterson’s latest project?
A: Danny Masterson’s latest project was The Ranch (2016-2018), a Netflix comedy series that he starred in and produced. He played Jameson “Rooster” Bennett, the brother of Colt Bennett (played by Ashton Kutcher) on the show. He was fired from the show in 2017 after he was accused of multiple rapes.
