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Daniel MastersonAmerican actor and DJ
Date of Birth: 13.03.1976
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Daniel Masterson: From Beloved Sitcom Star to Convicted Rapist
- Film and Television Success
- Personal Life
- Rape Accusations and Trial
- Aftermath
Daniel Masterson: From Beloved Sitcom Star to Convicted Rapist
Early Life and CareerDaniel Peter Masterson was born on March 13, 1976, in New York City. Raised in a family of Scientologists, Masterson began modeling at age four and performing in musicals at age eight. His youthful voice mutation ended his singing career, but by age sixteen, his face was recognizable from over a hundred television commercials.
In the 1990s, Masterson made appearances in several television series and landed a minor role in the comedy "Beethoven's 2nd" (1993). His breakthrough came with the portrayal of Steven Hyde in the popular sitcom "That '70s Show" (1998-2006).
Film and Television Success
During his tenure on "That '70s Show," Masterson starred in numerous other projects, including the fantasy action flick "Face/Off" (1997) and the comedy "Yes Man" (2008). He appeared in films like "The Bridge to Nowhere" (2009) and guest-starred in series like "White Collar" (2011) and "Haven" (2010-2014).
In 2012, Masterson joined the sitcom "Men at Work" and later played a lead role in the Netflix comedy "The Ranch" (2016-2020). The latter featured his former "That '70s Show" co-star, Ashton Kutcher.
Personal Life
Masterson married actress Bijou Phillips in 2011 after meeting her on the set of "The Bridge to Nowhere." Their daughter, Fianna Francis, was born in 2014. On social media, Masterson presented himself as a devoted husband and father, often sharing pictures of his family.
Rape Accusations and Trial
In 2017, Masterson's life took a dramatic turn when five women, including his former girlfriend, accused him of rape. The victims were former members of the Church of Scientology, where Masterson was a prominent member. Following a police investigation, Masterson was charged with three rapes that occurred between 2001 and 2003.
The trial began in 2021, but the jury deadlocked. A second trial was held in 2023, where Masterson was found guilty of two counts of forcible rape. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison on September 7, with the possibility of parole after 25 years.
Aftermath
Masterson's conviction sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. His wife, Bijou, maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal. Co-stars Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher apologized for their previous support of Masterson, who they had once hailed as a role model.
The case highlighted the ongoing problem of sexual abuse in Hollywood and the challenges faced by survivors seeking justice. Masterson's appeal is currently pending.
