Introduction
Danny Masterson is best known for his role as Steven Hyde on the hit TV sitcom That ’70s Show. Throughout his career, he built a significant net worth through acting, producing, DJing, and real estate investments. However, his legal troubles, including multiple sexual assault allegations and his recent conviction, have severely impacted his finances. This article delves into Masterson’s career earnings, business ventures, real estate holdings, and how his legal battles have affected his net worth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Danny Masterson was born on March 13, 1976, in Long Island, New York. From a young age, he was involved in the entertainment industry, working as a child model and actor in commercials. By the time he was a teenager, he had already appeared in over 100 advertisements for brands such as Kellogg’s and Clearasil.
His transition into television acting began in the early 1990s, with minor roles in shows like Cybill and Roseanne. These small roles helped Masterson establish himself in Hollywood, leading to bigger opportunities in film and television.
Breakthrough with That ’70s Show
Masterson’s big break came in 1998 when he was cast as Steven Hyde in That ’70s Show. The show, which aired for eight seasons until 2006, was a massive success and helped him gain widespread recognition. His portrayal of Hyde, the laid-back and rebellious best friend, became a fan favorite.
During his time on That ’70s Show, Masterson reportedly earned around $250,000 per episode during the later seasons. With 200 episodes in total, he made millions from the series alone.
In addition to his salary, Masterson benefited from syndication royalties, as That ’70s Show continued to air on various networks long after its original run.
Other Acting Roles and Business Ventures
After That ’70s Show, Masterson continued his acting career, appearing in various films and TV series, including:
- Films: Dracula 2000 (2000), Puff, Puff, Pass (2006), Yes Man (2008), and The Bridge to Nowhere (2009).
- TV Series: Men at Work (2012-2014) and The Ranch (2016-2018).
In The Ranch, a Netflix series starring Ashton Kutcher, Masterson played Jameson “Rooster” Bennett. However, he was fired in 2017 due to allegations of sexual assault.
Apart from acting, Masterson also pursued business ventures:
- DJ Career: He performed under the name DJ Mom Jeans, playing at major events and music festivals.
- Nightclub Ownership: He co-owned several Los Angeles nightclubs, including the popular Hollywood spot, The Downstairs.
- Restaurant Investments: He invested in multiple restaurants, capitalizing on the hospitality industry.
These ventures contributed to his growing wealth and diversified his income streams beyond acting.
Real Estate Investments
Masterson has also made significant investments in real estate, which played a major role in his net worth.
- Hollywood Hills Home: He purchased a home in Los Angeles in 1998 for $560,000 and sold it in 2007 for $1.595 million, making a substantial profit.
- Los Angeles Mansion: In 2007, he bought a 4,300-square-foot mansion in Los Feliz for $2.995 million.
- Other Properties: He owned multiple apartment buildings and rental properties, generating passive income.
His real estate holdings helped stabilize his finances even when his acting career slowed down.
Net Worth Estimate
Before his legal troubles, Masterson’s net worth was estimated to be around $8 million. His income came from:
- That ’70s Show salary and syndication earnings
- Movie and TV roles
- DJing and nightclub ownership
- Real estate investments
However, his legal battles have significantly impacted his finances.
Legal Issues and Financial Impact
In 2017, multiple women accused Masterson of sexual assault, leading to a criminal investigation. He was charged in 2020 with three counts of rape, and after a trial in 2023, he was convicted and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
These legal issues had devastating financial consequences:
- Loss of Acting Jobs: Netflix fired him from The Ranch, and he lost future acting opportunities.
- Legal Fees: He reportedly spent millions on legal defense and settlements.
- Divorce from Bijou Phillips: His wife, actress Bijou Phillips, filed for divorce in 2023, seeking full custody of their child. Divorce proceedings and potential alimony payments could further strain his finances.
- Property Seizures: His assets, including real estate properties, could be liquidated to cover legal expenses.
Current Financial Status
Due to these financial hits, Masterson’s net worth has likely decreased significantly. While he once had millions in assets, ongoing legal costs and the loss of income sources could bring his wealth down substantially.
If his real estate holdings remain intact, he may still have some assets left. However, his ability to manage and sell these properties is limited due to his incarceration.
Conclusion
Danny Masterson’s career once thrived, with That ’70s Show and other acting roles making him a multimillionaire. His business ventures and real estate investments further contributed to his wealth.
However, his legal troubles have drastically changed his financial standing. With expensive legal battles, loss of acting opportunities, and potential asset liquidation, his net worth has likely dropped significantly.
While exact numbers are unclear, it is evident that Masterson’s legal issues have overshadowed his career achievements, leaving an uncertain financial future ahead.
Who is the highest paid actor on that 70s show?
The highest-paid actor on That ’70s Show was Ashton Kutcher, who played Michael Kelso. As one of the breakout stars of the series, Kutcher’s popularity skyrocketed, leading to major film roles and endorsement deals. During the later seasons of the show, he reportedly earned around $250,000 to $300,000 per episode, making him the highest-paid cast member. His earnings were significantly boosted by his success outside the show, including roles in movies like Dude, Where’s My Car? and The Butterfly Effect, as well as his investments in tech startups and business ventures.
Did Laura Prepon date Danny Masterson’s brother?
How much did Mila make from that 70s show?
Mila Kunis, who played Jackie Burkhart on That ’70s Show, reportedly earned around $100,000 to $250,000 per episode during the later seasons of the show. Since she appeared in all eight seasons, her total earnings from the series were in the millions. Kunis was only 14 years old when she was cast in the role, making her one of the youngest main cast members. Over time, as the show gained popularity and the actors renegotiated their contracts, her salary increased. In addition to her earnings from That ’70s Show, Kunis went on to build a highly successful Hollywood career, starring in hit films like Black Swan, Friends with Benefits, and Bad Moms, as well as voicing Meg Griffin in Family Guy.
Danny Masterson’s Net Worth: Career, Earnings, and the Impact of Legal Issues – FAQ
1. What is Danny Masterson’s net worth?
Before his legal troubles, Danny Masterson’s net worth was estimated to be around $8 million. However, due to legal fees, loss of acting jobs, and financial setbacks, his current net worth may have significantly declined.
2. How did Danny Masterson make his money?
Masterson accumulated wealth primarily through his acting career, most notably his role as Steven Hyde in That ’70s Show. He also earned income from movie roles, nightclub ownership, DJing, and real estate investments.
3. How much did Danny Masterson earn from That ’70s Show?
During the later seasons, Masterson reportedly earned around $250,000 per episode. With 200 episodes, his earnings from the show amounted to millions.
4. What other TV shows and movies has Danny Masterson appeared in?
Apart from That ’70s Show, Masterson starred in Men at Work (2012-2014) and The Ranch (2016-2018). His film credits include Dracula 2000, Yes Man, and The Bridge to Nowhere.
5. What business ventures did Danny Masterson pursue?
Masterson was involved in multiple business ventures, including:
- DJing under the name DJ Mom Jeans
- Owning nightclubs such as The Downstairs in Los Angeles
- Investing in restaurants and the hospitality industry
- Real estate investments in Los Angeles and other locations
6. How have legal issues affected his financial status?
His rape conviction in 2023 led to:
- The loss of acting roles (Netflix fired him from The Ranch)
- Expensive legal fees and court costs
- The end of his marriage (Bijou Phillips filed for divorce)
- Potential asset liquidation to cover legal expenses
7. What happened to Danny Masterson’s real estate properties?
Masterson owned several properties, including a Los Feliz mansion in Los Angeles worth $2.995 million. His real estate assets may be used to cover legal costs.
8. Is Danny Masterson still earning money?
Currently, Masterson is serving a 30-year-to-life prison sentence, limiting his ability to generate income. While he may still have royalties from That ’70s Show, his financial future remains uncertain.
9. Will Danny Masterson’s net worth continue to decline?
Given his legal costs, loss of income, and asset liquidation, his net worth is expected to decline further unless he has substantial savings or investments.
10. What is Danny Masterson’s financial future?
Masterson’s financial future remains uncertain due to his incarceration, legal issues, and the potential loss of assets. His past wealth from acting and business ventures may not be enough to sustain him long-term.
