Actors With Zero Major Scandals Over 30+ Years

Staying in the spotlight for decades without major controversy takes consistent professionalism and steady choices. The actors here have built long careers across film and television while keeping the focus on their work and charitable efforts. You will see projects that shaped their reputations along with awards and milestones that show how long they have been active. This is about careers that kept moving forward while avoiding the kind of headlines that overshadow the craft.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks has delivered enduring performances in films like ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Saving Private Ryan’ while also producing projects such as ‘Band of Brothers’. He has earned multiple Academy Awards and Kennedy Center Honors. His work includes voice acting in ‘Toy Story’ and a range of historical dramas. He supports causes like veterans initiatives and disaster relief through high profile fundraising.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington has led acclaimed films like ‘Glory’ and ‘Training Day’ and also built a strong stage career. He has earned multiple Academy Awards and a Tony Award. Washington has directed films including ‘Fences’ and has supported scholarships at institutions such as the Boys and Girls Clubs. His career reflects a steady presence in drama and action with frequent box office success.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves anchored action franchises with ‘The Matrix’ and ‘John Wick’ while also taking on indie projects. He has published books and formed the Arch Motorcycle Company. Reeves is known for consistent collaboration with stunt teams and technical crews across multiple productions. He has supported cancer research and children’s charities through quiet donations and appearances.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman became a global star with ‘X Men’ and expanded into musicals like ‘The Greatest Showman’. He has performed on Broadway with productions such as ‘The Boy From Oz’ and hosted major award ceremonies. Jackman founded Laughing Man Coffee Company to support fair trade initiatives. He continues to work across film stage and music with an emphasis on philanthropy and education.

Colin Firth

Colin Firth earned an Academy Award for ‘The King’s Speech’ and has balanced period dramas with comedies like ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’. He has supported refugee aid and environmental advocacy alongside his film work. Firth has collaborated with directors across Europe and the United States for decades. His filmography includes literary adaptations such as ‘A Single Man’ and ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’.

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston moved from sitcom success in ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ to prestige television with ‘Breaking Bad’. He has since led films like ‘Trumbo’ and returned to Broadway with ‘Network’. Cranston authored a memoir and produces projects for television. He supports arts education and industry safety efforts through unions and public advocacy.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle earned critical recognition with ‘Hotel Rwanda’ and has been a key part of the Marvel films including ‘Avengers Endgame’. He serves as a United Nations Environment Program Goodwill Ambassador. Cheadle has produced and directed projects for cable and streaming platforms. His philanthropic work includes climate initiatives and support for communities in conflict zones.

Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci has balanced roles in films like ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Spotlight’ with television work such as ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’. He has authored cookbooks and hosted culinary travel series like ‘Stanley Tucci Searching for Italy’. Tucci has directed independent features and stage productions. His career reflects steady collaboration with ensemble casts and international filmmakers.

Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart is known for ‘Star Trek The Next Generation’ and the ‘X Men’ films while maintaining an active stage career with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He was knighted for services to drama. Stewart has supported domestic violence charities and programs for veterans. He continues to appear in television and streaming projects such as ‘Star Trek Picard’.

Viggo Mortensen

Viggo Mortensen gained worldwide recognition with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and has led dramas like ‘A History of Violence’ and ‘Green Book’. He works as a poet painter and musician alongside acting. Mortensen founded a small press publishing house that supports international literature and photography. He frequently collaborates with directors known for character driven stories.

Gary Sinise

Gary Sinise earned wide acclaim for ‘Forrest Gump’ and long running television work in ‘CSI NY’. He founded the Gary Sinise Foundation to support wounded veterans first responders and their families. Sinise has toured with the Lt Dan Band to raise funds for military and disaster relief causes. He continues to act produce and advocate for service communities.

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser headlined adventure hits like ‘The Mummy’ and returned to awards attention with ‘The Whale’. He has performed in television series and stage productions across North America. Fraser has supported organizations focused on film preservation and health advocacy. His recent roles have included collaborations with directors known for character centered drama.

Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill became an international icon with ‘Star Wars’ and built a major voice acting career with roles like the Joker in ‘Batman The Animated Series’. He has appeared in projects across streaming and animation while engaging with fan communities at events. Hamill supports charities through auctions and special appearances. His filmography shows steady work in both live action and voice performance.

Paul Rudd

Paul Rudd moved from comedies like ‘Clueless’ to superhero films with ‘Ant Man’ and ensemble projects in ‘Avengers Endgame’. He has worked in theater and television including guest roles on ‘Friends’. Rudd supports cancer research initiatives and youth programs through recurring fundraisers. He continues to mix studio films with independent comedies and dramas.

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins built a long career in film and theater with standout roles in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘The Remains of the Day’. He has earned multiple Academy Awards and knighthood for services to drama. Hopkins composes classical music and exhibits his paintings in galleries. He supports health and arts nonprofits through auctions and collaborations.

Jeff Bridges

Jeff Bridges has worked across genres from ‘The Big Lebowski’ to ‘Crazy Heart’ while also performing as a musician. He has received major awards and multiple nominations over several decades. Bridges published a photography book documenting film sets and charity work. He serves as a national spokesman for organizations focused on ending childhood hunger.

George Clooney

George Clooney transitioned from television success in ‘ER’ to directing and producing films like ‘Good Night and Good Luck’. He co-founded a satellite monitoring initiative that tracks conflict zones for accountability. Clooney backs disaster relief and human rights projects through large scale fundraisers. He continues to balance studio releases with independent productions.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson has appeared in franchise entries like ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Avengers’ films as well as stage productions. He holds one of the highest cumulative box office totals for a film actor. Jackson supports education and health initiatives through foundations and public campaigns. He frequently mentors emerging filmmakers and participates in industry diversity programs.

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan gained global recognition with ‘GoldenEye’ and continued with dramas like ‘The Ghost Writer’. He is an ambassador for environmental and marine conservation groups. Brosnan paints and auctions his artwork to raise funds for charities. He remains active in both film and television while producing projects through his company.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis is known for immersive roles in ‘There Will Be Blood’ and ‘Lincoln’. He has won multiple Academy Awards and received international honors for contributions to cinema. Day-Lewis apprenticed as a shoemaker between projects and keeps a low public profile. His filmography shows long gaps by design to focus on selective collaborations.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker earned widespread acclaim for ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and has produced socially focused documentaries. He founded the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative which runs youth programs in several countries. Whitaker serves as a UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation. He continues to lead films and limited series across global markets.

Michael Keaton

Michael Keaton moved from early hits like ‘Beetlejuice’ to a resurgence with ‘Birdman’ and appearances in superhero franchises. He supports conservation projects and rural community programs in Pennsylvania and Montana. Keaton produces documentaries and narrates environmental features. His career includes steady work in comedies dramas and prestige limited series.

Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti has anchored films such as ‘Sideways’ and headlined television projects like ‘Billions’. He co-hosts a history and spirits podcast that explores cultural topics with academics. Giamatti produces independent features and supports arts education programs. His roles span biographical dramas period pieces and contemporary ensemble films.

Andy Serkis

Andy Serkis pioneered performance capture with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Planet of the Apes’. He co-founded The Imaginarium Studios to advance motion capture technology for film and gaming. Serkis has directed features and second-unit action sequences on major productions. He supports film training initiatives that expand access to technical careers.

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe balances studio titles like ‘Spider-Man’ with art-house films including ‘The Florida Project’. He is a founding member of the experimental troupe The Wooster Group. Dafoe has earned numerous international awards and festival honors. His collaborations span directors across Europe Asia and North America.

Bill Nighy

Bill Nighy became widely known through ‘Love Actually’ and has continued with roles in franchises like ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. He supports organizations addressing homelessness and Parkinson’s research. Nighy’s stage work includes acclaimed turns in contemporary and classic plays. He narrates documentaries and audiobooks for public broadcasting and literacy programs.

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo blends indie dramas like ‘Spotlight’ with franchise work in ‘Avengers’. He co-founded clean energy and environmental justice initiatives with policy partners. Ruffalo produces investigative documentaries and regularly participates in community town halls. His television and film projects often include advocacy partnerships during release campaigns.

Chow Yun-fat

Chow Yun-fat became a major star with ‘A Better Tomorrow’ and ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’ while working across Hong Kong and Hollywood. He is known for extensive charitable giving and low key public life. Chow frequently collaborates with directors who shaped modern action cinema. He continues to appear in regional blockbusters and international co-productions.

Steve Carell

Steve Carell moved from ‘The Office’ to a mix of films like ‘The Big Short’ and limited series work. He co-founded a production company that develops comedy and drama projects. Carell supports children’s hospitals and education programs through recurring fundraisers. He maintains regular stage and voice acting appearances alongside film roles.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen has balanced blockbuster roles like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘X-Men’ with decades of classical theater. He is a co-founder of Stonewall UK and supports LGBTQ+ initiatives and arts education. McKellen has toured Shakespeare productions internationally and mentors young performers. His body of work spans stage film and television with regular festival and honors recognition.

Michael Caine

Michael Caine built a multigenerational screen presence with films ranging from ‘The Ipcress File’ to ‘The Dark Knight’. He has published memoirs and supports charities focused on veterans and youth training. Caine has collaborated with British and American directors across genres for decades. He frequently appears in smaller ensemble projects alongside larger studio releases.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford led enduring franchises with ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ while also taking on dramas like ‘Witness’. He serves as vice chair of Conservation International and advocates for rainforest protection. Ford is a licensed pilot who has supported rescue and environmental missions. His career includes steady work in thrillers action films and prestige projects.

Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler moved from ‘Saturday Night Live’ to a long run of comedy hits like ‘Happy Gilmore’ while also earning acclaim for ‘Uncut Gems’. He produces films through his own company and supports Boys and Girls Clubs and medical charities. Sandler performs stand-up tours that fundraise for community causes. He regularly alternates between broad comedies and character-driven dramas.

Steve Martin

Steve Martin expanded from stand-up and ‘Roxanne’ into writing novels and plays and recording Grammy-winning music. He is a noted collector and advocate for the banjo and bluegrass education. Martin donates to arts institutions and co-curates museum exhibitions. His recent work includes television projects like ‘Only Murders in the Building’ alongside live performances.

Robert Redford

Robert Redford earned leading roles in ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ and ‘All the President’s Men’ and later directed award-winning films. He founded the Sundance Institute and Festival to support independent filmmaking. Redford has been active in environmental conservation and community arts programs. His career continues with selective screen appearances and producing work.

Alan Alda

Alan Alda became widely known for ‘MASH’ and went on to write direct and host science communication programs. He founded the Alda Center for Communicating Science to train researchers and clinicians. Alda has maintained a long stage and film career with recurring television roles. He supports Parkinson’s research and public education initiatives.

Ed Harris

Ed Harris has delivered consistent performances in films like ‘Apollo 13’ and ‘A Beautiful Mind’ and in series such as ‘Westworld’. He directs theater and feature films and often returns to stage work. Harris supports veterans groups and arts education fundraisers. His filmography spans biographical dramas historical epics and contemporary thrillers.

Jeff Daniels

Jeff Daniels alternates between films like ‘The Newsroom’ and ‘Gettysburg’ and a sustained theater career in Michigan and on Broadway. He founded the Purple Rose Theatre Company to develop new American plays. Daniels records music and tours with projects that benefit regional arts. His roles cover legal dramas political series and character-driven comedies.

Brendan Gleeson

Brendan Gleeson gained international recognition with ‘In Bruges’ and ‘Calvary’ and has a deep catalog of Irish and British productions. He frequently collaborates with emerging directors and supports local film initiatives. Gleeson plays fiddle and contributes to cultural projects that promote traditional music. His work includes literary adaptations and prestige television events.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Tony Leung Chiu-wai is known for collaborations like ‘In the Mood for Love’ and ‘Infernal Affairs’ and has worked across Cantonese and Mandarin cinema. He expanded to global audiences with projects including ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. Leung supports film preservation and cross-border cultural exchanges. His career features frequent festival honors and long-term director partnerships.

Song Kang-ho

Song Kang-ho rose to worldwide prominence with ‘Parasite’ after decades of Korean cinema hits such as ‘Memories of Murder’. He regularly supports film school programs and national arts initiatives. Song appears in both auteur-driven dramas and commercial releases. His sustained collaborations helped bring Korean storytelling to global audiences.

Hiroyuki Sanada

Hiroyuki Sanada has worked in Japanese and international productions from ‘The Twilight Samurai’ to ‘The Last Samurai’ and ‘John Wick Chapter 4’. He trained in stage combat and classical theater and often serves as a bridge between film cultures. Sanada supports cultural exchange programs and mentorship for stunt and martial arts performers. His credits span historical epics science fiction and contemporary action.

Sam Neill

Sam Neill became a household name with ‘Jurassic Park’ and continues with film television and documentary narration. He operates a vineyard that supports regional employment and charity tastings. Neill engages in wildlife and disaster relief fundraising in New Zealand and Australia. His career includes independent dramas crime series and family adventure films.

Antonio Banderas

Antonio Banderas moved from Spanish cinema with ‘Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown’ to Hollywood projects like ‘The Mask of Zorro’. He launched a theater in Málaga and supports scholarships for performing arts students. Banderas designs fragrance lines that fund community programs. He continues to balance Spanish-language productions with international films and television.

Share the names you would add to this list in the comments.