Actors Turned Grifters

The entertainment industry has seen many performers transition from the spotlight of Hollywood to careers defined by controversy and deception. While some actors find success in new ventures, others have been accused of using their fame to lead questionable organizations or promote financial scams. These individuals often leverage their public personas to gain trust and influence over their audiences for personal or financial gain. This list explores several male actors who have moved away from traditional performance into roles that many characterize as grifting.

Jussie Smollett

The actor gained fame for his role on ‘Empire’ before his career faced a major controversy. He reported being the victim of a hate crime in Chicago during the winter of 2019. Local authorities eventually determined that he had orchestrated the entire event with the help of two acquaintances. He was convicted on several counts of felony disorderly conduct for making false statements to the police. This incident led to his removal from the show and significant legal challenges.

Ezra Miller

After appearing in ‘The Flash’ this performer became known for a series of erratic and deceptive behaviors. He was accused of leading a cult like group and manipulating young people across several states and countries. Law enforcement intervened multiple times during incidents in Hawaii and Iceland involving disorderly conduct and harassment. These events raised serious questions about his public persona and the influence he held over his followers. He eventually issued a public apology while his professional future remained uncertain in the industry.

Steven Seagal

Once a prominent action star in ‘Under Siege’ he transitioned into roles that involved questionable financial endorsements. He faced charges from federal regulators for failing to disclose payments he received for promoting a cryptocurrency investment. The actor had been appointed as a brand ambassador for a digital token that was later scrutinized by the government. This legal trouble highlighted his shift from Hollywood productions to international business ventures and political propaganda. He eventually settled the matter by paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties and interest.

Russell Brand

The ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ star pivoted from a traditional acting career to becoming a digital influencer with a controversial platform. He has been accused of using his public reach to peddle medical misinformation and alternative health products for profit. His transition from mainstream comedy to wellness guru involved building a massive audience through conspiracy theories and anti establishment rhetoric. Critics point out that his modern persona leverages his theatrical skills to monetize social unrest and public skepticism. He continues to operate a subscription based model that critics characterize as a form of intellectual grifting.

Jared Leto

The actor known for ‘Morbius’ has faced criticism for creating a community that resembles a cult. He founded a private retreat called Mars Island where fans pay thousands of dollars to follow his spiritual guidance. Followers are often seen dressed in white robes while attending sessions led by the actor on a private island in Croatia. Many observers have compared the structure of these events to religious movements designed to exploit dedicated fans. This business model combines his celebrity status with a lifestyle brand that focuses on exclusivity and devotion.

Andrew Keegan

Known for his performance in ’10 Things I Hate About You’ he moved away from acting to start a spiritual organization. He founded a community called Full Circle in Venice Beach which he described as a center for social activism and spiritual growth. The group faced legal issues when authorities raided the facility for selling kombucha without a proper license. This endeavor was often mocked by the media as a celebrity led spiritual movement with vague objectives. He eventually returned to smaller acting roles after the physical center closed down.

Corey Feldman

The star of ‘The Goonies’ has been accused of misusing his platform to solicit funds from fans for various projects. He launched several crowdfunding campaigns to produce a documentary that promised to expose industry secrets. Many contributors complained that the final product was delayed for years and did not deliver the promised information. He also sold tickets to live streaming events that were plagued by technical issues and poor production quality. These actions have led to ongoing debates regarding his transparency and the management of fan donations.

Logan Paul

Before becoming a professional fighter he was a recurring actor on the series ‘Bizaardvark’ and several films. He faced significant backlash for a project called CryptoZoo which was marketed as a digital collectible game. Investors claimed the project was a scam that resulted in millions of dollars in losses after it failed to function as promised. The actor eventually promised to refund participants following an extensive investigation by journalists and legal threats. This controversy marked a significant shift in his reputation from a digital entertainer to a controversial financial figure.

Jake Paul

Like his brother he appeared on ‘Bizaardvark’ before focusing on high stakes business ventures and influencer marketing. He was criticized for promoting a financial education website that targeted young fans with promises of quick wealth. Critics argued that the platform was a predatory scheme designed to collect fees from inexperienced investors. He has also been linked to several cryptocurrency promotions that faced scrutiny for lack of transparency and market manipulation. These business practices have often overshadowed his athletic career and earlier acting roles.

Terrence Howard

The ‘Empire’ actor has garnered attention for his promotion of a personal system of logic and mathematics called Terryology. He claims to have discovered new laws of physics and math that contradict established scientific principles. The actor has used his celebrity platform to market these ideas and various patents to the public and scientific community. Many experts have dismissed his theories as nonsensical and a form of intellectual deception. Despite the criticism he continues to advocate for his findings through public appearances and social media.

Wesley Snipes

The star of the ‘Blade’ trilogy became involved in a high profile legal battle over his financial practices. He was convicted of failing to file federal income tax returns for several years while following a scheme created by anti tax advocates. The actor argued that he was not legally required to pay taxes based on a sovereign citizen ideology. This approach resulted in a three year prison sentence and a significant blow to his career. His case remains a well known example of an actor following deceptive legal theories to avoid financial obligations.

Randy Quaid

After appearing in ‘Independence Day’ he and his wife became known for a series of bizarre legal and financial claims. They alleged that a group called the Star Whackers was attempting to kill celebrities and seize their assets. The couple was arrested for squatting in a guesthouse they no longer owned and for failing to pay hotel bills. They eventually fled to Canada to seek asylum from what they described as a vast conspiracy against them. Their public behavior has been characterized as a transition from professional acting to a life of paranoia and legal evasion.

Dustin Diamond

The ‘Saved by the Bell’ actor engaged in several controversial schemes to remain relevant after his child star years. He released a notorious sex tape that he later admitted featured a stunt double rather than himself. The actor also wrote a tell all book that was widely criticized for containing fabricated stories about his former cast members. He participated in various reality television projects that focused on his reputation as a difficult and deceptive figure. These actions were seen as attempts to monetize his notoriety through questionable and misleading means.

T.I.

This actor and rapper appeared in ‘Ant-Man’ before becoming involved in a major cryptocurrency scandal. He was charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission for his role in promoting a fraudulent initial coin offering. The agency alleged that he used his social media influence to encourage fans to invest in digital tokens without proper disclosures. He eventually agreed to pay a large settlement to resolve the charges without admitting to wrongdoing. This incident highlighted the risks of celebrities using their fame to endorse unverified financial products.

Soulja Boy

He appeared in the series ‘The Game’ and other projects while building a brand around various tech products. He was widely criticized for selling generic video game consoles that were marketed as his own original inventions. Many customers reported that the devices were cheap imports preloaded with unlicensed games from other companies. He faced legal threats from major gaming corporations and eventually removed the products from his website. This venture was frequently cited as a deceptive marketing scheme targeting his young audience.

Vince Offer

The creator of ‘The Underground Comedy Movie’ became a household name as a pitchman for various household products. He faced several legal issues and public scandals involving his business practices and personal conduct. His marketing style often relied on high energy sales tactics that critics described as manipulative and misleading. He was arrested following a violent altercation in Florida which further tarnished his public image. Despite these setbacks he continued to use his celebrity to sell products through infomercials and digital platforms.

Armie Hammer

The actor known for ‘The Social Network’ experienced a career collapse following a series of public allegations. Reports surfaced that he had taken a job selling timeshares in the Cayman Islands after being dropped by his agency. This sudden shift from leading man to a salesman sparked widespread media interest and speculation about his financial status. He was also accused of using his charm and family history to manipulate individuals in his personal life. These developments marked a dramatic departure from his once promising trajectory in Hollywood.

Drake Bell

The star of ‘Drake & Josh’ has been involved in several incidents that raised concerns about his financial and legal conduct. He was charged with crimes related to a minor and faced scrutiny for his interactions with fans on social media. The actor has also been accused of using crowdfunding and digital platforms to solicit money under questionable pretenses. These events have led to a significant decline in his professional opportunities and public trust. His behavior has been described by some as an attempt to leverage his childhood fame for personal gain during difficult times.

Orlando Brown

Once a star on ‘That’s So Raven’ he became more famous for his erratic public behavior and bizarre claims. He has made numerous false statements about other celebrities and his own professional achievements in various interviews. The actor was arrested on multiple occasions for charges including domestic battery and drug possession. He has often appeared in viral videos asking for financial assistance or making claims that many viewed as deceptive. His transition from a Disney star to a controversial internet figure has been marked by instability and legal trouble.

Rick Schroder

The ‘Silver Spoons’ actor became a figure of controversy when he used his resources to support high profile legal cases. He contributed significant funds to the bail of a teenager involved in a fatal shooting during a protest. This action was seen by many as a political statement used to garner attention from specific interest groups. He has also been involved in domestic violence allegations and other public disputes that harmed his reputation. Critics argue that his recent public actions represent a shift toward a persona defined by controversy and ideological grifting.

Scott Baio

The ‘Happy Days’ star has transitioned from a successful acting career to a role as a political commentator and activist. He has been accused of using his platform to spread unsubstantiated claims and participate in misleading political campaigns. His public appearances often focus on controversial social issues that appeal to a specific donor base. Some critics suggest that his modern career is built on maintaining relevance through provocative statements rather than professional performance. He continues to leverage his nostalgic appeal to influence public opinion and support various causes.

Kevin Sorbo

Known for his leading role in ‘Hercules’ he has become a prominent figure in the world of faith based and political media. He often promotes products and films that critics argue use fear and misinformation to target specific audiences. The actor has been criticized for making false claims regarding health and political events on his social media channels. Many view his career shift as a way to monetize a niche market through ideological alignment. He frequently appears as a spokesperson for organizations that prioritize religious and political agendas over factual accuracy.

Shia LaBeouf

The ‘Transformers’ actor engaged in a series of performance art projects that many viewed as deceptive or manipulative. He made headlines for wearing a paper bag over his head on a red carpet with a statement claiming he was no longer famous. He also faced allegations of plagiarism regarding a short film he directed which he later apologized for using a series of skywritten messages. His public persona became defined by erratic behavior and legal issues including arrests for public intoxication. These actions were often presented as artistic expression while critics saw them as a way to remain in the spotlight through controversy.

Stephen Baldwin

The ‘The Usual Suspects’ actor has faced several financial and legal challenges related to his business dealings. He was arrested for failing to file state income tax returns for multiple consecutive years and eventually pleaded guilty. He has also been involved in several bankruptcies that highlighted his struggle with personal and professional finances. The actor has pivoted to religious and political activism which some observers view as a way to rebuild his public image. His history of tax evasion and debt has often overshadowed his work in the film industry.

Tom Sizemore

The ‘Saving Private Ryan’ actor had a history of legal troubles that included allegations of fraud and impersonation. He was once accused of using a prosthetic device to cheat on a drug test which became a major tabloid story. The actor faced numerous arrests for drug related offenses and domestic violence throughout his career. His attempts to restart his professional life were frequently hampered by his reputation for being unreliable and deceptive. He remained a cautionary tale of how personal struggles can lead to a cycle of legal and financial instability.

Bam Margera

A former star of ‘Jackass’ and professional skater he became known for using his social media to solicit help and attention. He was involved in several public disputes with his former cast members and faced multiple legal interventions for his behavior. The actor has been accused of using his struggles with sobriety to manipulate his audience for views and financial support. He has also promoted various products and appearances that were later cancelled or scrutinized for lack of transparency. His career has transitioned from high energy stunts to a series of public crises played out online.

Charlie Sheen

The ‘Two and a Half Men’ star made headlines for a public meltdown that included claims of having tiger blood and being a warlock. He later faced criticism for promoting alternative and unverified medical treatments for serious health conditions. The actor appeared on various platforms to discuss his lifestyle while disparaging his former employers and colleagues. These actions were seen as a way to monetize his personal chaos through media appearances and live tours. His behavior during this period was widely described as a departure from professional acting into a realm of public spectacle.

Tommy Wiseau

The creator and star of ‘The Room’ has maintained an air of mystery regarding the source of his wealth and his personal history. He spent millions of dollars on the production and marketing of his film without any clear explanation of how the funds were acquired. The actor has been accused of misrepresenting his origins and the intentions behind his work to cultivate a cult following. He continues to charge fans for photos and autographs while maintaining a cryptic public persona that avoids direct questions. His career is built on a foundation of ambiguity that many believe is a calculated marketing tactic.

James Franco

The ‘127 Hours’ actor faced significant legal and professional repercussions following allegations of misconduct at his acting school. Students claimed that the school was a front for exploitative behavior and that they were pressured into uncomfortable situations for the promise of roles. He eventually reached a multimillion dollar settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit filed by former students. This scandal led to a hiatus from major Hollywood productions and a shift in his public standing. The incident was viewed by many as a misuse of his status and authority within the entertainment industry.

Danny Masterson

The actor from ‘That ’70s Show’ was accused of using his influence within a powerful organization to silence victims of his crimes. Allegations surfaced that he and his associates engaged in a systematic effort to intimidate individuals and prevent them from contacting law enforcement. This manipulation of a religious and social structure was a key element during his high profile legal proceedings. He was eventually convicted on multiple counts and sentenced to a significant prison term. His case highlighted the ways in which celebrity and organizational power can be used to hide deceptive and illegal behavior.

Please share your thoughts on these celebrity transitions in the comments.