Actors Who Were Arrested Before They Were Famous

Actors often have complicated pasts before finding success in the spotlight. Many notable male stars faced legal challenges during their youth or early adulthood that nearly derailed their future careers. These instances of legal trouble range from minor infractions to more serious offenses that resulted in jail time. Understanding these early struggles provides a broader perspective on their eventual rise to Hollywood fame.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg faced serious legal trouble long before he became a Hollywood leading man. He was arrested at age sixteen for his involvement in a violent assault on two men in his hometown. The incident resulted in him serving time in a correctional facility where he decided to change his life. After his release he pursued a career in music and later became a successful actor in films like ‘The Departed’. His early criminal record remains a significant part of his public journey from a troubled youth to a global superstar.

Tim Allen

Tim Allen was arrested in 1978 at the Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport for possession of over six hundred grams of cocaine. This serious offense led to a prison sentence of over two years in a federal facility. During his time incarcerated he developed the comedic skills that would eventually lead to his career in stand up comedy. He later achieved massive success on the television show ‘Home Improvement’ and as the voice of Buzz Lightyear. His transition from a convicted felon to a beloved family entertainer is one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Hollywood history.

Danny Trejo

Danny Trejo spent a significant portion of his youth and early adulthood in and out of some of the most notorious prisons in California. His arrests were for various offenses including armed robbery and drug possession during a difficult period in his life. While in San Quentin he became a boxing champion and completed a rehabilitation program that changed his trajectory. He was discovered on a film set while working as a drug counselor and was cast in ‘Runaway Train’. Since then he has become a prolific actor known for his tough guy roles in movies like ‘Machete’.

Bill Murray

Bill Murray had a run in with the law on his twentieth birthday at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. He was arrested after trying to smuggle several pounds of marijuana through security. This legal issue resulted in a period of probation rather than prison time. Shortly after this incident he began performing with the Second City comedy troupe which launched his career. He eventually became a household name through ‘Saturday Night Live’ and classic films such as ‘Ghostbusters’.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino was arrested in 1961 when he was just twenty one years old. Police pulled him over and discovered a concealed weapon in the vehicle he was driving with two friends. He spent three days in jail because he could not afford the bail set by the court. The charges were eventually dropped after it was determined the weapon was a prop for an acting role. He went on to become one of the most respected actors of all time with legendary performances in ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Serpico’.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson was involved in political activism during his college years which led to a high profile arrest. In 1969 he was part of a group of students who held members of the Morehouse College board of trustees hostage to protest the school curriculum. He was charged with second degree confinement and was suspended from the college for two years. During his suspension he worked as a social worker before returning to finish his degree in drama. He eventually rose to fame in films like ‘Pulp Fiction’ and became one of the highest grossing actors in history.

50 Cent

Curtis Jackson who is widely known as 50 Cent dealt with numerous legal issues while growing up in Queens. He was arrested at the age of nineteen for selling undercover officers illegal substances. This led to a sentence in a shock incarceration boot camp where he earned his high school equivalency diploma. After surviving a life threatening shooting he pivoted entirely to music and acting. He has since starred in his own semi autobiographical film ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and the successful series ‘Power’.

Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill once revealed in an interview that he had a brush with the law during his teenage years. He was arrested for his involvement in a car theft incident long before he became a galactic hero. This early mistake served as a wake up call for the young man who soon turned his focus toward acting. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career and eventually landed the role of Luke Skywalker in ‘Star Wars’. This single role changed his life forever and cemented his place in cinematic history.

Will Smith

Will Smith faced legal trouble in 1989 just as his music career was beginning to take off. He was arrested following an alleged assault on a record promoter in Philadelphia. The charges included aggravated assault and simple assault though they were ultimately dismissed. This incident occurred shortly before he moved to Los Angeles to star in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’. He successfully navigated the transition to film and became a massive star in blockbusters like ‘Men in Black’.

Woody Harrelson

Woody Harrelson was arrested in 1982 for disturbing the peace and resisting arrest in Columbus Ohio. The young actor was found dancing in the middle of a busy street and reportedly struck an officer during the confrontation. This incident happened three years before he joined the cast of the hit sitcom ‘Cheers’. He managed to move past his early legal issues and established himself as a versatile actor in films such as ‘Natural Born Killers’. His career has spanned decades and includes multiple Academy Award nominations for his work.

Nick Nolte

Nick Nolte faced a major legal hurdle in 1965 when he was arrested for selling counterfeit government documents. This conviction resulted in a suspended sentence and several years of probation. The incident also made him ineligible for military service during the Vietnam War. He eventually focused on acting and gained national attention for his role in the miniseries ‘Rich Man Poor Man’. He has since become a veteran Hollywood presence known for films like ’48 Hrs’ and ‘The Prince of Tides’.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry had a very difficult period as a teenager that led to him spending three months in prison. He was arrested for credit card fraud after using a card he had stolen from a family friend. During his time in jail he reflected on his choices and decided to apply to the University of Cambridge upon his release. His academic success led him to comedy and a legendary partnership with Hugh Laurie. He is now celebrated as an actor writer and intellectual known for roles in ‘V for Vendetta’.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba has spoken openly about his struggles to make ends meet before his acting career began. He admitted to being involved in minor illegal activities and selling drugs while living in New York City. He was never a major criminal but these early brushes with the law shaped his understanding of the streets. This authentic experience helped him deliver a masterful performance as Stringer Bell in ‘The Wire’. He has since become an international superstar starring in films like ‘Luther’ and ‘Beasts of No Nation’.

Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito described himself as a wild youth who often got into trouble in his New Jersey neighborhood. He was arrested on several occasions for minor disturbances and rowdy behavior with his friends. These early experiences provided him with a gritty perspective that he later used in his comedic and dramatic roles. He eventually studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and found fame on the show ‘Taxi’. He is now a legendary figure in Hollywood as both an actor and a director.

Steve McQueen

Steve McQueen had a very troubled childhood that led to several arrests for petty crimes. He was eventually sent to the California Junior Boys Republic which was a reformatory for troubled youth. This experience was a turning point for him as he learned discipline and eventually joined the Marine Corps. He transitioned into acting and became the quintessential cool guy in films like ‘The Great Escape’. He remained a supporter of the reformatory that helped him for the rest of his life.

Charles Bronson

Charles Bronson grew up in extreme poverty and was involved in minor criminal activities to help his family. He was arrested for theft during his youth before serving in the United States Army during the Second World War. After the war he used the GI Bill to study acting and began his career in theater. He eventually became a major action star known for his tough persona in the ‘Death Wish’ series. His hard life as a young man contributed to the rugged screen presence that fans loved.

Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier was arrested for vagrancy when he was a teenager living in Miami. He had moved from the Bahamas and was struggling to find work or a place to sleep. This experience with the legal system was a harsh introduction to life in the United States during that era. He eventually moved to New York and joined the American Negro Theatre to pursue his dreams. He became the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in ‘Lilies of the Field’.

Don Johnson

Don Johnson had several run ins with the law during his teenage years in Kansas. He was arrested multiple times for hot wiring cars and other minor offenses before his life took a turn toward theater. He won a scholarship to study at the American Conservatory Theatre which helped him leave his troubled past behind. He eventually achieved worldwide fame as Sonny Crockett on the television series ‘Miami Vice’. His transition from a juvenile delinquent to a style icon defined his early career.

Ice-T

Ice-T was involved in street life and criminal activities long before he became a pioneer of gangsta rap and a television star. He was arrested for various offenses including larceny and jewelry store robberies in his youth. After serving in the Army he decided to use his experiences to create music that reflected his reality. He eventually made the leap to acting with a memorable role in ‘New Jack City’. He has spent over two decades playing a police officer on the long running show ‘Law and Order Special Victims Unit’.

Danny Aiello

Danny Aiello was arrested for minor crimes during his youth in New York City where he grew up in a tough environment. He worked many odd jobs and even served as a union official before he ever considered acting as a career. He did not land his first film role until he was nearly forty years old. His life experiences added an authentic quality to his performances in movies like ‘Do the Right Thing’. He eventually earned an Academy Award nomination and became a beloved character actor.

Lawrence Tierney

Lawrence Tierney was famous for his numerous arrests both before and during his career as a Hollywood tough guy. His early legal issues often involved public intoxication and brawling in bars. These real life incidents mirrored the dangerous characters he often played on the screen. He is perhaps best known to modern audiences for his role as Joe Cabot in ‘Reservoir Dogs’. His reputation for being difficult and unpredictable followed him throughout his long career in the industry.

Dennis Hopper

Dennis Hopper was a rebellious youth who faced several arrests for minor offenses before he became a Hollywood icon. His early legal trouble often stemmed from his volatile personality and resistance to authority. He eventually found an outlet for his energy in acting and studied at the Actors Studio. He became a significant figure in the counterculture movement with the film ‘Easy Rider’. His career was marked by both legendary performances and a reputation for being a Hollywood outlaw.

Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor had a very difficult upbringing in a brothel which led to early legal trouble. He was arrested for minor offenses in his youth before he began his career in stand up comedy. His experiences with the law and poverty became central themes in his groundbreaking comedy routines. He successfully transitioned into a major film career with hits like ‘Silver Streak’ and ‘Stir Crazy’. He is widely considered one of the most influential comedians and actors of all time.

Josh Brolin

Josh Brolin was part of a group of surfers and skaters who often got into trouble with the law. He was arrested as a teenager for his involvement in a bar fight and has spoken about the various minor crimes he committed. These experiences nearly led him down a much darker path before he committed to his acting career. He eventually achieved major success in films like ‘No Country for Old Men’ and as Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He credits his past struggles with giving him the perspective needed to succeed in Hollywood.

Tom Berenger

Tom Berenger had a brush with the law during his college years at the University of Missouri. He was arrested for breaking and entering into a building on campus which resulted in a minor legal record. This incident did not stop him from pursuing his passion for drama and moving to New York City. He eventually landed his breakout role in ‘The Big Chill’ and won acclaim for ‘Platoon’. He has since enjoyed a long and successful career as a respected character actor.

Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken was arrested for stealing a car when he was a teenager living in New York. This early lapse in judgment was a singular event in his youth before he became dedicated to dance and acting. He began his career as a child actor and eventually moved into adult roles on Broadway and in film. He won an Academy Award for his performance in ‘The Deer Hunter’ and became known for his unique delivery. He is now one of the most recognizable and parodied actors in the industry.

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra was arrested in 1938 in Bergen County New Jersey on a charge of seduction. At the time this was a legal offense that involved promising marriage to a woman in exchange for a relationship. The charge was later changed to adultery before it was eventually dismissed. This occurred just as his music career was beginning to take flight with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He went on to become a global icon and an Academy Award winning actor for ‘From Here to Eternity’.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro was a member of a small street gang known as the Kenmare Street Crew during his teenage years. He was arrested for minor offenses and given the nickname Bobby Milk because of his pale complexion. He eventually left the gang life behind to study acting under Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg. This early exposure to the streets of New York provided the foundation for his iconic roles in ‘Mean Streets’ and ‘Taxi Driver’. He is now regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson had a remarkably long criminal record as a child long before he entered a boxing ring or a film set. He was reportedly arrested thirty eight times by the age of thirteen for various petty crimes and street fights. His life changed when he was introduced to boxing trainer Cus D Amato who gave him structure and purpose. After a legendary boxing career he successfully moved into acting with a memorable appearance in ‘The Hangover’. He has since appeared in several films and television shows as a popular entertainer.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf had his first experience with the legal system when he was only nine years old. He was arrested for stealing a pair of Nike shoes from a store in his neighborhood. This early incident was followed by several other arrests as he grew older and found fame as a child star on ‘Even Stevens’. His legal issues have continued into his adult life and have often been high profile events. Despite these challenges he has delivered acclaimed performances in films like ‘Honey Boy’ and ‘Fury’.

James Franco

James Franco was arrested during his high school years for his involvement in a theft ring. He and his friends would steal high end perfumes from department stores and sell them to their classmates. This legal trouble resulted in him being placed on probation and served as a turning point in his life. He decided to focus on his education and later pursued acting with great success in ‘Freaks and Geeks’. He has since become an Academy Award nominee and a prolific filmmaker.

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy faced several arrests during his teenage years for joyriding and possession of a firearm. He struggled with addiction and a self destructive streak that almost ended his career before it truly began. After a period of rehabilitation he turned his life around and committed himself to the craft of acting. He gained international fame for his roles in ‘Inception’ and ‘Mad Max Fury Road’. His intense performances often draw on the complexity of his own early experiences.

Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell was arrested in Sydney Australia for an incident involving an attempted murder when he was a young man. It was later determined to be a case of mistaken identity and he was released without any charges. This terrifying experience occurred before he became a major Hollywood star in films like ‘Phone Booth’. He has spoken about how the incident was a surreal moment in his life before he found fame. He is now an Academy Award nominated actor known for his work in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’.

Gerard Butler

Gerard Butler had a wild youth in Scotland that led to several minor arrests for disorderly conduct. He originally studied law and became a trainee solicitor but his behavior eventually led to him being fired. This setback prompted him to move to London to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. He eventually achieved massive success with his role in the film ‘300’. He has since established himself as a prominent lead in various action movies and romantic comedies.

Snoop Dogg

Calvin Broadus who is known professionally as Snoop Dogg had several legal issues immediately following his high school graduation. He was arrested for possession of cocaine and spent time in and out of jail for several years. During this period he began recording music that would lead to his discovery by Dr. Dre. He transitioned into acting with a role in ‘Training Day’ and has since appeared in numerous films. He remains one of the most famous figures in popular culture today.

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman was arrested as a teenager for stealing a motorcycle in his hometown. This early brush with the law led him to join the United States Marine Corps at the age of sixteen. After his service he moved to New York to study acting at the Pasadena Playhouse where he was famously voted least likely to succeed. He proved his critics wrong by winning two Academy Awards for his work in ‘The French Prince’ and ‘Unforgiven’. He is now remembered as one of the most versatile actors of the twentieth century.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston found himself at the center of a murder investigation during a cross country trip in his youth. He and his brother had worked at a restaurant where the chef was killed shortly after they left town. They were briefly considered suspects and were pursued by police before the real killer was identified. This dramatic early experience happened years before he found fame on ‘Malcolm in the Middle’. He later achieved legendary status for his performance as Walter White in ‘Breaking Bad’.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard faced an arrest in 2001 for an incident involving an assault on his former wife. This occurred during the early stages of his career when he was still working to establish himself in Hollywood. The legal issues caused significant personal and professional challenges for the actor. He eventually overcame these obstacles to land a breakout role in ‘Hustle and Flow’. He later achieved major television success as the lead in the drama series ‘Empire’.

Mickey Rourke

Mickey Rourke had several run ins with the law during his youth in Miami. He was involved in minor criminal activities and had a reputation for being a brawler before he found his way to acting. He moved to New York and was accepted into the Actors Studio on his first attempt. He became a major star in the eighties with films like ‘9 1/2 Weeks’ before pursuing a career in professional boxing. He eventually made a major cinematic comeback with his acclaimed role in ‘The Wrestler’.

Michael Madsen

Michael Madsen grew up in a tough neighborhood and was arrested for various minor offenses as a young man. He worked several blue collar jobs including as a car mechanic and a forest ranger before pursuing acting. His rugged background and early life experiences helped him land roles as intimidating characters. He became a frequent collaborator with director Quentin Tarantino in films like ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘Kill Bill’. He has since appeared in hundreds of films and is known for his distinct gravelly voice.

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