Hollywood Actresses Who Were Arrested at the Height of Their Fame

Hollywood stars often live their lives under a microscope and sometimes their legal troubles become as famous as their screen roles. These actresses experienced significant legal issues during the most prominent years of their careers. From minor traffic violations to high profile felony charges these incidents captured global media attention. The following list examines some of the most notable arrests involving actresses at the peak of their professional success.

Winona Ryder

The actress was arrested in 2001 for shoplifting thousands of dollars worth of designer merchandise from a department store in Beverly Hills. This incident occurred while she was one of the most prominent stars in Hollywood following her success in ‘Girl, Interrupted’ and ‘Little Women’. She was eventually convicted of grand theft and felony vandalism during a highly publicized trial. The legal trouble led to a significant hiatus in her acting career before her eventual comeback in television. This event remains one of the most famous examples of a celebrity legal entanglement at the peak of their popularity.

Lindsay Lohan

This former child star faced multiple arrests during the mid 2000s primarily related to driving under the influence and possession of controlled substances. Her legal issues began in 2007 just as she was transitioning into more mature roles in films like ‘Bobby’. The subsequent years were marked by numerous court appearances and several brief stints in jail for violating probation. Her frequent encounters with the law significantly impacted her ability to secure film roles and insurance for movie sets. She eventually moved abroad to rebuild her life and career away from the intense scrutiny of the American media.

Jane Fonda

In 1970 the acclaimed actress and activist was arrested at an airport for allegedly smuggling pills and kicking a police officer. She was returning from a speaking tour where she had been advocating against the Vietnam War during the height of her stardom in ‘Barbarella’. The charges were eventually dropped after the pills were identified as vitamins but the mugshot became an iconic image of political defiance. This incident occurred just before she won her first Academy Award for ‘Klute’. She has continued to use her platform for activism throughout her long and successful career in Hollywood.

Reese Witherspoon

The Academy Award winning actress was arrested in 2013 for disorderly conduct following a traffic stop involving her husband. During the incident she famously questioned the officer about whether he knew her identity while he was conducting a field sobriety test on her spouse. This event was a rare blemish on the public image of the star known for her roles in ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Walk the Line’. She issued a public apology shortly after the video of the encounter was released to the media. The actress took full responsibility for her behavior and described the situation as a moment of poor judgment.

Shailene Woodley

In 2016 the actress was arrested while participating in a peaceful protest against the construction of a pipeline in North Dakota. She was charged with criminal trespassing and engaging in a riot while she was broadcasting the event live on her social media. This occurred during a very successful period in her career after starring in ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ and the ‘Divergent’ series. She used her legal situation to bring further attention to environmental issues and indigenous rights. Her commitment to activism has remained a core part of her public identity alongside her acting roles.

Heather Locklear

The television icon known for ‘Melrose Place’ and ‘Dynasty’ was arrested several times for various incidents including driving under the influence and battery. Her legal troubles became frequent in the late 2000s and continued into the next decade with multiple encounters involving emergency services. One notable arrest involved an altercation with police officers and medical personnel at her home. These incidents often led to court ordered psychiatric evaluations and substance abuse treatment. Despite her legal challenges she remains a recognizable figure from some of the most popular shows in television history.

Mischa Barton

During the peak popularity of her show ‘The OC’ this actress was arrested in 2007 for driving under the influence and possession of marijuana. The arrest occurred in West Hollywood and led to a period of intense scrutiny from the media and fans. She was ordered to undergo a period of probation and attend alcohol education classes as part of her plea deal. This legal issue coincided with her departure from her breakout television role and a shift in her career trajectory. She has since spoken about the pressure of young fame and the challenges of being a tabloid target.

Amanda Bynes

The former child star faced a series of arrests beginning in 2012 for driving under the influence and multiple hit and run incidents. These legal problems occurred while she was still a prominent figure following roles in ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Easy A’. Her public behavior during this time raised concerns about her mental health and led to a long period under a conservatorship. She faced additional charges for reckless endangerment after an incident in her New York apartment building. After several years away from the spotlight she has focused on her personal health and education.

Nicole Richie

As a star of the reality series ‘The Simple Life’ the actress was arrested in 2006 for driving under the influence after being spotted driving the wrong way on a freeway. She served a very short sentence in jail and was required to complete a drug and alcohol education program. This arrest followed a previous legal issue from several years prior involving possession of a controlled substance. Her legal battles were frequently documented on television and in celebrity news outlets. She successfully transitioned her career into fashion and writing after moving past her early legal complications.

Daryl Hannah

The actress known for her roles in ‘Splash’ and ‘Kill Bill’ has been arrested multiple times for participating in environmental protests. One notable arrest took place in 2011 outside the White House during a demonstration against an oil pipeline project. She has also faced charges for criminal trespassing while protesting the destruction of community gardens and other environmental sites. Her legal actions are a direct result of her long standing commitment to ecological activism. She often uses her celebrity status to bring international media coverage to specific environmental causes.

Lucy Lawless

Famous for her role in ‘Xena Warrior Princess’ the actress was arrested in 2012 for trespassing on an oil drilling ship. She and several other activists spent several days on the vessel in a New Zealand port to protest Arctic oil exploration. She pleaded guilty to the charges and was ordered to pay a fine and perform community service. Her arrest was supported by environmental organizations and brought significant attention to the protest. She has remained an outspoken advocate for the environment and social justice issues throughout her career.

Felicity Huffman

The actress known for ‘Desperate Housewives’ was arrested in 2019 as part of a major federal investigation into a college admissions bribery scandal. She was charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud after paying a sum to have her daughter entrance exam scores corrected. The case was a massive national story and led to her serving a short prison sentence and performing community service. She expressed deep remorse for her actions and took full responsibility for the impact on her family. Her career took a brief pause while she fulfilled the requirements of her legal sentence.

Lori Loughlin

Known for her role on ‘Full House’ the actress was also arrested in connection with the college admissions scandal. She and her husband faced charges for paying bribes to secure their daughters admission to a university as athletic recruits. After initially fighting the charges she eventually pleaded guilty and served a two month prison sentence. This legal battle resulted in her being dropped from several high profile acting projects and television series. She has since returned to acting in several television movies and continues to work in the industry.

Rose McGowan

The actress and activist was arrested in 2017 on a felony drug possession charge stemming from items left on a flight. She maintained that the charges were an attempt to silence her after she became a leading voice in a movement against harassment in Hollywood. This legal trouble occurred while she was gaining international recognition for her advocacy and her role in ‘Charmed’. The case was eventually resolved through a plea deal that reduced the charges to a misdemeanor. She continues to be a vocal critic of the film industry and a prominent activist for social change.

Emma Roberts

The star of ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘Scream Queens’ was arrested in 2013 following a dispute with her boyfriend in a hotel room. Police were called after a disturbance was reported and they observed physical injuries on the other party. She was taken into custody but was released shortly after because the other individual declined to press charges. The couple released a joint statement describing the incident as an unfortunate misunderstanding and stayed together for several years afterward. This event was a rare moment of public controversy for the young actress during her rising fame.

Natasha Lyonne

Before her career resurgence in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Russian Doll’ the actress faced multiple arrests in the early 2000s. Her legal issues included charges for driving under the influence and criminal mischief during a period of personal struggle. These incidents occurred after her initial success in films like ‘American Pie’ and ‘Slums of Beverly Hills’. She has been very open about her past battles with addiction and how she eventually overcame them to rebuild her career. Her journey is often cited as one of the most successful examples of a professional turnaround in Hollywood.

Michelle Rodriguez

The ‘Fast and Furious’ star has faced several arrests during her career for incidents including driving under the influence and hit and run. In 2007 she served time in jail for violating her probation following a series of traffic related legal issues. These events happened as she was establishing herself as a top female action star in Hollywood. She has spoken about the challenges of her upbringing and how her early legal problems helped her gain a more mature perspective. Despite these setbacks she has remained a consistent presence in major film franchises for over two decades.

Estella Warren

The actress and former synchronized swimmer was arrested in 2011 for a series of events starting with a hit and run accident. She allegedly struck several parked cars and then attempted to flee the scene before being apprehended by police. During her arrest she reportedly resisted the officers and later attempted to escape from the police station where she was being held. This occurred after her roles in high profile projects like ‘Planet of the Apes’. She eventually faced charges for driving under the influence and battery on a police officer.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

The legendary Hollywood socialite and actress was arrested in 1989 for slapping a police officer during a traffic stop in Beverly Hills. She was driving her luxury vehicle when she was pulled over and the encounter quickly escalated into a physical altercation. The subsequent trial was a major media event and resulted in her being sentenced to three days in jail and community service. She famously complained about the jail conditions and the unfairness of the legal system during her many television interviews. The incident added to her reputation as a glamorous and sometimes volatile public figure.

Sophia Loren

The Academy Award winning actress served a seventeen day prison sentence in 1982 for tax evasion related to earnings from years prior. Her arrival at the prison was greeted by thousands of fans and media representatives from around the world. At the time she was one of the most famous international stars following her iconic roles in ‘Two Women’ and ‘Marriage Italian Style’. She maintained that the error was the fault of her tax preparer and eventually returned to her successful career after her release. This event remains one of the few times a global film icon of her stature served time in jail.

Hedy Lamarr

The glamorous screen siren of the 1940s was arrested later in her life for shoplifting at different department stores. One notable arrest occurred in 1966 when she was accused of taking items from a store in Los Angeles. While her height of fame was during the Golden Age of Hollywood she was still a well known figure when these incidents occurred. The charges were eventually dropped but the arrests were widely reported by the press. In addition to her acting she is now celebrated for her inventions that helped pave the way for modern wireless communication.

Courtney Love

The actress and musician was arrested several times during the 1990s and 2000s for incidents involving public intoxication and drug possession. Her legal troubles often occurred during periods of high professional visibility such as after her Golden Globe nominated performance in ‘The People vs Larry Flynt’. She faced multiple charges in both Los Angeles and New York that led to court ordered rehabilitation and probation. Her unpredictable public behavior made her a frequent subject of tabloid news and legal reporting. Over time she has worked toward stability and has appeared in various television and film projects.

Paris Hilton

Although primarily known as a socialite and reality star this actress was arrested in 2006 for driving under the influence which led to a highly publicized jail sentence. She served several weeks in a Los Angeles county facility for violating her probation related to the traffic charge. This occurred while she was at the peak of her fame starring in ‘The Simple Life’ and appearing in films like ‘House of Wax’. Her time in jail was a massive news story that sparked debates about celebrity privilege in the legal system. She has since transformed her image into a successful business mogul and advocate for social reform.

Khloé Kardashian

The television personality and actress was arrested in 2007 for driving under the influence of alcohol. This incident was famously featured on the first season of her reality show as she prepared to serve time in jail for a probation violation. She served less than three hours of her sentence due to jail overcrowding but the event became a significant part of her public narrative. The arrest happened as her family was just beginning their rise to international superstardom. She has often used the experience to speak to fans about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Allison Mack

The actress known for her long running role on the television series ‘Smallville’ was arrested in 2018 for her involvement in a high profile criminal organization. She faced serious charges including trafficking and racketeering conspiracy related to her leadership position in the group. This arrest shocked the entertainment industry and led to a multi year legal battle that resulted in a prison sentence. She expressed regret for her actions during her sentencing hearing and apologized to the victims of the organization. Her case remains one of the most extreme examples of a Hollywood actress involved in a major criminal enterprise.

Naya Rivera

The actress from ‘Glee’ was arrested in 2017 for domestic battery following an alleged physical altercation with her husband. The incident took place in West Virginia and led to her being taken into custody after police observed minor injuries on the other party. The charges were later dismissed at the request of her spouse but the arrest was a major topic in celebrity news at the time. She continued to work in the industry appearing in various television shows and films before her tragic passing years later. Her fans remember her primarily for her groundbreaking role as Santana Lopez on television.

Tatum O’Neal

As the youngest person ever to win an Academy Award she faced a highly publicized arrest in 2008 for attempting to purchase controlled substances. The arrest occurred on the streets of New York City and led to her being charged with criminal possession. This event happened long after her initial success in ‘Paper Moon’ but while she was enjoying a career resurgence on television. She has been open about her lifelong struggles with addiction and the challenges of being a child star. Following her arrest she entered a treatment program and has continued to work toward her recovery.

Yasmine Bleeth

The ‘Baywatch’ star was arrested in 2001 after police found cocaine in her vehicle following a car accident in Michigan. At the height of her fame she was considered one of the most popular actresses on television and a frequent cover model for magazines. The arrest led to a plea deal that included probation and regular drug testing as she sought treatment for addiction. This legal issue effectively ended her high profile acting career as she stepped away from the spotlight to focus on her health. She has lived a private life in the years following her legal troubles and recovery.

Vivica A. Fox

The actress known for ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Kill Bill’ was arrested in 2003 for driving under the influence after being stopped for speeding on a California freeway. She performed a field sobriety test which led to her being taken into custody by the Highway Patrol. This incident occurred during a very busy time in her career as she was appearing in several major film and television projects. She later expressed her regret for the incident and completed the legal requirements of her sentence. She has maintained a consistent and successful career in Hollywood as both an actress and a television host.

Bai Ling

The international actress was arrested in 2008 for shoplifting magazines and batteries from a gift shop at the Los Angeles International Airport. She was a prominent figure in both Hollywood and Chinese cinema with roles in ‘The Crow’ and ‘Anna and the King’. She later attributed the incident to the emotional distress of a recent breakup and the pressures of her career. She pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace and was ordered to pay a fine. Her career has continued with numerous roles in independent films and television appearances around the world.

Tracey Gold

Known for her role on the hit sitcom ‘Growing Pains’ the actress was arrested in 2004 for driving under the influence after a car accident. The crash involved her husband and children who suffered minor injuries during the incident. She was charged with a felony but eventually reached a plea deal that included community service and probation. She used the experience to become an advocate for responsible driving and spoke openly about the dangers of alcohol. Her transparency about the event helped her maintain her connection with her fan base.

Kim Richards

The former child star and reality actress was arrested in 2015 for public intoxication and battery on a police officer at a hotel. The incident occurred while she was a main cast member on a popular reality television show about wealthy residents of Beverly Hills. She faced additional legal trouble later that year for shoplifting items from a department store. These arrests highlighted her ongoing struggles with substance abuse which were a frequent topic of discussion on her television series. She has since focused on her recovery and has made occasional appearances in various media projects.

Amy Locane

The actress who starred in ‘Melrose Place’ and the film ‘Cry Baby’ was arrested in 2010 for vehicular homicide following a fatal car accident. She was driving with a blood alcohol level significantly over the legal limit when she struck another vehicle and killed a passenger. This tragic event resulted in a lengthy and complicated legal process that led to her serving multiple years in prison. Her case was notable for the several times she was resentenced by the court after various appeals. This incident brought a permanent end to her acting career and remains a somber story of the consequences of drunk driving.

Carmen Electra

In 1999 the actress and model was arrested for battery following a physical dispute with her husband at a hotel in Miami. Both parties were taken into custody and the incident was a major story for entertainment news outlets at the time. This occurred while she was a very popular television personality following her roles on ‘Baywatch’ and ‘Singled Out’. The charges were eventually dropped after both individuals agreed to stay away from each other. She continued to have a successful career in film and television following the resolution of her legal issues.

Pamela Anderson

The international star of ‘Baywatch’ was arrested in 1999 during a protest against a restaurant chain for their treatment of animals. She was taken into custody alongside several other activists while she was one of the most famous women in the world. Her arrest was part of her long standing work with animal rights organizations and helped gain massive media coverage for the cause. She has been arrested multiple times over the years for her participation in various political and environmental demonstrations. Her commitment to activism has become as much a part of her legacy as her acting career.

Shannen Doherty

Known for her roles in ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ and ‘Charmed’ the actress faced several legal issues in the 1990s including arrests for disorderly conduct. In 2001 she was arrested for driving under the influence and was ordered to perform community service and pay a fine. These incidents occurred while she was a major television star and a frequent subject of tabloid reporting regarding her personal life. She eventually moved past her early legal troubles and became highly respected for her professionalism and her advocacy for health issues. Her career spanned several decades with iconic roles that defined multiple generations of television.

Mackenzie Phillips

The star of ‘One Day at a Time’ was arrested in 2008 at an airport for possession of controlled substances. This incident occurred while she was working on various television projects and making public appearances. She has been extremely open about her history of addiction and her journey toward sobriety in her published memoir. Her arrest led her to enter a treatment facility and she eventually became a counselor to help others struggling with similar issues. She remains a respected figure for her honesty and her work in the field of addiction recovery.

Dana Plato

The actress who rose to fame on the sitcom ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ was arrested in 1991 for the armed robbery of a video store. She was struggling to find work after the end of her television series and was living in Las Vegas at the time of the incident. She was also arrested later for forging prescriptions for controlled substances during a difficult period in her life. These legal problems were a major story as she had been a beloved child star just a few years earlier. She passed away in 1999 but her story remains a cautionary tale about the difficulties of transitioning from child stardom.

Linda Blair

Famous for her role in ‘The Exorcist’ the actress was arrested in 1977 for involvement in a drug conspiracy. She was eighteen years old at the time and was one of the most recognizable young actresses in Hollywood following her Academy Award nomination. She was sentenced to probation and ordered to make public appearances to speak to youth about the dangers of drugs. This event significantly impacted her career and the types of roles she was offered in the years that followed. She eventually turned her focus toward animal rescue and founded her own non profit organization.

Beverly D’Angelo

The ‘National Lampoon Vacation’ star was arrested in 2005 for driving under the influence in Beverly Hills. She was stopped by police after they observed her vehicle drifting across lanes on a major street. This occurred while she was continuing her successful career with roles on television shows like ‘Entourage’. She pleaded no contest to the charges and fulfilled the requirements of her probation and community service. Her career remained strong following the incident and she continues to be a sought after actress for both film and television roles.

Bijou Phillips

The actress and model was arrested in 2001 for assault after an altercation with another woman at a nightclub in New York City. At the time she was a rising star known for her roles in films like ‘Almost Famous’ and ‘Bully’. She was accused of physical violence during the dispute and was taken into custody by local police. The case was eventually settled and she continued her career in various independent films and television series. She comes from a famous entertainment family and has been a frequent subject of media interest throughout her life.

Shelley Winters

The two time Academy Award winner was arrested in 1950 for battery after she allegedly slapped a woman during a disagreement at a party. This happened while she was one of the most prominent leading ladies in Hollywood known for ‘A Place in the Sun’. The incident was widely reported and added to her reputation as a spirited and outspoken individual. She later joked about the event in her memoirs and during various television interviews later in her career. She remained a major force in the film industry for decades and was respected for her immense talent and longevity.

Joyce DeWitt

The ‘Three’s Company’ star was arrested in 2009 for driving under the influence in California. She was pulled over after driving past a barricade and she subsequently failed a field sobriety test conducted by the police. This incident was a rare public legal issue for the actress who had largely stayed out of the headlines since the end of her hit sitcom. She expressed her regret and complied with all legal requirements including a program for alcohol education. She has continued to work in theater and make occasional appearances on television and in films.

Lisa Robin Kelly

The actress who played Laurie Forman on ‘That 70s Show’ was arrested several times for various charges including driving under the influence and domestic battery. Her legal troubles began around 2010 and were often accompanied by public concern for her well being. These arrests occurred after she left her popular television role and struggled to maintain her career in the industry. Her mugshots were frequently published by media outlets and documented her physical decline during her personal struggles. She passed away in 2013 after years of legal and health challenges.

Maia Campbell

Known for her role on the sitcom ‘In the House’ this actress was arrested several times for incidents involving disorderly conduct and trespassing. Her legal issues were often linked to her public struggles with mental health and substance abuse. These events were a significant departure from her early career as a promising young star on television. Her fans and former co stars often expressed their support for her during her difficult times. She has made several attempts to return to the entertainment industry and has spoken about her journey in various interviews.

Taryn Manning

The ‘Orange Is the New Black’ actress has been arrested for incidents involving assault and criminal contempt. In 2012 she was taken into custody following an alleged physical altercation with a personal assistant in a hotel room. She faced additional legal complications later involving her relationship with a former friend that led to charges of stalking. These events occurred while she was experiencing a career peak with her award winning role on a major streaming series. She has been open with her fans about the challenges of fame and her personal life.

Paz de la Huerta

The ‘Boardwalk Empire’ actress was arrested in 2011 for assault and criminal possession of a weapon after an incident at a hotel in New York City. She was accused of throwing a glass at another woman during a dispute and causing physical injury. This occurred while she was a prominent figure on a hit television series and a regular in independent films. She later faced additional legal issues related to her public behavior and various disputes with law enforcement. Her career has been marked by both her unique acting style and her frequent appearances in celebrity news regarding her legal matters.

Frances Farmer

The star of the 1930s was arrested in 1942 for driving under the influence and later for various incidents of disorderly conduct. Her legal troubles were part of a highly publicized and tragic personal decline that led to her being committed to psychiatric institutions. She was known for her roles in films like ‘Come and Get It’ and was considered one of the most promising actresses of her generation. Her story was later immortalized in several books and a film starring Jessica Lange. She remains a symbol of the immense pressure and lack of support faced by women in early Hollywood.

Pia Zadora

The actress and singer was arrested in 2013 following a domestic dispute involving her teenage son at their home in Las Vegas. She was charged with domestic battery and coercion after a physical altercation that led to police being called to the residence. This incident occurred while she was a well known figure following her work in films like ‘Butterfly’. The charges were eventually dismissed after she completed the required counseling sessions. She has since continued her career in music and has maintained a presence in the entertainment industry.

Tell us what you think about these high profile legal cases in the comments.