Danny Masterson Net Worth

Danny Masterson’s Net Worth: A Look at His Career, Legal Troubles, and Assets

Introduction: Danny Masterson’s Overview

Danny Masterson, the American actor and DJ, rose to prominence with his role as Hyde in the popular sitcom “That ’70s Show.” While his acting career brought him considerable fame and fortune, recent events have overshadowed his achievements. This article delves into Danny Masterson’s net worth, exploring his career, personal life, legal issues, and real estate holdings.

What is Danny Masterson’s Net Worth?

Danny Masterson’s net worth is estimated to be $8 million, a combined figure with his wife, actress Bijou Phillips. This includes earnings from his acting career, DJ gigs, and real estate investments. His primary source of income stemmed from his acting roles in television and film.

Masterson’s career saw him in leading roles in various sitcoms, including “That ’70s Show” and “The Ranch.” His success on “That ’70s Show,” where he appeared in all 200 episodes, was a significant contributor to his wealth. He also worked as a DJ under the alias “DJ Mom Jeans,” which added to his income. However, his financial standing has become complicated by legal battles and property disputes.

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Daniel Peter Masterson was born on March 13, 1976, in Long Island, New York. He was raised in Garden City and East Williston, and began his journey into the entertainment industry at a young age. Masterson’s early career started at the age of four as a child model, appearing in magazine articles and commercials. By the age of eight, he was participating in musicals, and by sixteen he had appeared in over 100 commercials for brands like Kellogg’s, Clearasil, and Tang.

Career Highlights: From ‘That ’70s Show’ to ‘The Ranch’

Masterson’s acting career includes notable roles in television and film. One of his early film roles was in “Beethoven’s 2nd.” He also starred in the sitcom “Cybill.” His breakthrough role came with “That ’70s Show,” where he played Hyde. His audition was so successful that the character was rewritten to fit his persona. The show ran for eight seasons, providing Masterson with significant exposure.

Post-“That ’70s Show,” Masterson continued to appear in various productions, including “Punk’d” and “MADtv.” He acted alongside Jim Carrey in the 2008 film “Yes Man.” Other notable roles include appearances in “The Bridge to Nowhere” with his wife, Bijou Phillips, and series such as “White Collar.” From 2016 to 2018, he starred in “The Ranch,” solidifying his presence in the comedy world.

Personal Life and Relationships

Masterson is known to be a dedicated member of the Church of Scientology. In 2005, he began dating Bijou Phillips, who is also a member of the church. They became engaged in 2009 and married in 2011. The couple had their first child in 2014.

Bijou Phillips’s family has a strong presence in the entertainment industry. Her father, John Phillips, was the lead singer of The Mamas & the Papas. Her half-sisters include Chynna Phillips, who is married to Billy Baldwin, and Mackenzie Phillips.

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The Legal Battles: Rape Allegations and Conviction

In 2017, Masterson’s reputation was significantly damaged by accusations of sexual assault. Four women, all members of the Church of Scientology, came forward with allegations of rape and claimed that their drinks had been spiked. These claims led to an investigation by the police.

Masterson denied all accusations, but his role in “The Ranch” was terminated, and his talent agency, United Talent Agency, ended its relationship with him. Following the initial allegations, the four women filed a lawsuit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology for stalking and harassment. They alleged that they had been harassed and filmed without permission.

The details of these allegations were disturbing, including claims of drug use and threats. In June 2020, Masterson was formally charged with three counts of rape, which allegedly occurred between 2001 and 2003. The charges carried a maximum sentence of 45 years if convicted. On May 31, 2023, Masterson was found guilty on two counts of forcible rape. On September 7, 2023, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison, 15 years per conviction.

Real Estate Holdings and Financial Disputes

Masterson’s real estate holdings provide a glimpse into his financial dealings. In 2007, he was selling a home on Holly Mont Drive in Los Angeles for $1.595 million, which he had originally purchased in 1998 for $560,000. The property included a marble and gold leaf fireplace, a pool, a multi-terraced yard, a hot tub, and a two-car garage.

Masterson had previously invested in several properties, including six apartments and small apartment buildings. In 2003, he bought an apartment in LA, which he sold to Laura Prepon the following year for $165,000. He also purchased a 4,323-square-foot home in Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara County, in 2007, which had once belonged to Chuck Berry.

Following his arrest in June 2020, Masterson used the Hollyridge Drive home to secure a $3.3 million bond for his release. He filed a number of lawsuits that alleged that the Bank of New York Mellon and the Mortgage Electronic Registrations Systems (MERS) filed faulty paperwork when he was financing his home. Danny argued that because of these actions, he no longer needed to make payments on the home. These motions were dismissed time and time again, and one attorney stated: “Plaintiffs appear to be merely throwing arguments up against the wall with the hope that they can formulate some basis for canceling their mortgage loan without full repayment.“

Danny sold this home in December 2021 for $6.2 million.

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Conclusion

Danny Masterson’s life and career reflect a complex narrative of success, controversy, and legal challenges. While his acting roles initially brought significant wealth and recognition, the recent rape allegations and subsequent conviction have significantly impacted his public image and financial standing. His real estate investments and financial disputes further highlight the complexities of his situation. Masterson’s story serves as a reminder of the impact of personal conduct on one’s legacy and financial well-being.