Hollywood Actors Who Were Convicted of Serious Offenses

Hollywood has seen many of its stars face legal troubles that have led to significant prison sentences or serious criminal records. While some actors managed to rebuild their careers after their convictions others found it much harder to regain their standing in the industry. These individuals were involved in cases ranging from drug trafficking and tax evasion to more violent offenses. The following list highlights male actors who were convicted of serious crimes during their lives or careers.

Danny Trejo

Before his career as a legendary character actor Danny Trejo spent over a decade in various California prisons for robbery and drug crimes. He served time in San Quentin and Folsom State Prison where he developed his skills as a champion boxer. Trejo turned his life around through a rehabilitation program and entered the film industry as an extra and boxing consultant. He eventually became a staple in the action genre with roles in ‘Desperado’ and ‘Heat’.

Mark Wahlberg

In his youth Mark Wahlberg was charged with attempted murder for an unprovoked attack on two men in Boston. He eventually pleaded guilty to felony assault and was sentenced to two years in jail but served only forty five days. This incident occurred before he gained fame as a musician and later as a leading man in Hollywood. Wahlberg has since expressed remorse for his actions and has spoken openly about his journey toward redemption.

Tim Allen

Long before he became a household name on ‘Home Improvement’ Tim Allen was arrested for possession of a large quantity of cocaine. He was convicted of drug trafficking and faced a potential life sentence but cooperated with authorities to receive a lighter punishment. Allen served over two years in a federal correctional institution before being paroled in 1981. He successfully transitioned into stand up comedy and acting following his release from prison.

Robert Downey Jr.

Throughout the late nineties Robert Downey Jr. faced multiple legal issues related to drug possession and weapons charges. He was convicted of several offenses and served time in the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison. His legal troubles led to him being fired from the television series ‘Ally McBeal’ and caused significant disruption to his career. The actor eventually achieved sobriety and made a massive comeback as the star of ‘Iron Man’.

Wesley Snipes

The star of ‘Blade’ faced a high profile legal battle when he was accused of federal tax evasion. Wesley Snipes was convicted of three misdemeanor counts of failing to file federal income tax returns. He was sentenced to three years in prison and began serving his time at a federal facility in 2010. Following his release Snipes returned to acting with roles in projects such as ‘The Expendables 3’.

Danny Masterson

Known for his role on ‘That Seventies Show’ Danny Masterson was convicted of two counts of forcible rape in 2023. The offenses occurred at his home in the early two thousands during the height of his television fame. He was sentenced to thirty years to life in prison for these serious crimes. The legal proceedings drew significant media attention and resulted in his permanent removal from the industry.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby was once revered as a legendary comedian and television star before he was convicted of three counts of aggravated indecent assault. The case involved the drugging and sexual assault of a woman at his home in 2004. He was sentenced to three to ten years in state prison and served nearly three years before his conviction was vacated on procedural grounds. Despite the release the legal battle permanently altered his legacy in the entertainment world.

Dustin Diamond

The actor who rose to fame as Screech on ‘Saved by the Bell’ faced legal consequences after a barroom altercation. Dustin Diamond was convicted of carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct in 2015. He was sentenced to four months in jail for the stabbing incident that took place in Wisconsin. Diamond served his time and later appeared in several reality television programs before his passing.

Stephen Baldwin

Stephen Baldwin pleaded guilty to a felony charge of failing to file state income taxes for three consecutive years. He admitted that he owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes and interest to the state of New York. The actor was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay back the full amount he owed. This financial legal issue was a major setback for the ‘The Usual Suspects’ star during his career.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen has a history of legal troubles including a felony conviction for domestic violence against his then wife. He was sentenced to thirty days in a rehabilitation center and thirty days of probation as part of a plea deal. The actor also faced various charges related to drug use and firearm possession over several decades. Despite his legal record he remained a high earning star on ‘Two and a Half Men’ for many seasons.

Sean Penn

In 1987 Sean Penn was sentenced to sixty days in county jail for assaulting a film extra on a movie set. The conviction for battery and reckless driving came after multiple previous incidents involving aggressive behavior toward photographers. He served thirty three days of his sentence before being released. Penn went on to win two Academy Awards for his work in ‘Mystic River’ and ‘Milk’.

Ezra Miller

The star of ‘The Flash’ faced multiple legal incidents across different states leading to various charges and convictions. Ezra Miller pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful trespass following an incident involving the theft of alcohol from a private residence. They were sentenced to a year of probation and ordered to pay a fine as part of the legal resolution. The actor also faced several other allegations of assault that complicated the release of their major films.

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland has faced several convictions for driving under the influence over the course of his career. In 2007 he was sentenced to forty eight days in jail for an offense that occurred while he was on probation. He served his entire sentence in a Glendale city jail while continuing work on the series ’24’. The actor has been open about his struggles and the consequences of his legal mistakes.

Emile Hirsch

During the Sundance Film Festival in 2015 Emile Hirsch was involved in an incident where he assaulted a female studio executive. He was charged with aggravated assault and eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of assault. The actor was sentenced to fifteen days in jail and fifty hours of community service. Hirsch has since continued to work in independent films like ‘Into the Wild’ and mainstream projects.

Lane Garrison

Lane Garrison was a regular on the series ‘Prison Break’ when he was involved in a fatal car accident. He was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence after a crash that killed a seventeen year old passenger. Garrison was sentenced to forty months in prison and served about half of that term. He returned to acting following his release but his career trajectory was significantly impacted by the tragedy.

Ricardo Medina Jr.

The actor known for his roles in the ‘Power Rangers’ franchise was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in 2017. He admitted to using a sword to kill his roommate during an argument at their California home. Medina Jr. was sentenced to six years in state prison for the fatal incident. He served several years of his sentence before being released from custody.

Michael Jace

Known for his role on the police drama ‘The Shield’ Michael Jace was convicted of second degree murder for killing his wife. The incident took place at their home in Los Angeles in front of their young children. He was sentenced to forty years to life in prison for the shooting. The conviction ended his acting career and shocked his former colleagues in the industry.

Shelley Malil

Shelley Malil appeared in the comedy ‘The Forty Year Old Virgin’ before being convicted of attempted premeditated murder. He was found guilty of stabbing his former girlfriend many times during a domestic dispute. Malil was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after several years. He was eventually granted parole and released from prison in 2018.

Charles S. Dutton

Charles S. Dutton was convicted of manslaughter and several other offenses before he found success as an actor. He served over a decade in prison where he discovered his passion for acting and started a drama group. After his release he studied theater and became a celebrated star on Broadway and in the series ‘Roc’. He has often spoken about how his time in prison shaped his artistic path and personal growth.

Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett was convicted of multiple felony counts of disorderly conduct for filing a false police report. He claimed to be the victim of a hate crime attack in Chicago that investigators later determined was staged. The actor was sentenced to one hundred fifty days in jail and thirty months of felony probation. The legal battle led to his departure from the television series ‘Empire’.

Paul Reubens

The actor famous for creating Pee Wee Herman was convicted of indecent exposure in 1991. The incident occurred at an adult movie theater in Florida and resulted in a major public scandal. Reubens also faced later charges related to the possession of obscene material which were eventually reduced to a misdemeanor. These legal issues caused him to step away from his iconic character for many years.

Rip Torn

Rip Torn was a highly respected actor who faced several legal convictions late in his life. He pleaded guilty to charges of reckless endangerment and criminal trespass after he broke into a bank while intoxicated and armed. He was sentenced to a suspended jail term and three years of probation. Torn had a long career with notable roles in ‘Men in Black’ and the series ‘The Larry Sanders Show’.

Tommy Lee

Musician and actor Tommy Lee was convicted of felony spousal abuse following an incident with his then wife Pamela Anderson. He was sentenced to six months in county jail and ordered to perform community service. The case was widely covered by the media and highlighted his tumultuous personal life during the nineties. Lee has appeared in various film and television projects often playing fictionalized versions of himself.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson was convicted of a misdemeanor battery charge following a domestic dispute with a former partner. He was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to attend counseling sessions as part of his plea deal. The actor also faced a high profile conviction for driving under the influence which included several years of probation. These legal and personal controversies caused a significant hiatus in his Hollywood career.

Woody Harrelson

Woody Harrelson was convicted of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after a public altercation with police in 1982. He also faced legal issues in London where he was charged with criminal damage following a taxi incident. Despite these early legal troubles he became a massive star with roles in ‘Cheers’ and ‘Natural Born Killers’. Harrelson has since used his platform to advocate for various social and environmental causes.

Nick Nolte

Nick Nolte was convicted of driving under the influence after an incident that resulted in a widely circulated mugshot. He was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to undergo counseling and testing. In his early life he also faced a conviction for selling counterfeit government documents which resulted in a suspended sentence. Nolte has remained a prolific actor in Hollywood earning multiple Academy Award nominations.

Gary Busey

Gary Busey was convicted of sexual contact and harassment following an incident at a fan convention in 2022. He was also involved in previous legal issues related to drug possession and domestic disputes throughout his career. The actor has been a well known figure in the industry since his Oscar nominated performance in ‘The Buddy Holly Story’. His public behavior has often been the subject of media scrutiny and legal intervention.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf has faced several convictions for disorderly conduct and obstruction of justice in multiple cities. One notable incident involved his arrest at a Broadway performance of ‘Cabaret’ which led to a guilty plea for disorderly conduct. He also faced charges of battery and petty theft in a separate legal case involving a physical altercation. The actor has publicly discussed his struggles with mental health and substance abuse following these events.

Johnny Lewis

The ‘Sons of Anarchy’ actor Johnny Lewis had a history of arrests for burglary and assault before his death. He was convicted of multiple offenses and spent time in jail shortly before he was involved in a fatal incident. Lewis was suspected of killing his landlady before falling to his death in a tragic event. His legal and mental health issues were well documented prior to the final altercation.

Ryan Grantham

Ryan Grantham appeared in the series ‘Riverdale’ and the film ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ before being convicted of second degree murder. He admitted to killing his mother in their home and planning further acts of violence. The actor was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole for fourteen years. This case shocked the industry due to the severity of the crime and the young age of the performer.

James Caan

In his younger years James Caan was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon. The conviction stemmed from an incident where he was accused of threatening a man with a gun during a confrontation. Caan managed to maintain a very successful career as a leading man in classics like ‘The Godfather’. He remained a respected figure in Hollywood until his passing in 2022.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard has faced multiple legal issues including a conviction for disorderly conduct following an incident at a restaurant. He has also been involved in several allegations of domestic violence that resulted in legal scrutiny. The actor known for his work in ‘Hustle and Flow’ and ‘Empire’ has had a career marked by both critical acclaim and personal controversy. He has often spoken about the impact of his legal history on his professional life.

Tom Sizemore

Tom Sizemore was convicted of several crimes including domestic violence and drug possession during the height of his career. He was sentenced to jail time on multiple occasions for violating probation and failing drug tests. The actor appeared in major films like ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Black Hawk Down’ while struggling with addiction. His legal battles were a constant hurdle for his work in the film industry.

Edward Furlong

The former child star of ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ has faced numerous convictions for domestic violence and drug related offenses. Edward Furlong has served various jail sentences and spent significant time in court ordered rehabilitation programs. His legal troubles began in his late teens and continued for over two decades. These issues significantly hindered his ability to maintain a steady career in Hollywood.

Christian Slater

Christian Slater was convicted of assault and drug possession after a violent encounter at a party in 1997. He was sentenced to three months in jail and served his time in a California facility. The actor also had a previous conviction for driving under the influence and carrying a concealed weapon. Despite these legal setbacks he has enjoyed a long career in both film and television.

Gig Young

Academy Award winner Gig Young was involved in a murder suicide that shocked Hollywood in 1978. While he had previous legal issues related to his struggle with alcoholism the final act remains his most infamous association with crime. He was found dead alongside his wife in their Manhattan apartment. Young had recently won an Oscar for his role in ‘They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?’.

Spade Cooley

Spade Cooley was a popular country musician and actor known as the King of Western Swing. He was convicted of the brutal first degree murder of his wife in front of their daughter. Cooley was sentenced to life in prison and served several years before dying of a heart attack shortly before his parole. His career in films and television ended abruptly following his arrest and conviction.

Mike Tyson

The former heavyweight champion transitioned into acting with a memorable appearance in ‘The Hangover’. Mike Tyson was convicted of rape in 1992 and served three years of a six year prison sentence. He has also faced other legal issues throughout his life including convictions for assault and cocaine possession. Despite his criminal record he has successfully reinvented himself as a media personality and character actor.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg is a major hip hop star who has appeared in numerous films like ‘Training Day’ and ‘Starsky and Hutch’. He was convicted of a felony charge for possession of a firearm and drugs in 2007. The actor also faced several other legal challenges during his early career that resulted in probation and community service. He has since become a global icon and a frequent collaborator in the entertainment industry.

Lawrence Tierney

Lawrence Tierney was a legendary tough guy actor known for his roles in ‘Dillinger’ and ‘Reservoir Dogs’. He had a lengthy criminal record that included numerous convictions for assault and public intoxication. Tierney spent a significant amount of time in jail over several decades due to his frequent brawls and volatile behavior. His reputation for being difficult often overshadowed his talent on the screen.

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