Actors With Zero Major Scandals Over 25+ Years

A few performers have managed remarkably steady careers and personal lives for decades, building résumés filled with acclaimed roles while keeping headlines focused on the work. Here are male actors whose careers stretch past the quarter century mark, with credits across blockbusters and indies, long term collaborations with respected directors, and plenty of behind the scenes contributions to charities and film communities.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks has starred in cultural touchstones like ‘Forrest Gump’, ‘Saving Private Ryan’, and ‘Cast Away’. He has won multiple Academy Awards and also produces films through his company Playtone. Hanks regularly supports causes related to veterans and space education. He is also a published author and a collector of vintage typewriters.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington has led major films such as ‘Glory’, ‘Training Day’, and ‘Fences’. He has directed and produced projects while mentoring emerging actors through theater work. Washington is a longtime supporter of educational programs and Boys and Girls Clubs. He continues to headline stage productions alongside his film roles.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves anchored action franchises with ‘The Matrix’ and ‘John Wick’. He co founded Arch Motorcycle and has produced projects across film and publishing. Reeves is known for quiet philanthropy that includes support for cancer research. He also plays bass and collaborates on creative ventures outside acting.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman broke out globally with ‘X Men’ and has worked across musicals like ‘The Greatest Showman’. He is an active stage performer with a long run of concert tours. Jackman co founded Laughing Man Coffee to support fair trade initiatives. He also serves as a goodwill ambassador for organizations focused on global health.

Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd blends comedy and action with roles in ‘Ant Man’, ‘Clueless’, and ‘Anchorman’. He regularly writes and produces, contributing to long running comedy collaborations. Rudd supports the Stuttering Association for the Young and hosts annual charity events. He also co owns a candy shop in New York that donates to local causes.

Colin Firth

Colin Firth earned international recognition with ‘The King’s Speech’ and ‘A Single Man’. He has worked extensively with the literary adaptation tradition through projects like ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Firth supports refugee assistance and indigenous rights initiatives. He also co developed an eco friendly wetsuit line to promote sustainable materials.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker won major awards for ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and has produced numerous independent films. He founded the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative to support youth leadership. Whitaker serves as a UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation. He continues to balance acting with humanitarian field work.

Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci has delivered acclaimed performances in ‘Spotlight’, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, and ‘Big Night’. He writes cookbooks and hosts food centered television, highlighting regional cuisine. Tucci frequently collaborates with independent filmmakers as a producer and director. He also supports cancer research and survivorship programs.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba broke through with ‘Luther’ and expanded into franchise work with ‘Thor’ and ‘Fast and Furious Presents Hobbs and Shaw’. He is also a DJ and musician who performs at major festivals. Elba advocates for creative industry training in Africa and the UK. He has produced films through his company Green Door Pictures.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali earned two Academy Awards for roles in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book’. He has appeared in prestige television including ‘True Detective’. Ali is involved with arts education and community outreach programs. He has also been cast as the title character in Marvel’s ‘Blade’.

John Cho

John Cho helped reboot two major franchises with ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Harold and Kumar’. He has championed Asian American representation in casting and storytelling. Cho is a published author of a novel exploring immigration and identity. He continues to work in film and television as both actor and producer.

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton revitalized his career with ‘Birdman’ after early success with ‘Batman’ and ‘Beetlejuice’. He frequently collaborates with directors on character driven dramas like ‘Spotlight’. Keaton supports environmental conservation efforts in the United States. He also participates in advocacy around Appalachian community issues.

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe balances studio projects such as ‘Spider Man’ with art house films like ‘The Florida Project’. He is a founding member of The Wooster Group and maintains deep ties to experimental theater. Dafoe has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards across supporting and lead categories. He continues to work internationally with directors from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle earned acclaim for ‘Hotel Rwanda’ and joined blockbuster ensembles with ‘Avengers’. He co authored a book on climate change and produced documentaries on social issues. Cheadle is a United Nations goodwill ambassador focused on environmental causes. He also plays jazz trumpet and develops projects through Radicle Act.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor received widespread recognition for ’12 Years a Slave’ and has worked in science fiction and drama with ‘Doctor Strange’ and ‘The Martian’. He writes and directs in addition to acting. Ejiofor supports charities focused on health and education in Nigeria and the UK. He continues to perform on stage in classic and contemporary works.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo’s filmography spans indies and franchises with standout roles in ‘Spotlight’, ‘The Kids Are All Right’, and ‘The Avengers’. He is a vocal advocate for environmental and public health causes and co founded the nonprofit Solutions Project. Ruffalo has multiple Emmy, Tony, and Oscar nominations across acting and producing. He also works regularly on stage and supports water safety initiatives in U.S. communities.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston moved from sitcom success in ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ to acclaimed drama with ‘Breaking Bad’. He has earned major awards in television, film, and theater, including a Tony for his portrayal in ‘Network’. Cranston co authored a memoir and runs a mezcal brand with ‘Breaking Bad’ co star Aaron Paul. He supports industry training programs and frequently produces projects for television.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen’s career includes iconic performances in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘X Men’. He is a longtime stage actor with leading roles for the Royal Shakespeare Company. McKellen is a prominent LGBTQ rights advocate and co founded the charity Stonewall. He continues to tour theatrical productions and participates in literacy and youth arts initiatives.

Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart is widely known for ‘Star Trek The Next Generation’ and ‘Logan’. He served as chancellor of the University of Huddersfield and supports domestic violence charities. Stewart’s extensive Shakespearean work includes major roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He frequently narrates documentaries and lends his voice to animated series and games.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe transitioned from ‘Harry Potter’ to diverse projects like ‘Swiss Army Man’ and ‘Miracle Workers’. He regularly performs on Broadway and the West End, earning theater award nominations. Radcliffe donates to children’s health and LGBT support organizations. He also develops and produces independent films through partnerships with emerging directors.

Elijah Wood

Elijah Wood followed ‘The Lord of the Rings’ with genre projects such as ‘Wilfred’ and ‘Maniac’. He co founded SpectreVision, a production company focused on independent and horror cinema. Wood actively supports music and film festivals by hosting screenings and producing soundtracks. He also works in voice acting for animation and video games.

George Clooney

George Clooney’s credits include ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, ‘Michael Clayton’, and ‘Up in the Air’. He co founded Smokehouse Pictures and has directed multiple feature films. Clooney co founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice to support human rights initiatives worldwide. He frequently collaborates on disaster relief fundraising and journalism advocacy.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan anchored blockbuster spy films and later balanced dramas like ‘The Ghost Writer’ with television work in ‘The Son’. He is an ambassador for Greenpeace and Irish environmental causes. Brosnan produces through Irish DreamTime and supports art education programs. He also contributes to ocean conservation campaigns with longtime partners.

Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges’ body of work ranges from ‘The Big Lebowski’ to ‘Crazy Heart’. He co founded the End Hunger Network and supports No Kid Hungry initiatives. Bridges is a photographer and musician who releases albums and exhibits film set photography. He serves as a spokesperson for environmental resilience and wildfire recovery efforts.

Viggo Mortensen

Viggo Mortensen earned recognition with ‘Eastern Promises’, ‘A History of Violence’, and ‘The Lord of the Rings’. He is a multilingual poet, painter, and publisher who founded Perceval Press to support artists. Mortensen composes film music and frequently collaborates on independent productions. He also directs feature films and promotes international film preservation efforts.

Edward Norton

Edward Norton’s work includes ‘Primal Fear’, ‘American History X’, and ‘Birdman’. He serves on the board of Enterprise Community Partners to advance affordable housing. Norton co founded CrowdRise, an online fundraising platform later acquired and integrated into larger philanthropy services. He also acts as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for biodiversity initiatives.

Steve Carell

Steve Carell moved from ‘The Office’ to features like ‘Foxcatcher’ and ‘The Big Short’. He operates a family owned general store in Massachusetts that supports community events. Carell frequently produces television through his company and collaborates with longtime comedy partners. He also provides voice work for animated franchises such as ‘Despicable Me’.

Tony Shalhoub

Tony Shalhoub earned widespread attention with ‘Monk’ and continued with ‘The Marvelous Mrs Maisel’. He is a regular on Broadway with multiple Tony Awards. Shalhoub supports arts education and Lebanese American cultural organizations. He also produces theater projects and mentors young performers through regional programs.

Gary Sinise

Gary Sinise is known for ‘Forrest Gump’, ‘Apollo 13’, and the series ‘CSI NY’. He founded the Gary Sinise Foundation to support veterans, first responders, and their families. Sinise leads the Lt. Dan Band to perform at military bases and charitable events. He serves as a public advocate for adaptive housing and rehabilitation initiatives.

Bill Nighy

Bill Nighy’s notable roles span ‘Love Actually’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, and ‘Living’. He is active in charity campaigns addressing homelessness and global poverty. Nighy frequently performs radio dramas and narrates documentaries for public broadcasters. He also champions independent theater companies and literacy programs in the UK.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio built a global profile with films like ‘Titanic’, ‘The Departed’, and ‘The Revenant’. He founded Appian Way Productions and backs documentaries that explore environmental issues. DiCaprio established a foundation that supports wildlife conservation and climate research. He often collaborates with directors known for character driven dramas and ambitious period pieces.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon broke through with ‘Good Will Hunting’ and expanded his reach with franchises like ‘Bourne’ and ensemble dramas such as ‘The Martian’. He co founded Water.org to provide access to safe water and sanitation. Damon produces films through Pearl Street Films with long time partner Ben Affleck. He regularly supports education focused charities and veterans initiatives.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson’s credits span ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘Unbreakable’, and the ‘Avengers’ series. He is one of the highest grossing actors and continues to work across film, television, and voice roles. Jackson supports education and Alzheimer’s awareness campaigns. He frequently collaborates with directors on projects that blend genre storytelling with strong character work.

Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler moved from ‘Saturday Night Live’ to a long running film career with hits like ‘Happy Gilmore’, ‘The Wedding Singer’, and ‘Uncut Gems’. He founded Happy Madison Productions and produces comedies and dramas for theaters and streaming. Sandler tours with live musical comedy shows and supports children’s hospitals through donations and events. He often casts regular collaborators to develop new projects.

Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling gained wide attention with ‘The Notebook’ and earned critical praise for ‘Drive’ and ‘La La Land’. He formed a band and contributes original music to select projects. Gosling supports organizations focused on humanitarian relief and animal welfare. He also develops films with an eye toward distinctive directors and cinematographers.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal’s body of work includes ‘Donnie Darko’, ‘Nightcrawler’, and ‘Brokeback Mountain’. He performs regularly on Broadway and the West End and produces stage projects. Gyllenhaal supports veteran causes and arts education programs. He often chooses roles that combine physical transformation with investigative storytelling.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon-Levitt transitioned from child actor to leading roles in ‘500 Days of Summer’, ‘Looper’, and ‘Inception’. He founded HitRecord to enable collaborative creative projects across writing, music, and film. Gordon-Levitt produces and directs short form work that highlights community contributions. He also supports digital literacy and classroom arts initiatives.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan earned acclaim with ‘Fruitvale Station’ and built franchises with ‘Creed’ and ‘Black Panther’. He launched Outlier Society to champion inclusion and first look partnerships for underrepresented voices. Jordan invests in tech and sports ventures alongside his film work. He supports mentorship programs and HBCU initiatives.

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser led adventure hits like ‘The Mummy’ and returned to prestige roles with ‘The Whale’. He works across film and television and contributes voice roles to animation. Fraser supports charitable organizations that aid children and rebuild communities after disasters. He also participates in film preservation efforts and genre festival circuits.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy became widely known through ‘Peaky Blinders’ and films like ‘Inception’ and ‘Oppenheimer’. He continues to perform in theater in Ireland and the UK between screen projects. Murphy supports local arts organizations and radio initiatives that promote new writing. He frequently collaborates with directors on meticulous historical and science themed dramas.

Ken Watanabe

Ken Watanabe reached international audiences with ‘The Last Samurai’, ‘Inception’, and ‘Letters from Iwo Jima’. He is an advocate for disaster recovery in Japan and supports regional theater. Watanabe appears in both Japanese and American productions and balances film with stage musicals. He maintains long term partnerships with filmmakers known for large scale epics.

Clive Owen

Clive Owen’s notable work includes ‘Closer’, ‘Children of Men’, and ‘The Knick’. He supports arts education and film festival programs across Europe. Owen alternates between television limited series and feature films with strong ensemble casts. He often works with directors who favor grounded futurism and literary adaptations.

Patrick Wilson

Patrick Wilson leads major horror franchises with ‘The Conjuring’ and ‘Insidious’ while also appearing in musicals and dramas. He directs and produces within those series to guide continuity and tone. Wilson performs in concert productions and supports regional theater. He participates in relief concerts and community fundraising in his home state.

Paul Bettany

Paul Bettany’s range spans ‘A Knight’s Tale’, ‘Master and Commander The Far Side of the World’, and ‘WandaVision’. He writes and directs independent features alongside his acting work. Bettany supports medical research fundraising and youth arts programs. He continues to collaborate with filmmakers on projects that blend historical adventure and contemporary superhero storytelling.

Share your picks in the comments and tell us which long running careers you think deserve a spot here.