Actresses Who Were in Prison or Jail

Celebrities often seem untouchable, living glamorous lives in the spotlight. However, some actresses have faced serious legal troubles that landed them behind bars, proving no one is above the law. From DUIs to fraud, their crimes vary in severity, but each case shows how fame doesn’t shield you from consequences. This list dives into 50 actresses who served time in prison, detailing their offenses and sentences.

Some of these women served just a few days, while others faced years in confinement. Their stories are a mix of mistakes, poor choices, and, in some cases, shocking crimes that changed their lives forever.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan, known for ‘Mean Girls’ (2004) and ‘Freaky Friday’ (2003), has had multiple run-ins with the law. Her legal troubles began with DUIs and drug possession, leading to several arrests. In 2010, she served 14 days of a 90-day sentence for violating probation from a DUI case. She faced jail again in 2011 for stealing a necklace and failing community service, serving brief stints totaling about 35 days.

Her repeated legal issues stemmed from substance abuse and failure to comply with court orders. Despite short sentences, overcrowding and good behavior often led to early releases, but her troubles kept her in the headlines.

Felicity Huffman

Felicity Huffman, famous for ‘Desperate Housewives’ (2004-2012), was caught in the college admissions scandal. She pleaded guilty to paying $15,000 to have her daughter’s SAT scores altered. In 2019, she served 11 days of a 14-day sentence at a federal prison in California. She also paid a $30,000 fine and completed 250 hours of community service.

The scandal, known as Operation Varsity Blues, exposed wealthy parents cheating to get their kids into elite schools. Huffman’s short sentence reflected her cooperation with authorities, but it damaged her reputation significantly.

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton, a reality TV star and actress in ‘House of Wax’ (2005), faced legal issues for driving violations. In 2007, she was sentenced to 45 days in jail for violating probation after a DUI arrest. She served 23 days in a Los Angeles facility due to overcrowding and good behavior. Her time in jail was highly publicized, drawing massive media attention.

Hilton’s legal troubles didn’t end there, as she faced later arrests for drug possession, but she avoided further jail time. Her prison stint became a cultural moment, highlighting celebrity accountability.

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart, known for her TV appearances and lifestyle empire, was convicted of insider trading in 2004. She served five months at a federal prison in West Virginia for lying about a stock sale. She also faced five months of house arrest and paid hefty fines. Her conviction stemmed from selling shares based on nonpublic information.

Despite the scandal, Stewart rebuilt her career after prison. Her time behind bars showed that even influential figures face consequences for financial crimes.

Allison Mack

Allison Mack, recognized for ‘Smallville’ (2001-2011), was involved in the NXIVM cult scandal. She pleaded guilty to racketeering and conspiracy charges for recruiting women into a sex-trafficking scheme. In 2021, she was sentenced to three years in federal prison. She began serving her sentence at a California facility.

Mack’s role in NXIVM shocked fans, as she used her fame to lure victims. Her case highlighted the dangers of manipulative organizations, and she expressed remorse during sentencing.

Zara Phythian

Zara Phythian, who appeared in ‘Doctor Strange’ (2016), was convicted of child sex offenses alongside her husband. In 2022, she was sentenced to eight years in a UK prison for abusing a teenage girl. The court found she and her husband groomed and assaulted the victim over several years.

The case stunned the film industry, as Phythian had a rising career. Her conviction led to a significant fall from grace, with no public statements on her appeal or release.

Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill, known for her role in ‘Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit’ (1993), faced legal trouble for tax evasion. In 2013, she was sentenced to three months in federal prison for failing to pay over $1 million in taxes. She served her time in a Connecticut facility and was released early for good behavior.

Hill’s financial troubles stemmed from unreported income during her music career. After prison, she resumed performing but faced ongoing scrutiny over her legal and financial issues.

Abby Miller

Abby Lee Miller, star of ‘Dance Moms’ (2011-2019), was convicted of bankruptcy fraud. In 2017, she served eight months of a one-year sentence for hiding $775,000 in income. She was released early to a halfway house due to health issues, including a cancer diagnosis.

Miller’s fraud involved concealing earnings from her reality show and dance studios. Her time in prison marked a low point, but she later returned to TV with new projects.

Lori Loughlin

Lori Loughlin, known for ‘Full House’ (1987-1995), was part of the college admissions scandal. She pleaded guilty to paying $500,000 to get her daughters into USC as fake athletic recruits. In 2020, she served two months in a federal prison and paid a $150,000 fine. She also completed community service.

The scandal tarnished Loughlin’s wholesome image. Her short sentence and quick return to acting showed her attempt to move past the controversy.

Jaime Pressly

Jaime Pressly, recognized for ‘My Name Is Earl’ (2005-2009), faced legal issues for a DUI. In 2011, she was arrested and pleaded no contest, receiving three years of probation. While she avoided jail, she was briefly detained during the arrest process, spending a few hours in custody.

Pressly’s legal trouble was a minor blip compared to others, but it highlighted her struggles with substance abuse. She continued her career without further major incidents.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne, star of ‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013-2019), faced legal issues early in her career. In 2004, she was arrested for DUI and later for threatening a neighbor, leading to a brief detention. She avoided prison through plea deals and probation, focusing on recovery.

Lyonne’s struggles with addiction were public, but she turned her life around. Her role as a prisoner in her hit show added irony to her real-life legal past.

Amy Locane

Amy Locane, known for ‘Melrose Place’ (1992-1999), was convicted of vehicular manslaughter. In 2010, she caused a fatal car crash while intoxicated, killing a woman. She served two and a half years of a three-year sentence, released in 2015, but was re-sentenced in 2020 to eight years for violating parole terms.

Locane’s case was tragic, as her actions led to a death. Her repeated legal battles kept her out of the spotlight after prison.

Jen Shah

Jen Shah, from ‘The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’ (2020-present), was convicted of wire fraud. She ran a telemarketing scheme targeting elderly victims, leading to a six-and-a-half-year sentence in 2023. She began serving her time in a Texas federal prison.

Shah’s high-profile case drew attention due to her reality TV fame. She expressed regret but faced backlash for profiting from her crime on television.

Teresa Giudice

Teresa Giudice, a star of ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’ (2009-present), was convicted of fraud. In 2014, she and her husband pleaded guilty to hiding assets during bankruptcy. She served 11 months of a 15-month sentence in 2015 at a Connecticut prison.

Giudice’s legal troubles were a major storyline on her show. She returned to reality TV after prison, maintaining her public persona despite the scandal.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

Zsa Zsa Gabor, known for ‘Moulin Rouge’ (1952), was convicted of assault in 1989. She slapped a police officer during a traffic stop, leading to a three-day jail sentence in 1990. She also paid fines and performed community service.

Gabor’s brief incarceration became a tabloid sensation due to her glamorous image. The incident added to her colorful reputation as a Hollywood icon.

Heather Locklear

Heather Locklear, star of ‘Dynasty’ (1981-1989), faced multiple arrests for domestic violence and battery. In 2018, she was detained after attacking police officers during a domestic dispute, spending time in custody. She avoided prison through plea deals and mental health treatment.

Locklear’s legal issues were tied to addiction and mental health struggles. She sought rehab multiple times, aiming to rebuild her life and career.

Lisa Robin Kelly

Lisa Robin Kelly, known for ‘That ’70s Show’ (1998-2006), faced repeated legal troubles. She was arrested multiple times for DUIs and domestic violence, serving brief stints in jail, including a three-month sentence in 2012. Her struggles with addiction led to her death in 2013.

Kelly’s legal battles were public and tied to substance abuse. Her time in custody was brief but marked a troubled period in her life.

Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie, a reality star and actress in ‘The Simple Life’ (2003-2007), was arrested for DUI in 2006. She served 82 minutes of a four-day sentence in 2007 due to jail overcrowding. She also completed probation and community service.

Richie’s brief jail time was a minor setback. She moved away from legal troubles, focusing on her fashion career and family life.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton, known for ‘The O.C.’ (2003-2007), was arrested for DUI in 2007. She spent a few hours in custody before being released on bail. She avoided prison through a plea deal, receiving probation and alcohol education classes.

Barton’s legal issues were linked to substance abuse and mental health challenges. She continued acting but kept a lower profile after the incident.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez, star of ‘The Fast and the Furious’ (2001), faced multiple arrests for driving violations. In 2007, she served 18 days of a 180-day sentence for violating probation from a DUI. She was released early due to overcrowding.

Rodriguez’s legal troubles were tied to reckless behavior, but she avoided further jail time. She maintained a successful career in action films.

Daryl Hannah

Daryl Hannah, known for ‘Splash’ (1984), was arrested during environmental protests. In 2012, she spent a few hours in custody for obstructing a pipeline project. She avoided prison through fines and community service, focusing on activism.

Hannah’s brief detention was tied to her environmental advocacy. Her arrests were minor compared to others but highlighted her commitment to causes.

Linda Blair

Linda Blair, star of ‘The Exorcist’ (1973), was arrested for drug possession in 1977. She served three years of probation after a brief detention, avoiding prison. Her arrest came during her struggles with fame and substance abuse.

Blair’s legal issues were early in her career. She later focused on animal rights activism and occasional acting roles.

Tatum O’Neal

Tatum O’Neal, known for ‘Paper Moon’ (1973), was arrested for drug possession in 2008. She spent a short time in custody before entering rehab, avoiding prison through a plea deal. Her struggles with addiction were well-documented.

O’Neal’s legal troubles marked a difficult period, but she worked on recovery. She later returned to acting and wrote about her experiences.

Yasmine Bleeth

Yasmine Bleeth, from ‘Baywatch’ (1989-2001), was arrested for drug possession in 2001. She spent a night in jail and received probation after pleading guilty. Her addiction issues led to a decline in her acting career.

Bleeth’s legal troubles were brief but impactful. She stepped away from Hollywood, focusing on personal recovery and a private life.

Wynonna Judd

Wynonna Judd, who appeared in ‘Touched by an Angel’ (1994-2003), faced legal issues for DUI. In 2003, she was arrested and spent a short time in custody, avoiding prison through probation and community service. Her struggles with addiction were public.

Judd’s legal issues were minor compared to her music career. She continued performing and addressed her personal challenges openly.

Kim Richards

Kim Richards, a reality star from ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ (2010-present), was arrested for shoplifting and public intoxication. In 2015, she spent a few days in jail and received probation. Her struggles with addiction were central to her legal issues.

Richards’ time in custody was brief but tied to her public battles with sobriety. She returned to reality TV despite ongoing challenges.

Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes, known for ‘She’s the Man’ (2006), faced multiple arrests for DUIs and drug possession. In 2012 and 2013, she spent short periods in custody but avoided prison through probation and mental health treatment. Her erratic behavior drew significant media attention.

Bynes’ legal troubles were linked to mental health and substance abuse issues. She has since focused on recovery and stayed out of the spotlight.

Farrah Fawcett

Farrah Fawcett, star of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ (1976-1981), was arrested for shoplifting in 1970, early in her career. She spent a brief time in custody and paid a fine, avoiding prison. The incident was minor and largely forgotten.

Fawcett’s legal trouble was a small footnote in her iconic career. She remained a beloved figure in Hollywood until her death in 2009.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis, known for ‘Top Gun’ (1986), was arrested for assault in 2016 after a home invasion dispute. She spent a short time in custody and received probation, avoiding prison. Her legal issues were tied to personal struggles.

McGillis’ arrest was a low point, but she stayed out of further trouble. She focused on teaching acting and living privately.

Lindsay Wagner

Lindsay Wagner, star of ‘The Bionic Woman’ (1976-1978), was arrested for DUI in 1982. She spent a brief time in custody and received probation, avoiding prison. The incident was minor and didn’t derail her career.

Wagner’s legal trouble was a one-off event. She continued acting and became known for her wellness advocacy.

Shelley Long

Shelley Long, known for ‘Cheers’ (1982-1993), faced a DUI arrest in 2004. She spent a short time in custody and received probation, avoiding prison. The incident was low-key compared to her successful career.

Long’s legal issue was minor and didn’t impact her public image significantly. She continued acting in smaller roles after the arrest.

Rebecca Gayheart

Rebecca Gayheart, from ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ (1990-2000), was convicted of vehicular manslaughter in 2001. She struck and killed a child while driving, serving no prison time but receiving probation and community service after a plea deal.

Gayheart’s case was tragic and affected her career. She expressed remorse and focused on family life after the incident.

LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes, who appeared in ‘Holiday in Your Heart’ (1997), faced a minor arrest for a traffic violation in 2005. She spent a few hours in custody and paid a fine, avoiding prison. The incident was minor and tied to a speeding ticket.

Rimes’ legal trouble was insignificant compared to her music career. She continued performing and stayed out of further trouble.

Taryn Manning

Taryn Manning, known for ‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013-2019), was arrested for assault in 2012. She spent a short time in custody, but charges were dropped, avoiding prison. Her legal issues were linked to personal disputes.

Manning’s arrest was brief and didn’t derail her career. She continued acting and spoke openly about her struggles.

Lori Petty

Lori Petty, star of ‘A League of Their Own’ (1992), was arrested for DUI in 2009. She spent a short time in custody and received probation, avoiding prison. The incident was tied to her struggles with alcohol.

Petty’s legal trouble was minor, and she continued acting in smaller roles. She maintained a low profile after the arrest.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold, known for ‘Martin’ (1992-1997), faced a minor arrest for a traffic violation in 2006. She spent a few hours in custody and paid a fine, avoiding prison. The incident was minor and didn’t affect her career.

Arnold’s legal issue was insignificant and quickly resolved. She continued acting and producing without further trouble.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox, star of ‘Independence Day’ (1996), was arrested for DUI in 2007. She spent a short time in custody and received probation, avoiding prison. The arrest was a one-off incident.

Fox’s legal trouble didn’t significantly impact her career. She continued acting and hosting TV projects.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda, known for ‘Klute’ (1971), was arrested multiple times for protests, including in 1970 for disorderly conduct. She spent brief periods in custody but avoided prison through fines and activism-related plea deals.

Fonda’s arrests were tied to her political activism. She remained a prominent actress and activist throughout her career.

Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan, star of ‘Charmed’ (1998-2006), was arrested for drug possession in 2017. She spent a short time in custody and received probation, avoiding prison. The case was controversial, as she claimed it was a setup.

McGowan’s legal trouble was tied to her public activism. She continued her career and advocacy work after the incident.

Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia Barrino, who appeared in ‘The Color Purple’ (2023), faced a minor arrest for a traffic violation in 2007. She spent a few hours in custody and paid a fine, avoiding prison. The incident was minor and unrelated to her music career.

Barrino’s legal issue was quickly resolved. She continued her successful career in music and acting.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland, star of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939), was briefly detained for tax issues in the 1950s. She avoided prison through financial settlements. Her legal troubles were tied to mismanaged finances during her career.

Garland’s detention was minor but reflected her chaotic personal life. She remained an icon despite these challenges.

Joan Collins

Joan Collins, known for ‘Dynasty’ (1981-1989), was briefly detained for a minor traffic violation in the 1970s. She paid a fine and avoided prison. The incident was insignificant and didn’t affect her career.

Collins’ legal issue was a small footnote in her glamorous career. She continued acting and writing successfully.

Heather Graham

Heather Graham, star of ‘Boogie Nights’ (1997), faced a minor arrest for disorderly conduct during a protest in 2000. She spent a few hours in custody and paid a fine, avoiding prison. The incident was tied to her activism.

Graham’s legal trouble was minor and didn’t impact her career. She continued acting in film and TV.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty, known for ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ (1990-2000), was arrested for DUI in 1993. She spent a short time in custody and received probation, avoiding prison. The incident was early in her career.

Doherty’s legal issue was minor, and she continued acting. She later faced health challenges but remained active.

Kristy McNichol

Kristy McNichol, star of ‘Family’ (1976-1980), was arrested for DUI in the 1980s. She spent a short time in custody and received probation, avoiding prison. The incident was tied to personal struggles.

McNichol’s legal trouble was minor, and she retired from acting soon after. She focused on a private life.

Mackenzie Phillips

Mackenzie Phillips, known for ‘American Graffiti’ (1973), was arrested for drug possession in 2008. She spent a short time in custody and entered rehab, avoiding prison. Her addiction struggles were public.

Phillips’ legal issues were part of her recovery journey. She later wrote a memoir and returned to acting.

Laura Bell Bundy

Laura Bell Bundy, who appeared in ‘Jumanji’ (1995), faced a minor arrest for a traffic violation in 2007. She spent a few hours in custody and paid a fine, avoiding prison. The incident was minor and didn’t affect her career.

Bundy’s legal issue was insignificant. She continued her work in theater and music.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné, star of ‘That’s So Raven’ (2003-2007), was briefly detained for a minor traffic violation in 2006. She paid a fine and avoided prison. The incident was minor and quickly forgotten.

Raven-Symoné’s legal trouble had no lasting impact. She continued her career in TV and music.

Dina Lohan

Dina Lohan, who appeared in ‘Living Lohan’ (2008), was arrested for DUI in 2013. She spent a short time in custody and received probation, avoiding prison. Her legal issues were tied to personal struggles.

Lohan’s arrest was minor but added to her family’s public legal troubles. She stayed out of the spotlight afterward.

What’s your take on these actresses’ legal troubles—share your thoughts in the comments below!