Actors With Criminal Charges

The entertainment industry often sees high profile individuals facing legal challenges that become public knowledge through media coverage. Many male actors have dealt with criminal charges ranging from minor traffic infractions to serious felony offenses throughout their careers. These legal issues can impact their professional trajectories and influence how audiences perceive them over time. This list explores various actors who have encountered the legal system at different points in their lives while working in film and television.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. spent several years facing legal issues related to substance abuse during the late nineties. He was arrested multiple times for possession of controlled substances and trespassing into a neighbor’s home. These legal struggles resulted in time spent in state prison and mandatory drug rehabilitation programs. His career saw a significant resurgence after he achieved sobriety and secured roles in films like ‘Iron Man’. He remains one of the most successful examples of a professional comeback in Hollywood.

Danny Trejo

Danny Trejo spent a significant portion of his early life in and out of the California prison system. His criminal charges included armed robbery and drug offenses that spanned over a decade of his youth. While serving time in San Quentin he became a champion boxer and completed a rehabilitation program. This transformation led to his discovery on a film set and his eventual casting in projects like ‘Machete’. He now uses his past experiences to mentor others and advocate against substance abuse.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg faced serious criminal charges as a teenager in Boston during the late eighties. He was charged with attempted murder after a violent assault but eventually pleaded guilty to felony assault. This incident resulted in a two year prison sentence of which he served approximately forty five days. He has since spoken about his transition from a troubled youth to a successful actor and producer. His career includes major roles in films such as ‘The Departed’ and ‘The Fighter’.

Tim Allen

Tim Allen was arrested in 1978 at an international airport for the possession of a large quantity of cocaine. He faced a possible life sentence but cooperated with authorities to receive a reduced term. The actor served over two years in a federal correctional institution before being paroled. After his release he pursued a career in stand up comedy which eventually led to his starring role in ‘Home Improvement’. He later provided the voice for Buzz Lightyear in the ‘Toy Story’ franchise.

Christian Slater

Christian Slater has encountered several legal issues involving assault and weapons charges throughout his career. He served a term in jail during the late nineties following an incident involving substance abuse and physical altercations. These legal problems led to a period of transition in his professional life and public image. He eventually returned to prominence with his acclaimed performance in the television series ‘Mr. Robot’. His work continues to be recognized across both independent cinema and major network productions.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen has a long history of legal troubles involving domestic violence and drug related offenses. He was arrested multiple times and faced charges that often complicated his work on major television shows. His legal battles were frequently publicized and led to his high profile departure from the series ‘Two and a Half Men’. Despite these challenges he has remained a well known figure in the entertainment world through various projects and interviews. He has spent time in various treatment facilities to address the issues that contributed to his legal record.

Wesley Snipes

Wesley Snipes faced significant legal challenges related to his personal finances and federal taxes. He was convicted of failing to file federal income tax returns over a period of several years. This legal battle resulted in a three year prison sentence which he began serving in late 2010. Following his release he returned to the film industry with roles in projects like ‘The Expendables 3’. He is widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of the titular character in the ‘Blade’ trilogy.

Tom Sizemore

Tom Sizemore struggled with recurring legal issues related to domestic violence and illegal substance possession. He was convicted of assault in 2003 and faced additional arrests in the following years for violating his probation. These criminal charges often interfered with his acting career during a period when he was highly sought after for gritty roles. He appeared in critically acclaimed films such as ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Heat’ before his legal troubles intensified. The actor spent significant time in both jail and rehabilitation centers before his passing.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf has been arrested on several occasions for charges including disorderly conduct and public intoxication. One notable incident occurred during a performance of a Broadway play where he was removed from the theater by police. He also faced legal action following a physical altercation that led to charges of battery and petty theft. The actor has since been open about his struggles with mental health and his efforts to remain sober. His performances in films like ‘Honey Boy’ often reflect his personal experiences with fame and family.

Ezra Miller

Ezra Miller has faced a series of criminal charges in multiple jurisdictions including Vermont and Hawaii. These legal issues involved allegations of burglary and disorderly conduct that gained significant media attention. The actor eventually pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful trespass to avoid more severe penalties. These incidents created uncertainty regarding the release of the major superhero film ‘The Flash’. Miller has since issued public statements addressing their behavior and seeking professional treatment.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors was involved in a high profile legal case that resulted in his conviction for assault and harassment. The charges stemmed from a domestic dispute that occurred in early 2023. Following the verdict the actor was removed from several major film projects including his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He was sentenced to a year long domestic violence intervention program rather than serving jail time. This legal outcome has had a substantial impact on his rapidly rising career in the industry.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby was the subject of a major criminal trial involving multiple allegations of sexual assault. He was convicted on three counts of aggravated indecent assault in 2018 and sentenced to prison. The actor served several years behind bars before the conviction was eventually overturned by a higher court on procedural grounds. This legal saga fundamentally changed his public legacy as a television icon from ‘The Cosby Show’. He remains a controversial figure in the entertainment world following his release from custody.

Kevin Spacey

Kevin Spacey faced criminal charges in both the United Kingdom and the United States related to sexual assault. These allegations led to a series of legal proceedings that spanned several years and multiple jurisdictions. He was eventually acquitted of the charges in London following a high profile trial in 2023. The legal battles resulted in his removal from the television series ‘House of Cards’ and other film projects. He has recently attempted to return to the acting profession through smaller independent films.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin faced criminal charges of involuntary manslaughter following a fatal shooting on the set of the film ‘Rust’. The incident involved a live round being discharged from a prop gun held by the actor during a rehearsal. After a series of legal maneuvers the charges against him were eventually dismissed during his trial in 2024. The case raised significant questions about safety protocols and liability within the motion picture industry. Baldwin has maintained his innocence throughout the various stages of the investigation and prosecution.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard has faced several legal allegations and charges related to domestic disturbances over the years. These incidents involved altercations with former partners that led to police intervention and court filings. While some charges were dropped others resulted in restraining orders and publicized legal settlements. Despite these personal controversies he has maintained a steady career with leading roles in the series ‘Empire’. He has frequently spoken about his personal philosophy and his experiences within the legal system.

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey was famously arrested in 1999 following a noise complaint at his home in Texas. Police discovered the actor playing bongos while naked and he was subsequently charged with resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia. The drug charges were eventually dropped and he paid a small fine for the noise violation. This incident became a well known piece of Hollywood trivia that the actor has discussed with humor in his memoir. He has since won an Academy Award for his work in ‘Dallas Buyers Club’.

Woody Harrelson

Woody Harrelson was arrested in 1982 for disorderly conduct after he was found dancing in the middle of a street. He reportedly resisted arrest and attempted to flee from the officers on the scene. He also faced legal action in the nineties for his public protest regarding the cultivation of industrial hemp in Kentucky. These incidents contributed to his reputation as a counterculture figure and an activist. He is highly regarded for his versatility in projects ranging from ‘Cheers’ to ‘True Detective’.

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland has faced multiple criminal charges related to driving under the influence of alcohol. He served a forty eight day jail sentence in 2007 after pleading no contest to a DUI charge while already on probation. This legal situation required him to manage his sentence around the production schedule of his hit series ’24’. He has also been involved in public altercations that led to minor legal scrutiny. He remains a prominent figure in the industry known for his intense dramatic performances.

Sean Penn

Sean Penn was involved in several high profile legal incidents involving assault during the eighties. He served over thirty days in jail for punching a film extra and for various altercations with paparazzi. His volatile reputation during that era was frequently documented by the media and affected his public image. He eventually transitioned into more serious dramatic roles and earned two Academy Awards for Best Actor. He is also recognized for his extensive humanitarian work and political activism around the world.

Mickey Rourke

Mickey Rourke faced charges of resisting arrest and DUI during a period when his acting career had slowed down. He also had a brief career as a professional boxer which led to physical changes and personal challenges. His legal issues were often linked to a reputation for being difficult on film sets during the nineties. He made a significant professional comeback with his performance in the film ‘The Wrestler’. He continues to work in both mainstream and independent cinema while maintaining a unique presence in the industry.

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant was arrested in 1995 for engaging in lewd conduct in a public place with a sex worker. This incident occurred shortly before the release of his film ‘Nine Months’ and caused a major media scandal. He pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to a fine and probation. He famously appeared on talk shows to apologize for his actions and address the public directly. The event did not end his career and he remains a popular actor known for his roles in romantic comedies.

Vince Vaughn

Vince Vaughn was arrested in 2018 at a sobriety checkpoint and charged with driving under the influence and resisting an officer. He eventually pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of reckless driving to resolve the legal matter. He was also involved in a bar fight years earlier while filming a movie in North Carolina which resulted in an assault charge. Despite these incidents he has remained a consistent lead in both comedic and dramatic films. He is well known for his work in ‘Wedding Crashers’ and ‘Hacksaw Ridge’.

Josh Brolin

Josh Brolin was arrested in 2004 following a domestic battery call involving his spouse at the time. The charges were later dropped but the incident remained part of his public record. He was also arrested for public intoxication on New Year’s Day in 2013 just before entering a rehabilitation facility. The actor has been open about his decision to stop drinking and the positive impact it had on his life. His career reached new heights afterward with roles in ‘No Country for Old Men’ and the ‘Avengers’ series.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson faced a highly publicized arrest in 2006 for driving under the influence which included a controversial police report. He was later charged with misdemeanor battery following a domestic dispute in 2010. These legal issues and his associated public comments led to a significant period of professional exile in Hollywood. He eventually returned to the industry as both an actor and a director for the film ‘Hacksaw Ridge’. His work continues to be a subject of public debate due to his past legal and personal controversies.

Edward Furlong

Edward Furlong has faced numerous criminal charges involving domestic violence and drug possession over several decades. He was arrested multiple times for violating restraining orders and for physical altercations with partners. These recurring legal problems significantly hindered his acting career after his early success as a child star. He is best known for his role as John Connor in ‘Terminator 2 Judgment Day’. He has spent time in various treatment programs to address his ongoing personal struggles.

Stephen Baldwin

Stephen Baldwin was arrested in 2012 for failing to file his state income tax returns for three consecutive years. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was ordered to pay several hundred thousand dollars in back taxes and penalties. He avoided jail time by agreeing to a payment plan and completing his probation requirements. He has been vocal about his religious beliefs and how they helped him navigate his financial and legal difficulties. He is the youngest of the Baldwin brothers and appeared in films like ‘The Usual Suspects’.

Rip Torn

Rip Torn faced several legal issues later in his life including multiple arrests for driving while intoxicated. In 2010 he was arrested for breaking into a closed bank while carrying a loaded firearm while intoxicated. He claimed he had mistaken the bank for his own home and eventually received a suspended sentence. These incidents overshadowed his long and prestigious career on stage and screen. He is remembered for his iconic role on ‘The Larry Sanders Show’ and his appearance in ‘Men in Black’.

Dustin Diamond

Dustin Diamond was arrested and charged following a barroom stabbing incident in late 2014. He was convicted of carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct after a trial in Wisconsin. The actor served several months in jail for these offenses before being released on probation. This legal trouble was one of several public controversies he faced after his time on ‘Saved by the Bell’. He passed away in 2021 after a career that included reality television and stand up comedy.

Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett was charged with multiple felony counts for filing a false police report regarding a staged hate crime. The actor claimed he was attacked in Chicago but investigators concluded he had orchestrated the incident himself. He was convicted of disorderly conduct in 2021 and sentenced to jail time and significant fines. The case led to his removal from the television series ‘Empire’ and caused a massive public debate. He has continued to appeal the conviction while maintaining his original version of the events.

Columbus Short

Columbus Short has faced several criminal charges including aggravated battery and domestic violence. One incident involved a physical altercation at a restaurant that resulted in a serious injury to another person. He also faced legal consequences for violating his probation and failing drug tests during his court proceedings. These legal struggles led to his departure from the hit television show ‘Scandal’. He has since worked on independent film projects and spoken about his journey toward recovery.

Nick Nolte

Nick Nolte was arrested in 2002 for driving under the influence of a controlled substance in California. A widely circulated mugshot from the incident became a famous image associated with his personal struggles. He pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to three years of probation and mandatory counseling. He has since continued his prolific acting career with Academy Award nominated performances. He is recognized for his roles in films like ’48 Hrs’ and ‘Warrior’.

Matthew Fox

Matthew Fox was involved in a legal incident in 2011 where he was accused of assaulting a female bus driver. While he was not formally charged with a crime the allegations led to a civil lawsuit and public scrutiny. He was later arrested in 2012 for driving under the influence in his home state of Oregon. The actor has largely stepped away from the spotlight in recent years following these controversies. He is best known for his leading roles in the series ‘Party of Five’ and ‘Lost’.

Lane Garrison

Lane Garrison was involved in a fatal car accident in 2006 that resulted in the death of a teenage passenger. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence with a high blood alcohol level. He pleaded guilty and served approximately half of a forty month prison sentence. Since his release he has worked to rebuild his acting career with roles in television and film. He is primarily known for his performance on the first season of ‘Prison Break’.

Jeffrey Jones

Jeffrey Jones was arrested in 2002 and charged with the solicitation of a minor and possession of child pornography. He pleaded no contest to the charge of soliciting a minor and was required to register as a sex offender. He later faced additional charges for failing to update his sex offender registration as required by law. These criminal cases effectively ended his mainstream acting career in Hollywood. He is still remembered for his roles in ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ and ‘Beetlejuice’.

Ricardo Medina Jr.

Ricardo Medina Jr. was arrested for the stabbing death of his roommate with a sword in 2015. He initially claimed self defense but later pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter to resolve the case. He was sentenced to six years in state prison for the killing and served his time before being released. The actor had previously gained fame for his work in the ‘Power Rangers’ franchise. This violent incident remains a shocking chapter in the history of former child television stars.

Jason London

Jason London was arrested in 2013 following a bar fight where he faced charges of assault and disorderly conduct. During the incident he reportedly behaved erratically and was involved in a confrontation with police officers. He was sentenced to community service and alcohol treatment as part of his legal resolution. The actor has continued to work in independent films and television movies since the event. He is best known for his starring role in the cult classic film ‘Dazed and Confused’.

Jeremy London

Jeremy London faced legal trouble in 2010 after he was charged with domestic violence involving a family member. He was also at the center of a bizarre kidnapping case where he claimed he was forced to use drugs at gunpoint. Police later arrested him in 2018 for another domestic battery charge in Mississippi. His personal struggles with addiction and legal issues have been documented on reality television programs. He is recognized for his roles in the film ‘Mallrats’ and the series ‘7th Heaven’.

Michael Madsen

Michael Madsen has been arrested multiple times on charges including driving under the influence and trespassing. In 2012 he faced a felony child endangerment charge following a physical altercation with his son but the case was dismissed. He was also arrested for a DUI after crashing his vehicle into a pole in 2019. Despite these recurring legal issues he remains a frequent collaborator with director Quentin Tarantino. He is famous for his roles in ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and the ‘Kill Bill’ films.

Emile Hirsch

Emile Hirsch was arrested and charged with aggravated assault following an incident at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015. He was accused of choking a female film executive during an after party at a nightclub. He pleaded guilty to the charge and served fifteen days in jail along with paying a fine. The actor checked into a rehabilitation facility shortly after the incident to address his behavior. He has since returned to acting in films such as ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’.

Chris Pine

Chris Pine was arrested in New Zealand in 2014 for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was stopped by police after attending a wrap party for a film production and failed a breathalyzer test. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was ordered to pay a fine and had his local driving privileges suspended. The judge noted that the actor appeared truly remorseful and had a clean prior record. He is a major star known for his work in ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Wonder Woman’.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale was arrested in London in 2008 following an allegation of assault involving his mother and sister. The incident occurred just before the premiere of his film ‘The Dark Knight’. He was released on bail and the charges were eventually dropped due to a lack of evidence. The actor denied the allegations and maintained that it was a private family matter. He is highly respected for his intense dedication to his craft and has won an Academy Award.

Gerard Butler

Gerard Butler was charged with criminal assault in 2009 following an altercation with a photographer in Los Angeles. The incident happened after a premiere party when the actor allegedly struck the paparazzi member. He eventually pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge through his legal representatives. The case was dismissed after he completed a set amount of community service. He is a well known action star who rose to fame in the film ‘300’.

Sam Worthington

Sam Worthington was arrested in 2014 for assault after he allegedly punched a photographer in New York City. The altercation began after the photographer reportedly kicked the actor’s partner at the time. He was charged with third degree assault and harassment but the case was later resolved with a conditional discharge. The actor has had other minor run ins with the law including an arrest for disorderly conduct in Georgia. He is the lead star of the record breaking ‘Avatar’ franchise.

Thomas Jane

Thomas Jane was arrested for driving under the influence in 2008 after being pulled over for speeding in California. He was found to have a blood alcohol level above the legal limit and faced multiple misdemeanor charges. He eventually pleaded no contest to one count of DUI and received a sentence of probation and fines. The actor has continued to have a steady career in both television and film projects. He is recognized for his starring roles in ‘The Punisher’ and the series ‘Hung’.

David Hasselhoff

David Hasselhoff has faced legal issues related to alcohol consumption including a publicized DUI arrest in 2004. He was sentenced to three years of probation and required to attend an alcohol recovery program. A viral video later showed the actor in a vulnerable state which led to increased public concern for his health. He has been open about his journey with alcoholism and his efforts to maintain his sobriety. He remains a global icon for his work on ‘Baywatch’ and ‘Knight Rider’.

Danny Masterson

Danny Masterson faced a lengthy legal battle involving multiple counts of forcible rape stemming from incidents in the early 2000s. He was convicted on two of the counts in 2023 following a second trial after the first ended in a hung jury. He was sentenced to thirty years to life in state prison for these crimes. The legal proceedings resulted in his removal from the television series ‘The Ranch’ and the end of his acting career. He was previously well known for his role as Steven Hyde on ‘That 70s Show’.

James Caan

James Caan was arrested in 1994 for brandishing a firearm during an argument with another individual in Los Angeles. He faced charges related to the incident but the case was eventually settled without a prison sentence. The actor had a long history of intense roles that often mirrored his tough guy persona in real life. He was also involved in various legal disputes regarding his personal finances and property over the years. He is best remembered for his legendary performance as Sonny Corleone in ‘The Godfather’.

Chris Klein

Chris Klein was arrested twice for driving under the influence with the second incident occurring in 2010. He pleaded no contest to the charges and voluntarily checked himself into an alcohol treatment facility for thirty days. The actor spoke openly about his struggle with addiction and how the arrests served as a wake up call for his life. He successfully completed his probation and has since returned to acting in various projects. He gained early fame for his role in the ‘American Pie’ film series.

Please share your thoughts on these actors and their legal histories in the comments.