Hollywood Actors Who Turned Out To Be Villains In Real Life

Hollywood often blurs the line between fiction and reality by casting charismatic performers as heroes while their real lives tell a much darker story. Many celebrated actors have shocked the world by becoming involved in serious crimes or scandalous behavior that shattered their public image. Fans often struggle to separate the art from the artist when disturbing allegations or convictions come to light. The following list explores fifty male actors whose off-screen actions revealed a villainous side.

Bill Cosby

This actor was once revered as a moral authority and known as America’s Dad for his role in ‘The Cosby Show’. His legacy collapsed when dozens of women came forward with allegations of sexual assault spanning several decades. He was convicted of aggravated indecent assault in 2018 and served time in prison before a procedural ruling overturned the conviction. The scandal resulted in his shows being pulled from syndication and his honorary degrees being revoked.

Danny Masterson

Best known for playing the rebellious Hyde on ‘That ’70s Show’, Masterson faced a severe fall from grace in the 2020s. Three women accused him of sexual assault occurring at the height of his television fame. A jury convicted him of two counts of rape in 2023 which resulted in a sentence of 30 years to life in prison. The high-profile trial also drew attention to the Church of Scientology and its alleged role in covering up the crimes.

Robert Blake

Blake was an Emmy-winning actor known for the series ‘Baretta’ and the film ‘In Cold Blood’. His life took a dark turn when his wife was shot to death while sitting in his car outside a restaurant in 2001. He was charged with her murder but was ultimately acquitted during the criminal trial. A civil jury later found him liable for her wrongful death and ordered him to pay millions in damages to her children.

Michael Jace

Fans of the police drama ‘The Shield’ recognized Jace for his long-running role as Officer Julien Lowe. The actor shocked the industry in 2014 when he called 911 to report that he had shot his wife. Authorities arrived to find her dead and Jace was subsequently arrested and charged with murder. He was convicted in 2016 and sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the domestic violence incident.

Ryan Grantham

This young actor appeared in popular series like ‘Riverdale’ and ‘Supernatural’ before committing a horrific crime. In 2020 he shot and killed his mother in their home while she played piano. Evidence presented during his sentencing revealed he had also plotted to assassinate notable political figures. He was sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 14 years.

Mark Salling

Salling rose to global fame as the bad boy Puck on the hit musical series ‘Glee’. His career effectively ended in 2015 when law enforcement raided his home and discovered thousands of images of child sexual abuse material. He pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and awaited sentencing that would likely have included prison time. The actor died by suicide in 2018 before the final judgment could be delivered.

Stephen Collins

For years he played the benevolent father and minister on the family drama ‘7th Heaven’. His wholesome image was destroyed in 2014 when audio recordings surfaced in which he admitted to sexual misconduct with minors. The actor later released a statement confessing to crimes involving three young girls years prior. He was never prosecuted due to the statute of limitations but was effectively blacklisted from Hollywood.

Jeffrey Jones

Jones is memorable for his role as the principal in ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ and appearances in films like ‘Beetlejuice’. His career hit a major obstacle in 2003 when he pleaded no contest to soliciting a minor for explicit photos. He was required to register as a sex offender for life as part of his plea deal. The actor has faced subsequent legal issues for failing to update his registration status.

Ricardo Medina Jr.

Medina was known to children everywhere as the Red Ranger in ‘Power Rangers Wild Force’. He was arrested in 2015 after stabbing his roommate with a sword during an argument. The actor claimed self-defense initially but later pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. He served several years in prison before being released.

Shelley Malil

Malil appeared alongside Steve Carell as a chaotic coworker in the comedy ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’. In 2008 he stabbed his ex-girlfriend more than 20 times in a brutal attack at her home. Miraculously the victim survived the assault and testified against him in court. He was convicted of attempted premeditated murder and sentenced to life in prison but was granted parole in 2018.

Lane Garrison

Garrison played a significant role in the hit series ‘Prison Break’ before his own legal troubles began. He was driving an SUV with teenage passengers when he crashed into a tree while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The crash killed a 17-year-old student and injured two others. He served nearly two years in prison for vehicular manslaughter.

Tom Sizemore

Sizemore was a staple in war movies and crime dramas like ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Heat’. His personal life was plagued by severe substance abuse and multiple domestic violence charges. He was convicted in 2003 of abusing his then-girlfriend Heidi Fleiss. His career never fully recovered from his repeated arrests and probation violations.

Charlie Sheen

Sheen was the highest-paid actor on television during his time on ‘Two and a Half Men’. His public meltdown included erratic behavior and derogatory comments about the show’s creator. He has faced numerous allegations of domestic violence and was sued for not disclosing his HIV status to sexual partners. His tumultuous lifestyle overshadowed his acting achievements for many years.

Mel Gibson

Gibson was one of the biggest stars in the world with hits like ‘Braveheart’ and ‘Lethal Weapon’. He faced massive backlash after a drunken driving arrest where he made anti-Semitic remarks to a police officer. Later leaked audio tapes revealed him using racial slurs and threatening his ex-girlfriend. He spent years on the fringes of Hollywood before slowly making a directing comeback.

Shia LaBeouf

The former child star of ‘Even Stevens’ and ‘Transformers’ became known for bizarre public performance art and legal issues. He has been arrested multiple times for public intoxication and disorderly conduct. A former girlfriend filed a lawsuit accusing him of relentless abuse and sexual battery. He has since admitted to being abusive and has sought inpatient treatment.

Ezra Miller

Miller starred as The Flash in major superhero films and appeared in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchise. A string of disturbing incidents in 2022 included arrests for assault and burglary in Hawaii and Vermont. He was also accused of grooming minors and leading a cult-like environment. The actor eventually issued a statement apologizing for his behavior and citing complex mental health issues.

Jonathan Majors

Majors was poised to be the next big villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after appearing in ‘Creed III’. His rapid ascent halted when he was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend in New York City. A jury found him guilty of reckless assault and harassment in 2023. Marvel Studios fired him immediately following the verdict.

Jussie Smollett

Smollett was a breakout star on the drama series ‘Empire’ before orchestrating a hate crime hoax. He claimed two men attacked him with racial and homophobic slurs while putting a noose around his neck. Police investigation revealed he had paid two brothers to stage the attack to raise his public profile. He was found guilty of five felony counts of disorderly conduct for making false reports.

James Franco

This Oscar-nominated actor faced allegations from multiple students at his former acting school. Women accused him of pressuring them into explicit scenes and exploiting his power as a mentor. He eventually settled a class-action lawsuit for over two million dollars. Franco later admitted to sleeping with students and struggling with sex addiction.

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Gooding Jr. won an Academy Award for ‘Jerry Maguire’ and was a beloved figure in Hollywood. His reputation suffered when dozens of women accused him of groping and unwanted sexual touching. He pleaded guilty to one count of forcible touching in 2022 to avoid jail time. The plea deal required him to continue alcohol and behavior modification counseling.

Chris Noth

Noth played the dream man Mr. Big on ‘Sex and the City’ for many years. Multiple women accused him of sexual assault shortly after the show’s reboot premiered. The allegations led to his character being removed from the season finale and his firing from the drama ‘The Equalizer’. He has denied the criminal allegations but admitted to infidelity.

T.J. Miller

The comedian and actor known for ‘Silicon Valley’ and ‘Deadpool’ faced a rapid career decline. He was accused of sexual assault by a woman from his college years and faced allegations of bullying on set. In 2018 he was arrested for calling in a fake bomb threat on an Amtrak train. The federal charges regarding the bomb threat were eventually dropped due to his past brain surgery issues.

Emile Hirsch

Hirsch starred in the acclaimed film ‘Into the Wild’ and seemed destined for A-list status. During the Sundance Film Festival in 2015 he assaulted a female movie executive at a nightclub. He put her in a chokehold until she lost consciousness before bystanders intervened. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and spent 15 days in jail.

Drake Bell

Bell was a Nickelodeon icon as the star of the sitcom ‘Drake & Josh’. In 2021 he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of attempting to endanger a child. The charges stemmed from inappropriate social media messages sent to a minor who later attended his concert. He received a sentence of two years probation and community service.

Dustin Diamond

Diamond played the nerdy Screech Powers on ‘Saved by the Bell’ for over a decade. He struggled to find work as an adult and released a scandalous sex tape to make money. In 2014 he stabbed a man during a bar fight in Wisconsin. He served three months in jail for carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct.

Nicholas Brendon

Best known as Xander Harris on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, Brendon has struggled significantly with the law. He has been arrested multiple times for domestic violence and destruction of property. Several incidents involved physical altercations with girlfriends in hotel rooms and public spaces. His legal troubles have been compounded by ongoing substance abuse issues.

Zachery Ty Bryan

Bryan played the oldest son on the hit sitcom ‘Home Improvement’ in the 1990s. He was arrested in 2020 for strangling his girlfriend and taking her phone to prevent a 911 call. He pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts involving domestic violence. He was arrested again in 2023 for a separate domestic violence dispute.

Columbus Short

Short was a lead actor on the political thriller series ‘Scandal’ before his personal life imploded. He was fired from the show following allegations of domestic violence against his wife. He later served jail time for violating probation related to assault charges. His legal record includes multiple arrests for fighting and substance abuse.

Jeremy Jackson

Jackson played the son of David Hasselhoff’s character on ‘Baywatch’ for many seasons. In 2015 he was arrested for stabbing a man during an argument in Westlake. Later that same year he was arrested again for stabbing a woman near his home. He accepted a plea deal that included a brief jail sentence and anger management.

Edward Furlong

Furlong was a teenage superstar after his role as John Connor in ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’. His career disintegrated due to severe drug addiction and repeated arrests for domestic violence. He violated restraining orders obtained by ex-girlfriends and spent considerable time in jail and rehab. He has recently claimed to be sober after years of legal turmoil.

Steven Seagal

Action star Seagal was a box office draw in the 90s with films like ‘Under Siege’. Numerous co-stars and stuntmen have accused him of physical abuse and bullying on set. He has also faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment and trafficking from women over the years. He avoided prosecution in several cases due to the statute of limitations.

Russell Brand

Brand became famous for his eccentric comedy and roles in films like ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’. In 2023 a joint investigation by major news outlets published allegations of rape and sexual assault from four women. The incidents were alleged to have occurred during the height of his fame between 2006 and 2013. Brand has denied the allegations and claims his relationships were consensual.

Gérard Depardieu

This French actor is a giant in world cinema and has appeared in many Hollywood productions like ‘Green Card’. He has been accused of sexual misconduct by more than a dozen women. In 2020 he was formally charged with rape regarding an incident with a young actress. He continues to deny the charges while his reputation has suffered immensely.

Devin Ratray

Ratray is best recognized as the bullying big brother Buzz in the holiday classic ‘Home Alone’. He was arrested in 2021 for domestic violence after allegedly strangling his girlfriend in a hotel room. The victim stated he punched her in the face and covered her mouth during the altercation. He pleaded guilty to two counts of domestic assault in 2024.

Andy Dick

Comedian Andy Dick was a regular on ‘NewsRadio’ but became infamous for his erratic behavior. He has been arrested numerous times for sexual battery and drug possession. His misconduct includes groping strangers and exposing himself in public venues. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail in 2022 for a sexual battery conviction.

Gary Busey

Busey was an Oscar nominee for ‘The Buddy Holly Story’ before becoming a reality TV fixture. In 2022 he was charged with sexual offenses during a fan convention in New Jersey. Police stated he was accused of criminal sexual contact and harassment by multiple attendees. The actor denied the allegations and claimed nothing inappropriate happened.

Fred Savage

Savage was the face of ‘The Wonder Years’ as a child and later became a successful director. He was fired from the reboot of the same show in 2022 following an investigation into his conduct. Six women on the crew accused him of verbal abuse and inappropriate behavior. He has since issued statements promising to work on his personal conduct.

Casey Affleck

Affleck won an Academy Award for ‘Manchester by the Sea’ despite controversy surrounding his past. Two women who worked on his film ‘I’m Still Here’ sued him for sexual harassment. They alleged he made unwanted advances and created a hostile work environment. The lawsuits were settled out of court for undisclosed amounts.

Louis C.K.

This comedian and actor had a successful television show and appeared in films like ‘American Hustle’. His career halted when he admitted that allegations of sexual misconduct from five women were true. The women stated he had masturbated in front of them without their consent. He lost a movie deal and his television networks cut ties with him immediately.

Orlando Brown

Brown starred as Eddie in the popular Disney Channel series ‘That’s So Raven’. He has faced a long string of arrests involving domestic battery and drug possession. In 2022 he was arrested again for threatening a relative with a knife and hammer. His mugshots and erratic public appearances have concerned fans for years.

Woody Allen

Allen is one of the most acclaimed directors and actors in history with films like ‘Annie Hall’. His reputation is permanently divided by allegations that he molested his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow. Though investigated by authorities in the 1990s and not charged the accusations have persisted. Many actors now refuse to work with him due to the allegations.

Roman Polanski

Polanski directed and acted in major films but fled the United States in 1978. He pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor but fled before sentencing fearing prison time. He has lived as a fugitive in Europe for decades while continuing to make films. The victim has repeatedly asked for the case to be closed but the legal saga continues.

Chris D’Elia

D’Elia played a creepy pedophile in the show ‘You’ and was a rising stand-up comic. Multiple women accused him of grooming them when they were underage and soliciting explicit photos. He was dropped by his agency and removed from an upcoming zombie movie via digital reshoots. He admitted to having a problem with sex but denied anything illegal.

Horatio Sanz

Sanz was a long-time cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ known for his jovial characters. A woman filed a lawsuit accusing him of grooming and sexually assaulting her when she was a minor. The lawsuit alleged he used his fame to manipulate her during SNL after-parties. The case was settled in 2022 shortly before it was scheduled for trial.

Armie Hammer

Hammer was a leading man in films like ‘The Social Network’ and ‘Call Me by Your Name’. His career evaporated instantly when explicit messages allegedly written by him were leaked online. The messages described violent sexual fantasies and cannibalistic urges. He was also accused of rape by a former partner but no charges were ultimately filed.

Share your thoughts on which of these revelations shocked you the most in the comments.