Actors You Didn’t Know Had Criminal Records

Many movie fans are unaware that several of the most famous leading men in Hollywood have encountered significant legal trouble during their lives. While these individuals are often celebrated for their talent and charity work their histories include arrests or convictions that might surprise the public. These legal incidents vary from minor infractions to serious criminal charges that resulted in prison sentences before or during their time in the limelight. Learning about these past mistakes provides a different perspective on the careers and personal journeys of these high profile performers.

Robert Downey Jr.

The actor faced several high profile legal challenges during the height of his early career in the late nineties. He was arrested on multiple occasions for drug related charges and weapons possession which eventually led to a prison sentence. His time behind bars served as a major turning point before he reclaimed his status in Hollywood with his performance in ‘Iron Man’. He has since become one of the most respected performers in the industry and received a full pardon for his past convictions.

Mark Wahlberg

Before he became a global superstar and an award winning producer he was involved in serious legal trouble as a teenager in Boston. He was charged with attempted murder and ultimately pleaded guilty to felony assault following a violent encounter. The actor served a short sentence in a correctional facility and has spoken openly about how the experience changed his life path. He eventually found success in the music industry and then transitioned into a legendary acting career with films like ‘The Departed’.

Danny Trejo

This veteran performer spent many years in various California prisons before he ever stepped onto a movie set. His criminal history included charges for robbery and drug offenses that kept him in and out of the system for over a decade. While serving time he became a champion boxer and dedicated himself to a recovery program that helped him stay clean. He was discovered on a film set while working as a sober coach and was quickly cast in ‘Runaway Train’.

Tim Allen

The beloved television star faced a very serious federal charge in the late seventies for drug trafficking. He was arrested at an airport with a large quantity of illegal substances and faced the possibility of life in prison. He served over two years in a federal penitentiary and used the experience to focus on his comedy career after his release. This change in direction led him to starring roles in ‘Home Improvement’ and various successful movie franchises.

Christian Slater

During the late eighties and nineties this actor had several run ins with law enforcement involving driving offenses and weapons charges. He was arrested in 1997 following a physical altercation and served several months in jail as a result of the incident. These legal issues were widely covered by the media and impacted his professional standing for a period of time. He has since maintained a consistent career in both film and television projects like ‘Mr. Robot’.

Wesley Snipes

The star of the ‘Blade’ trilogy faced a significant legal battle regarding his financial obligations to the government. He was convicted on charges related to failing to file federal income tax returns and was sentenced to three years in prison. He served his full sentence in a federal facility before returning to his acting career in the following years. The actor has remained active in the entertainment industry and continues to take on roles in various action films.

Matthew McConaughey

This Oscar winner had a memorable encounter with the police at his home in Austin during the late nineties. Officers arrived at his residence following noise complaints and found the actor playing drums while in an altered state. He was arrested for resisting transportation and possession of drug paraphernalia although the more serious charges were eventually dropped. He paid a fine for the noise violation and the story remains a popular anecdote in the history of ‘Dazed and Confused’.

Charlie Sheen

The former lead of ‘Two and a Half Men’ has a lengthy history of legal problems that have often overshadowed his acting work. His record includes arrests for assault and drug related offenses that frequently made international headlines. He has faced numerous probation requirements and court ordered rehabilitation programs over the decades of his career. Despite these public struggles he remains one of the most recognizable figures in modern television history.

Will Smith

Early in his career the actor was involved in a physical altercation in Philadelphia that led to his arrest. He was charged with aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy following a dispute that left an individual with serious injuries. The charges were later dismissed but the incident remains a notable part of his biography before he became a global icon. He quickly moved past the event to star in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and became a massive movie star.

Sean Penn

This acclaimed director and actor spent time in jail during the late eighties after an incident on a movie set. He was sentenced to sixty days for assaulting an extra and violating his probation from a previous driving offense. His legal history also includes several confrontations with paparazzi that resulted in legal consequences and court appearances. He is well known for his intense personality and has remained a dominant force in cinema through films like ‘Mystic River’.

Hugh Grant

The British actor became the center of a major scandal in the mid nineties following his arrest in Los Angeles. He was taken into custody for engaging in lewd conduct in a public place with a sex worker. He received a fine and probation for the misdemeanor offense while facing immense scrutiny from the global media. The incident did not end his career and he continued to star in hit romantic comedies like ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’.

Mel Gibson

The star of ‘Braveheart’ faced a high profile arrest in 2006 for driving under the influence in California. During the arrest he made controversial statements that significantly damaged his reputation and led to a professional exile for several years. He was sentenced to probation and mandatory counseling as part of his legal requirements for the offense. He eventually returned to the spotlight as a director and actor after spending time away from the industry.

Mickey Rourke

This performer had several legal issues during a period when he left acting to pursue a career in professional boxing. He was arrested for resisting arrest and driving under the influence on different occasions during the nineties and early two thousands. These incidents were often tied to his public image as a Hollywood rebel and his struggles with the demands of fame. He achieved a major career resurgence with his performance in the film ‘The Wrestler’.

Kiefer Sutherland

The star of the television series ’24’ has faced multiple charges for driving under the influence over the course of several decades. His most notable legal consequence occurred in 2007 when he served 48 days in jail for a DUI conviction while on probation. He complied with all court requirements and has been vocal about taking responsibility for his past actions. He continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry with various leading roles.

Mike Tyson

Before and during his appearances in movies like ‘The Hangover’ this individual had a very complex history with the legal system. He served several years in prison following a high profile conviction in the early nineties and faced additional legal battles later in life. His transition into the world of entertainment was seen by many as a successful rebranding of his public persona. He has since appeared in numerous films and television shows as both himself and fictional characters.

Vince Vaughn

The comedic actor was involved in a physical altercation outside of a bar in North Carolina while filming a movie in 2001. He was arrested and charged with assault although he was later cleared of the most serious allegations. More recently he faced legal trouble for a driving under the influence incident that resulted in a period of probation. He remains a popular leading man known for his work in hit comedies like ‘Wedding Crashers’.

Shia LaBeouf

This young actor has faced a series of arrests for disorderly conduct and public intoxication over the last decade. His legal issues often occurred during public events or while he was working on professional projects in different cities. He has been ordered by courts to seek treatment and attend anger management classes as a result of these incidents. Despite his personal struggles he is often praised for his commitment to his craft in films like ‘Transformers’.

Terrence Howard

The actor known for his work on ‘Empire’ has been arrested several times on charges related to domestic violence. These incidents occurred over a span of many years and involved multiple individuals in his personal life. He has faced various legal consequences and public criticism due to these repeated allegations and court appearances. His career has continued with significant roles in major film and television productions.

Tom Hardy

The British star has been very open about his past struggles with substance abuse and the legal trouble that followed. During his youth he was arrested for joyriding and possession of a firearm while under the influence of drugs. He credits his recovery and his focus on acting for helping him avoid a much darker path in life. He has since become a highly sought after talent known for intense roles in ‘Mad Max Fury Road’.

Johnny Depp

This leading man has faced several legal issues ranging from property damage to allegations of physical altercations. He was arrested in 1994 for trashing a hotel room in New York City and faced further legal scrutiny during high profile court battles later in his life. His personal life and legal disputes have often been a major topic of discussion in the entertainment news cycle. He continues to have a massive global following and has starred in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’.

Woody Harrelson

The actor was arrested in the early eighties for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after dancing in the street and fleeing from police. He later faced charges for symbolically planting hemp seeds in Kentucky to protest laws against the plant. His legal history is often seen as an extension of his activist beliefs and his unconventional personality. He has maintained a highly successful career with roles in ‘True Detective’ and ‘The Hunger Games’.

Rip Torn

The late veteran actor had multiple run ins with the law during his long and distinguished career in Hollywood. He was famously arrested in 2010 after breaking into a closed bank while intoxicated and carrying a loaded firearm. He received a suspended sentence and probation for the incident which occurred late in his life. He was widely respected for his comedic timing in ‘The Larry Sanders Show’ and ‘Men in Black’.

Nick Nolte

This actor became the subject of a famous mugshot following his arrest for driving under the influence in 2002. He was found swerving on a highway in California and tests revealed the presence of controlled substances in his system. He was sentenced to three years of probation and required to undergo counseling as part of his plea deal. He has continued to work steadily in the industry and earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Warrior’.

Josh Brolin

The star of ‘No Country for Old Men’ was arrested in 2004 following an incident involving his spouse at the time. He faced a charge of domestic battery although the situation was eventually resolved without further legal action. He also dealt with a public intoxication arrest on New Year’s Day in 2013 just before entering a treatment facility. He has since enjoyed a massive career peak playing major characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Edward Furlong

The former child star of ‘Terminator 2 Judgment Day’ has struggled with various legal issues related to substance abuse and domestic disputes. He has been arrested multiple times for violating restraining orders and for drug possession over the past two decades. These repeated legal problems have frequently interrupted his professional work and led to several stints in jail. He has remained a recognizable figure from the nineties cinema era despite these challenges.

Bill Murray

Long before he was a comedy legend he was arrested at an airport on his twentieth birthday for attempting to smuggle illegal substances. He was caught with a significant amount of marijuana and was sentenced to probation as a first time offender. This early brush with the law did not prevent him from joining the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ and becoming a massive star. He is now considered a national treasure for his work in ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Groundhog Day’.

Matthew Broderick

The actor was involved in a tragic car accident while vacationing in Northern Ireland during the late eighties. He was driving on the wrong side of the road when he collided with another vehicle which resulted in two fatalities. He was initially charged with causing death by dangerous driving but was ultimately convicted of the lesser charge of careless driving. This event remains a somber chapter in the life of the star of ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’.

Curtis Jackson

The man also known as 50 Cent had a lengthy criminal record involving drug sales before he found success in the music and film industries. He spent time in a correctional boot camp as a teenager and faced multiple arrests during his early years in New York City. His life story including his survival of a violent shooting became the basis for his film ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’. He has since become a powerful television producer and actor in the series ‘Power’.

Snoop Dogg

This global entertainer was famously involved in a high profile murder trial during the early nineties while his music career was exploding. He and his bodyguard were eventually acquitted of all charges following a lengthy and widely publicized legal battle. He has since faced various minor arrests for drug possession in different countries around the world. He has successfully transitioned into a media mogul and actor with roles in ‘Training Day’ and ‘Starsky and Hutch’.

Ice-T

Before he was a famous musician and a long running star on television he was involved in criminal activity in Los Angeles. He has spoken candidly about his past as a jewelry thief and his involvement in street culture during his youth. He eventually left that lifestyle behind to pursue a career in the arts and has become a staple of the ‘Law and Order Special Victims Unit’ cast. He is often cited as a prime example of someone who successfully changed their life through creative expression.

James Caan

The legendary actor from ‘The Godfather’ faced a legal issue in 1994 involving a confrontation with another man in Los Angeles. He was arrested for brandishing a firearm during an argument although the charges were eventually dropped by the authorities. This incident was one of the few times the actor faced legal scrutiny during his decades of work in the film industry. He remained a highly respected figure in Hollywood until his passing with a legacy of iconic performances.

Ezra Miller

This actor has been the subject of numerous legal complaints and arrests in several jurisdictions over the last few years. The charges have included disorderly conduct and harassment following incidents in Hawaii as well as a burglary charge in Vermont. These events have raised concerns about the future of his career as a leading man in major studio franchises. He has sought professional help to address his mental health and legal standing after these public controversies.

Jonathan Majors

The rising star faced a major legal challenge in 2023 following a domestic dispute in New York City. He was arrested and later convicted on charges of assault and harassment involving a former partner. This conviction led to his removal from several high profile projects including future films in the Marvel franchise. He was sentenced to a year long domestic violence intervention program as a result of the trial.

Alec Baldwin

This prolific actor has a history of legal issues related to his temper and physical confrontations in public. He was arrested in 2014 for disorderly conduct after a dispute with police regarding a bicycle violation in New York City. In 2018 he was arrested again for assault following a fight over a parking space near his residence. He has remained a central figure in the industry known for his work on ’30 Rock’ and ‘Saturday Night Live’.

Armie Hammer

While he has not been convicted of a crime the actor was the subject of a significant criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department. The investigation followed allegations of sexual assault made by an individual in 2021. Prosecutors eventually declined to file charges citing a lack of sufficient evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The controversy led to a significant pause in his acting career and his departure from multiple films.

Gerard Butler

The Scottish star of ‘300’ was arrested in 2009 following a physical altercation with a photographer in Los Angeles. He was charged with misdemeanor battery but the case was later dismissed after he completed a period of community service. He has generally maintained a clean public image throughout his career as an action star and leading man. He continues to be a major box office draw in various film genres.

Stephen Fry

The renowned British actor and author spent time in prison during his youth long before he became a household name. He was arrested for credit card fraud after using a card that belonged to a family friend and served three months in jail. He has often spoken about how the experience of incarceration was a defining moment that motivated him to pursue his education and career. He is now celebrated for his intelligence and his work in projects like ‘The Hobbit’.

Robert Carlyle

The star of ‘Trainspotting’ had several run ins with the law during his troubled youth in Glasgow. He was involved in petty crime and street fights before discovering his passion for acting through a local drama group. He has credited the arts for saving him from a life of crime and poverty in his native Scotland. He has since become an internationally recognized actor with roles in ‘The Full Monty’ and ‘Once Upon a Time’.

Danny Dyer

The popular British actor was involved in several legal incidents during his early years in London. He has been open about his past arrests for fighting and his brushes with the authorities before he established himself as a professional performer. His persona as a tough guy in films like ‘The Football Factory’ often draws on his real life experiences. He eventually became one of the most famous faces on British television through his long run on ‘EastEnders’.

Paul Rudd

This actor had a minor brush with the law during his college years in the late eighties. He was arrested for driving under the influence and has since described the experience as a significant wake up call. The incident did not have a long term impact on his professional life as he transitioned into a successful career in comedy and film. He is now widely known as one of the most liked figures in Hollywood and stars in ‘Ant-Man’.

Matt LeBlanc

The star of ‘Friends’ was arrested twice for driving under the influence before he became a worldwide television sensation. These incidents occurred in the years leading up to his casting as Joey Tribbiani and were kept relatively private for many years. He has since maintained a clean record and continued to have a successful career in various television series. He is often recognized for his charm and his work on the automotive show ‘Top Gear’.

Jason Beghe

The lead actor of ‘Chicago P.D.’ was involved in a legal dispute that resulted in a conviction for assault in the late nineties. The incident occurred during a period of personal transition and led to a sentence of community service and probation. He has remained a consistent worker in the television industry and eventually landed his most famous role as a tough police sergeant. He continues to be a central figure in the popular ‘One Chicago’ franchise.

Russell Crowe

This Academy Award winner was arrested in 2005 following a highly publicized incident at a hotel in New York City. He threw a telephone at a staff member during a dispute and was charged with second degree assault and weapons possession. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and avoided jail time but the story became a major part of his public image for several years. He is recognized globally for his powerful performances in ‘Gladiator’ and ‘A Beautiful Mind’.

Ben Affleck

The actor and director was involved in a legal incident during his youth that resulted in a period of probation. While he has largely avoided criminal charges as an adult his struggles with alcohol have led to several stays in residential treatment facilities. He has been vocal about his journey with sobriety and how it has influenced his work behind and in front of the camera. He remains a major force in Hollywood with multiple awards for his contributions to cinema.

Colin Farrell

During his early years as a rising star in Hollywood this Irish actor was known for his wild behavior and several minor legal issues. He was arrested for a variety of offenses including public intoxication and disorderly conduct during the early two thousands. He eventually sought treatment for his lifestyle and has since enjoyed a highly respected career as a character actor. He received critical acclaim for his performance in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’.

Jamie Foxx

The multi talented performer was arrested in 2003 following an incident at a casino in New Orleans. He and his sister were involved in a dispute with security that led to charges of trespassing and disturbing the peace. He received probation and a fine for the misdemeanor offenses after pleading no contest. He went on to win an Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the film ‘Ray’ shortly after the incident.

Orlando Bloom

The star of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ was arrested during his teenage years for reckless driving and other minor offenses. These youthful indiscretions occurred in England before he became an international star in major film franchises. He has since become an advocate for several charitable causes and maintains a positive public profile. He continues to work in both theater and film productions around the world.

Tom Sizemore

This actor had a long and difficult history with the legal system primarily due to substance abuse and domestic violence. He was arrested and convicted on multiple occasions resulting in various prison sentences and terms in rehabilitation facilities. His legal troubles significantly impacted his career which had once included roles in major films like ‘Black Hawk Down’. He struggled with these issues until his passing and remained a cautionary tale in Hollywood.

Michael Jace

The actor known for his role in the television series ‘The Shield’ was arrested in 2014 for a very serious violent crime. He was charged with the murder of his spouse and was ultimately convicted of second degree murder after a trial. He was sentenced to forty years to life in prison for the offense which shocked his colleagues and the public. This tragic event ended his career and remains one of the most high profile criminal cases involving a television actor.

Gary Busey

This veteran performer has faced several arrests for domestic violence and drug possession over his long career. In 2022 he was charged with several counts of sexual contact and harassment following an incident at a fan convention in New Jersey. These legal challenges have often been linked to his eccentric public behavior and his history of personal struggles. He remains a cult figure in the film industry known for his unique acting style and appearances in ‘Point Break’.

Tell us which of these actor criminal records surprised you the most in the comments.