Danny Masterson: A Closer Look

What’s Danny Masterson's Net Worth and Salary?

Let’s talk about Danny Masterson, shall we? This American actor, DJ, and—unfortunately—convicted criminal, boasts a net worth of $8 million. That figure, by the way, is combined with his wife, actress Bijou Phillips. Danny’s most iconic role was as Steven Hyde in the beloved sitcom “That '70s Show.” He was there for all 200 episodes, from 1998 to 2006. But his acting career didn’t stop there. He also played a key role in the Netflix series “The Ranch.” Beyond acting, Danny has dabbled in music as a DJ under the quirky moniker “DJ Mom Jeans.”

Now, here’s where the story takes a dark turn. In 2017, multiple women accused Danny of rape. These allegations led to formal charges in 2020, with three counts of rape. On May 31, 2023, Danny was found guilty on two of the three charges—“forcible rape” of two unnamed women. The verdict handed down a 30-year prison sentence, with 15 years for each count. The sentence was officially handed to Danny on September 7, 2023. It’s a sobering reminder of how quickly a career—and a life—can unravel.

Early Life: From Child Model to Rising Star

Danny Masterson was born Daniel Peter Masterson on March 13, 1976, in Long Island, New York. His journey into the entertainment world started early. By the time he was four, Danny was already making waves as a child model, gracing the pages of magazines and starring in commercials. By eight years old, he was performing in musicals, though his singing voice didn’t quite carry into his teenage years. By the age of 16, he had appeared in over 100 commercials, working with brands like Kellogg’s, Clearasil, and Tang. Danny’s childhood was a whirlwind of modeling gigs and early acting experiences, setting the stage for his future in Hollywood.

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Career Highlights: The Path to Fame

Danny’s career kicked off with his role in the film “Beethoven’s 2nd” and a stint on the sitcom “Cybill” in the early '90s. But it was his audition for “That '70s Show” that really changed everything. Despite being older than the rest of the cast, Danny’s comedic talent shone so brightly that the writers rewrote Hyde’s character to better fit his unique persona. And the rest, as they say, is history. Danny starred in all eight seasons of the show, becoming a household name in the process.

After “That '70s Show,” Danny kept the momentum going. He appeared on shows like “Punk’d” and “MADtv,” and even landed a role in the blockbuster “Yes Man” alongside Jim Carrey. In 2009, he starred alongside his wife, Bijou Phillips, in the indie film “The Bridge to Nowhere.” Danny’s career continued to evolve with roles in series like “White Collar” and the film “The Chicago 8.” By 2016, he was back on screens with “The Ranch,” further cementing his status as a versatile actor.

Relationships: Family and Faith

Danny is a devout member of the Church of Scientology, a fact that has played a significant role in his personal life. In 2005, he met Bijou Phillips, who shares his faith. The couple got engaged in 2009 and tied the knot in 2011. In 2014, they welcomed their first child into the world, adding another chapter to their story. Bijou’s family has its own share of fame and controversy, with her father, John Phillips, being the lead singer of The Mamas & The Papas. Her half-sister, Mackenzie Phillips, has made headlines for her own tumultuous experiences.

Legal Issues: A Rocky Road

In 2017, four women accused Danny Masterson of sexual assault, alleging that he drugged and raped them. All four women were Scientologists, and their claims sparked a police investigation. Danny denied the allegations, but the fallout was swift. He was dropped from “The Ranch,” and his talent agency severed ties with him. In 2019, the original four women filed a lawsuit against Danny and the Church of Scientology, accusing them of harassment and stalking. The allegations included chilling details, like being followed by cars and filmed without permission.

In June 2020, Danny was formally charged with raping three women, with incidents dating back to 2001 and 2003. These women were between the ages of 23 and 28 at the time. After a three-year investigation, Danny faced a maximum sentence of 45 years. On May 31, 2023, he was convicted on two counts of forcible rape. By September 7, 2023, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison. It’s a tragic end to a once-promising career.

Real Estate: Property and Legal Battles

Real estate has been a part of Danny’s life for years. In 2007, he listed a home on Holly Mont Drive in Los Angeles for $1.595 million. This luxurious four-bedroom property featured a marble and gold leaf fireplace, a pool, and a hot tub. Danny originally bought the home in 1998 for $560,000, just after landing his role on “That '70s Show.” Over the years, he invested in several properties, including apartments and small buildings.

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In 2003, Danny sold an apartment in LA to Laura Prepon, his co-star from “That '70s Show,” for $165,000. By 2020, as legal troubles mounted, Danny was living in a house in Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara County, while renting out his Hollyridge Drive home. He purchased this 4,323-square-foot estate, once owned by Chuck Berry, for $2.995 million in 2007.

After being arrested in June 2020, Danny posted a $3.3 million bond using the Hollyridge Drive property as collateral. Around this time, he filed several lawsuits against banks, alleging faulty paperwork on his mortgage. These attempts to cancel his mortgage payments were dismissed, with one attorney noting that it seemed like Danny was “throwing arguments against the wall” in hopes of avoiding repayment. Ultimately, Danny sold the home in December 2021 for $6.2 million, after initially listing it for $7 million.