Actors With Zero Major Scandals Over 20+ Years

Staying out of trouble while working nonstop in the spotlight is no small feat, and a handful of longtime leading men have quietly built reputations for reliability and professionalism. These actors have decades of steady work, well regarded performances, and positive collaborations without major public scandals. Their careers stretch across awards seasons, global press tours, and blockbuster sets while keeping personal headlines calm. Here are male actors who have kept things clean for more than twenty years and kept the focus on the work.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks has been a consistent presence in film for over forty years with acclaimed roles in projects like ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Saving Private Ryan’. He is known for dependable sets and strong partnerships with directors across multiple decades. His work also includes producing and historical miniseries such as ‘Band of Brothers’ that earned broad recognition. Public attention has stayed centered on his filmography and humanitarian involvement.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington has maintained a long career on stage and screen with standout performances in films like ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Training Day’. He has directed and produced as well, bringing August Wilson’s plays to film with ‘Fences’. His theater work includes regular returns to Broadway that keep his craft in focus. Coverage around him consistently highlights awards, mentorship, and philanthropy.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves has worked steadily since the late 1980s and anchored action franchises with ‘The Matrix’ and ‘John Wick’. Colleagues frequently cite his professionalism and generosity on set. He co founded a production company and has supported creative projects in comics and photography. Media attention tends to emphasize his low key public profile and charitable efforts.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman balanced blockbuster roles like ‘X-Men’ with musical theater and prestige films such as ‘The Prestige’. He has hosted major awards shows and completed demanding stage runs, reflecting strong industry trust. His long partnership with creative teams on ‘Wolverine’ films is often noted for its consistency. Public coverage focuses on his stage work, fitness discipline, and philanthropic events.

Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd has built a steady career in comedies and superhero films with titles like ‘Clueless’, ‘Anchorman’, and ‘Ant-Man’. Castmates and crews regularly describe positive working experiences with him. He supports charities through recurring events such as comedy benefits and youth programs. Press around him typically centers on enduring popularity and family friendly projects.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle has combined character roles and franchise work including ‘Hotel Rwanda’ and ‘Avengers’ films. He has produced and directed, showing range behind the camera. His advocacy includes longtime support for humanitarian causes. Coverage highlights his versatility, awards recognition, and collaborative reputation.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt moved from early television success to films like ‘Inception’ and ‘Looper’. He founded an online creative platform that fosters collaborative art and short films. His career shows careful project selection across acting, directing, and music. Public narratives focus on entrepreneurship and craft rather than personal drama.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling’s filmography spans indies and tentpoles with ‘Drive’, ‘La La Land’, and ‘Barbie’. He is known for thorough preparation and close work with repeat collaborators. His off camera presence remains restrained, keeping the focus on releases and festival premieres. Media coverage emphasizes performances, soundtrack contributions, and awards campaigns.

Colin Firth

Colin Firth earned international acclaim with roles like ‘The King’s Speech’ and ‘A Single Man’. He has worked with respected directors across European and American productions. His projects often involve literary adaptations and historical subjects. Public attention is generally tied to film promotions and charitable activities.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali transitioned from television roles to two Academy Award winning performances in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book’. He maintains a strong presence in both prestige film and streaming projects. His preparation and measured interviews keep the spotlight on the work. Reporting around him underscores professionalism and community engagement.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch broke out globally with ‘Sherlock’ and expanded into films like ‘The Imitation Game’ and ‘Doctor Strange’. He has an active stage career and continues to appear in high profile limited series. His public image centers on craft, charity events, and arts advocacy. Coverage remains focused on roles, producing credits, and theater commitments.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo balances independent films and franchise entries with ‘Spotlight’ and ‘Avengers’. He is active in environmental advocacy and often appears at panels and community events. His collaborative approach with directors and co stars is frequently mentioned in press. Headlines largely track projects, awards, and activism updates.

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield works across theater and film with ‘The Social Network’, ‘Hacksaw Ridge’, and ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. He has earned recognition on Broadway and in the West End. Interviews emphasize process and respect for writers and directors. Public coverage remains tied to performances and stage runs.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba moves between television and film with ‘Luther’, ‘Beasts of No Nation’, and ‘Pacific Rim’. He also produces and occasionally directs, and he performs as a musician at festivals. His profile reflects steady international work and community outreach. Media focus stays on releases, voice roles, and creative ventures.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker has decades of acclaimed performances with titles like ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and ‘Ghost Dog’. He founded a peace and community building initiative that operates internationally. His producing work supports diverse voices in film and television. Press consistently highlights humanitarian projects and sustained excellence on screen.Chris Evans

Chris Evans built a wide ranging career across blockbusters and indies with roles in ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’, ‘Knives Out’, and ‘Snowpiercer’. He has produced projects through his banner and supports civic engagement initiatives. Voice work includes leading roles in animation and narration for documentaries. Public attention typically centers on franchise milestones, stage appearances, and philanthropic campaigns.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy moved between independent films and large scale releases with credits like ’28 Days Later’, ‘Inception’, and ‘Oppenheimer’. His television work in ‘Peaky Blinders’ expanded his international profile. Stage performances in Ireland and the UK continue alongside film schedules. Interviews and coverage often highlight collaboration with recurring directors and long running theater ties.

Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig’s filmography spans European dramas and global action, including a long tenure as James Bond in entries like ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Skyfall’. He has produced select projects and returned to the stage on Broadway and in London. High profile endorsements and charity auctions frequently accompany his film promotions. Media coverage focuses on franchise handovers, theater runs, and production announcements.

Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson transitioned from ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ and ‘Twilight’ to auteur driven films like ‘Good Time’ and ‘The Lighthouse’. He headlined ‘The Batman’ while continuing to work with independent directors. Festival circuits and international press tours regularly accompany his releases. Reporting emphasizes role preparation, global box office results, and partnerships with photographers and fashion houses.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan’s career includes major television work in ‘The Wire’ and ‘Friday Night Lights’ and films like ‘Fruitvale Station’ and ‘Black Panther’. He directs and stars in the ‘Creed’ series while guiding projects through his production company. Brand partnerships and community initiatives feature in his publicity. Coverage typically highlights directing milestones, mentorship programs, and franchise developments.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Tony Leung has led acclaimed Hong Kong and international films including ‘In the Mood for Love’, ‘Infernal Affairs’, and ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. Longstanding collaborations with prominent directors anchor his career. He participates in major festivals across Asia, Europe, and North America. Press focuses on cross border projects, language versatility, and lifetime achievement honors.

Hiroyuki Sanada

Hiroyuki Sanada’s work spans Japanese cinema, Hollywood features, and prestige television with titles like ‘The Last Samurai’, ‘Westworld’, and ‘Shōgun’. He has extensive stage experience with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Action training and historical productions are recurring elements in his roles. International coverage follows co starring turns in ensemble casts and cultural exchange projects.

Mads Mikkelsen

Mads Mikkelsen has balanced European films and studio releases with projects like ‘Another Round’, ‘Hannibal’, and ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’. He frequently headlines festival selections and multilingual productions. Dance and stunt backgrounds inform his physical roles. Publicity centers on awards circuits, franchise casting, and collaborations with Scandinavian filmmakers.

Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart’s career bridges classical theater and franchise television and film with ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ and ‘X-Men’. He continues to perform Shakespeare and new plays in the UK and the US. Audiobooks and voice roles complement his screen work. Media attention highlights stage revivals, charitable fundraising, and education initiatives in the arts.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen is known for ‘The Lord of the Rings’, ‘X-Men’, and a long record of Shakespearean roles on stage. He tours with solo theater programs and supports arts access projects. Film and television appearances often run alongside multi month stage engagements. Coverage emphasizes repertory work, museum partnerships, and national theater events.

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins has appeared in a wide range of films including ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, ‘The Remains of the Day’, and ‘The Father’. He composes music and paints, exhibiting work in galleries alongside film obligations. Recent roles span studio features and streaming dramas. Press features typically note awards milestones, creative pursuits outside acting, and mentorship stories.

Viggo Mortensen

Viggo Mortensen’s credits include ‘The Lord of the Rings’, ‘Eastern Promises’, and writer director projects like ‘Falling’. He publishes photography and poetry and composes music for select films. Multilingual interviews accompany international releases. Public attention centers on cross disciplinary work, festival premieres, and independent production efforts.

George Clooney

George Clooney combines acting with directing and producing in projects like ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, ‘Good Night, and Good Luck.’, and ‘The Ides of March’. He co founded a humanitarian initiative that tracks global atrocities. Commercial ventures in media and spirits have featured high profile acquisitions. Coverage often highlights philanthropic campaigns, industry partnerships, and directing schedules.

John Cho

John Cho’s filmography includes ‘Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle’, ‘Star Trek’, and ‘Searching’. He has headlined television dramas and limited series while voicing characters in animation. Festival panels and book events accompany select releases. Media notes trailblazing lead roles, community outreach, and steady work across genres.

Ken Watanabe

Ken Watanabe is known for international projects such as ‘The Last Samurai’, ‘Inception’, and ‘Godzilla’. He frequently returns to the stage in Japan and has performed on Broadway. His career includes historical epics, contemporary dramas, and franchise entries. Reporting highlights bilingual productions, theater awards, and cross cultural collaborations.

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe has worked across American and European cinema with roles in ‘Platoon’, ‘The Florida Project’, and ‘Spider-Man’. He collaborates frequently with auteurs and appears regularly at major festivals. His stage work with experimental theater groups continued alongside his film career. Interviews and profiles often highlight long running partnerships with directors and international co productions.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor earned global recognition with films such as ’12 Years a Slave’, ‘Children of Men’, and ‘Doctor Strange’. He trained at the National Youth Theatre and has maintained ties to the London stage. His work includes writing and directing the feature ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’. Media coverage focuses on awards, humanitarian projects, and continued theater involvement.

Adam Driver

Adam Driver transitioned from television success in ‘Girls’ to films like ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’. He founded a nonprofit that brings arts programming to military communities. His filmography spans independent dramas and large scale productions with frequent festival premieres. Public attention centers on craft discussions, director collaborations, and philanthropic initiatives.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac’s career includes ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’, ‘Ex Machina’, and ‘Dune’. He has performed in acclaimed stage productions in New York while leading limited series on streaming. Music performances and multilingual press tours regularly accompany his releases. Reporting highlights genre range, theater awards, and recurring collaborations with celebrated filmmakers.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek gained prominence with ‘Mr. Robot’ and expanded into films like ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘No Time to Die’. He participates in international campaigns tied to education and cultural outreach. Voice and motion capture roles complement his live action work. Coverage emphasizes award milestones, franchise appearances, and global promotional tours.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis built a selective filmography with ‘My Left Foot’, ‘There Will Be Blood’, and ‘Lincoln’. He trained extensively for roles and took long breaks between projects. His announcements about retiring from acting drew significant media attention. Press around him consistently centers on preparation methods, historical roles, and collaborations with renowned directors.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston moved from sitcoms to prestige television with ‘Breaking Bad’ and continued with films like ‘Argo’ and ‘Trumbo’. He has written a memoir and produced projects across film and TV. Broadway appearances include lead roles in contemporary and classic plays. Public coverage focuses on award winning performances, producing credits, and charitable appearances.

Bob Odenkirk

Bob Odenkirk’s path runs from sketch comedy in ‘Mr. Show’ to dramatic work in ‘Better Call Saul’. He expanded into action with ‘Nobody’ while maintaining writing and producing projects. A published memoir and recurring book events connect him with audiences beyond television. Media attention highlights career reinvention, health recovery, and ongoing creative partnerships.

Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci balances supporting and lead roles in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, ‘Spotlight’, and ‘The Hunger Games’. He writes cookbooks and hosts food travel programs alongside acting commitments. His filmography includes frequent appearances in European productions. Press often notes culinary ventures, directing credits, and festival juries.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan’s career spans television and film with ‘Remington Steele’ and entries in the James Bond series like ‘GoldenEye’. He continues to act in thrillers, comedies, and ensemble dramas. Painting and environmental advocacy feature prominently in his public work. Coverage tracks new releases, art exhibitions, and charitable auctions.

Sam Neill

Sam Neill is known for ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘The Piano’, and a steady slate of television miniseries. He runs a vineyard that appears in interviews and social media around his projects. His career includes documentaries, voice roles, and international coproductions. Reporting emphasizes long term franchise participation, regional filmmaking support, and festival appearances.

Paul Bettany

Paul Bettany’s credits include ‘A Beautiful Mind’, ‘Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World’, and ‘WandaVision’. He works in both period dramas and contemporary thrillers while contributing voice roles in major franchises. Stage performances in London and New York recur throughout his career. Media coverage notes writing projects, art interests, and ongoing collaborations with streaming platforms.

Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill became widely known through ‘Star Wars’ while building an extensive voice acting career with characters in animation and games. He appears at conventions and charity events that engage long running fan communities. Television guest roles and streaming series keep his screen presence active. Public attention highlights legacy roles, voice credits, and outreach to audiences.

Karl Urban

Karl Urban’s filmography spans ‘The Lord of the Rings’, ‘Star Trek’, and the series ‘The Boys’. He works in action, science fiction, and fantasy across film and television. International shooting schedules and convention panels accompany many releases. Press tracks franchise renewals, production updates, and global fan events.

Song Kang-ho

Song Kang-ho has led acclaimed Korean films including ‘Memories of Murder’, ‘The Host’, and ‘Parasite’. He collaborates frequently with noted directors and appears regularly at Cannes and other major festivals. His roles range from crime dramas to social satires with broad international distribution. Coverage centers on awards recognition, festival juries, and the global reach of Korean cinema.

Share your picks for long running, drama free careers in the comments.