Danny Masterson’s Ups and Downs Through the Years: ‘That ’70s Show,’ Sexual Misconduct Allegations and More

Credit: Netflix

Danny Masterson's Ups and Downs Through the Years: 'That '70s Show,' Sexual Misconduct Allegations and More

After guest appearances on various TV shows, Danny Masterson got his big break when he landed the role of Steven Hyde on That ‘70s Show.

The FOX series, which premiered in 1999, followed teenagers coming of age in the fictional Wisconsin suburb of Point Place. Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Laura Prepon, Topher Grace and Wilmer Valderrama completed the group of friends. The comedy — helmed by Mark Brazill, Bonnie Turner and Terry Turner — ended its eight-season run in 2005.

Nearly 18 years later, Netflix mounted a spinoff, titled That ‘90s Show, with Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith reprising their roles as Eric Forman’s parents. In the revival, Eric and Donna’s 15-year-old daughter Leia (Callie Haverda) travels to Point Place to spend the summer with her grandparents. The original cast — including a few familiar guest stars — all made brief cameos in the first season, which premiered in January 2023. Masterson, however, was left out amid his sexual misconduct trial.

While the That ‘90s Show showrunners remained firm in their decision not to include Masterson in the limited series, he was excited to tune in as a viewer.

“This is literally the dopest thing I’ve heard in a decade,” the Men at Work alum wrote via Instagram in October 2021. “So f—king excited for @therealkurtwoodsmith and @debrajorupp two of the great humans and greatest actors on this planet. Can’t wait to watch and laugh. Same creators / writers / producers as 70s.”

One year earlier, Masterson — who is a member of the Church of Scientology — had been arrested and charged with three counts of rape in the early 2000s after three women came forward to accuse him of assault. The Ranch alum — who shares daughter Fianna, born in 2014, with wife Bijou Phillips — denied all accusations.

“From day one, I have denied the outrageous allegations against me. Law enforcement investigated these claims more than 15 years ago and determined them to be without merit,” he previously told Us Weekly in a December 2017 statement. “I have never been charged with a crime, let alone convicted of one. In this country, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, in the current climate, it seems as if you are presumed guilty the moment you are accused.”

Masterson continued at the time: “I understand and look forward to clearing my name once and for all. In the meantime, I want to express my gratitude to the cast and crew that I’ve worked so closely with over the past three seasons. I wish them nothing but success. I am also so thankful to the fans that have supported me and continue to do so.”

Amid the scandal, the New York native was written off The Ranch, the Netflix series that he starred in alongside Kutcher.

Masterson’s criminal trial began in August 2022, however, the proceedings ended in a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. His retrial began in April 2023.

Scroll down for a look back at Masterson’s highs and lows through the years:

Credit: Michael Lavine/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

1999

Masterson’s That ‘70s Show character was one of Eric’s best friends. Hyde, who often vocalized his suspicions about the U.S. government, eventually moved in with the Formans due to his troubled home life. Hyde ended the OG series single following a breakup with Kunis’ Jackie and a failed marriage to stripper Samantha.

Credit: Courtesy of Danny Masterson/Instagram

2011

After eight years of dating, Masterson married the Almost Famous actress in Ireland.

Credit: Courtesy of Danny Masterson/Instagram

2014

Masterson and Phillips became parents in February 2014 when their first child, daughter Fianna, was born.

“Hello friends. Beyond thrilled to announce The birth of our daughter Fianna Francis Masterson! Mom and baby are doing amazing,” he wrote via Instagram at the time. “You can all refer to me as dj dadpants from now on.”

Credit: Netflix

2016

The Yes Man actor reunited with his former That ‘70s Show pal Kutcher for the Ranch, which aired for eight seasons on Netflix. The duo even welcomed Valderrama for a guest arc in a 2017 episode. Masterson was written off the series in 2018 and his final episode aired during season 3.

Credit: Courtesy of Danny Masterson/Instagram

2020

Masterson and the Raising Hope alum celebrated Fianna’s kindergarten graduation shortly before his arrest.

Credit: Shutterstock

2020

Masterson was first accused of sexual assault by multiple women in March 2017. He was arrested and charged in Los Angeles three years later before being released on a $3.3 million bail. The actor pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Credit: Invision/AP/Shutterstock

2022

The Urge star’s misconduct trial concluded in November 2022 after jurors were deadlocked and unable to reach a consensus.

Credit: Courtesy of Bijou Phillips Masterson/Instagram

2022

Masterson was all smiles while celebrating Christmas with his daughter.

Credit: LUCY NICHOLSON/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

May 2023

After deliberating for more than a week, a jury found that Masterson was guilty of raping two women in 2003. They were deadlocked on a third charge stemming from a 2001 incident with an ex-girlfriend.