25 Actors Involved in Real-Life Killings
Celebrities often seem untouchable, living lives of fame and fortune. But some have been involved in real-life tragedies where their actions led to someone’s death, either by accident or intent. These incidents range from car crashes to violent confrontations, and the consequences vary widely—some faced jail time, others walked away with minimal punishment. This list dives into the shocking stories of actors who have been linked to such events, shedding light on the darker side of Hollywood.
The actors here include household names and lesser-known figures, each with a story that changed lives forever. Whether through reckless driving, tragic accidents, or deliberate acts, these cases remind us that fame doesn’t shield anyone from accountability—or its lack. Here are actors who have killed people, exploring the incidents and their aftermath.
Matthew Broderick
In 1987, Matthew Broderick was vacationing in Northern Ireland with his then-girlfriend Jennifer Grey. Driving a rented BMW, he collided head-on with a car carrying Anna Gallagher and her mother, Margaret Doherty, killing both women. Broderick was convicted of careless driving and fined a small amount, sparking debate over whether his fame influenced the light penalty. The incident happened just as ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ was cementing his stardom.
The crash left Broderick with a broken leg and amnesia, while Grey, the sole living witness, was deeply traumatized. Public scrutiny was intense, with many questioning why Broderick faced no harsher consequences. The tragedy cast a long shadow over his career, though he continued to work in major films like ‘Godzilla’.
Rebecca Gayheart
In 2001, Rebecca Gayheart struck and killed nine-year-old Jorge Cruz Jr. while driving in Los Angeles. She was in a vehicle owned by her ‘Dusk Till Dawn 3’ co-star Marco Leonardi when the accident occurred. Gayheart pled no contest to vehicular manslaughter, receiving probation, a one-year license suspension, a $2,800 fine, and 750 hours of community service.
The incident haunted Gayheart, who spoke about the emotional toll it took on her mental health. Despite the tragedy, she continued acting in projects like ‘Dead Like Me’ and ‘Vanished’, though the accident remained a defining moment in her public image.
Charles S. Dutton
As a teenager in Baltimore, Charles S. Dutton was involved in a violent fight that ended in a man’s death. He was convicted of manslaughter after wrestling a knife from his attacker, who had stabbed him seven times, and using it to kill him. Dutton served 18 months for the incident, followed by additional time for other charges, including a prison fight.
Dutton’s life changed in prison when a near-fatal stabbing inspired him to pursue acting. He went on to star in films like ‘Alien³’ and ‘A Time to Kill’, turning his troubled past into a story of redemption, though the early tragedy shaped his journey.
Christian Brando
In 1990, Christian Brando, son of Marlon Brando, shot and killed his half-sister’s Tahitian lover, Dag Drollet, in California. The incident occurred during a heated argument, and Brando claimed it was not premeditated. He was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to six years in prison.
The high-profile case drew attention due to the Brando family’s fame. Christian’s acting career, which included roles in films like ‘I Love You, I Love You Not’, never fully recovered, and he lived a troubled life until his death in 2008.
Lillo Brancato Jr.
In 2005, Lillo Brancato Jr., known for ‘The Sopranos’, was involved in a burglary that led to the death of an off-duty police officer, Daniel Enchautegui. Brancato’s accomplice shot the officer after being confronted. Brancato was acquitted of murder but convicted of first-degree attempted burglary, serving 10 years in prison.
The incident derailed Brancato’s promising career, which included roles in ‘A Bronx Tale’. After his release, he attempted a comeback, but the tragedy and his legal troubles left a lasting mark on his reputation.
Ryan Grantham
In 2020, Ryan Grantham, who appeared in ‘Riverdale’, shot and killed his mother, Barbara Waite, in their Canadian home while she played the piano. Grantham pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, citing mental health issues, including major depressive disorder. He was sentenced to 14 years and is eligible for parole in 2036.
Grantham’s small but notable roles in shows like ‘Supernatural’ made the crime shocking to fans. He expressed remorse at his sentencing, vowing to rehabilitate, but the act ended his acting career.
Michael Jace
In 2014, Michael Jace, known for ‘The Shield’, shot and killed his wife, April Jace, in their Los Angeles home in front of their two children. Jace called 911 himself, claiming he was upset over suspicions of infidelity. He was convicted of second-degree murder in 2016 and sentenced to 40 years to life.
Jace’s career, which included roles in ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Boogie Nights’, was overshadowed by the brutal crime. The case drew attention to domestic violence, leaving a grim legacy for the once-respected actor.
John Wilkes Booth
John Wilkes Booth, a famous 19th-century actor, assassinated President Abraham Lincoln in 1865 at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, shot Lincoln during a performance of ‘Our American Cousin’ and fled, breaking his leg in the escape. He was killed 12 days later during a manhunt.
Booth’s acting career, which included starring roles in Shakespearean plays, made him a celebrity before the assassination. His act, driven by political motives, remains one of the most infamous crimes in American history.
Amy Locane
In 2010, Amy Locane, known for ‘Melrose Place’, was involved in a fatal car crash in New Jersey. Driving under the influence, she collided with another vehicle, killing passenger Helene Seeman. Locane was convicted of second-degree vehicular homicide and assault by auto, receiving a three-year sentence, reduced due to concerns for her children.
The crash ended Locane’s acting career, which included roles in ‘Cry-Baby’ and ‘Airheads’. The lenient sentence sparked controversy, with many arguing it was too light for the severity of the crime.
Robert Blake
In 2001, Robert Blake, star of ‘Baretta’, was charged with the murder of his wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley, who was shot outside a restaurant. Prosecutors alleged Blake hired a hitman, but he was acquitted in 2005 after a highly publicized trial. A civil court later found him liable for her death, ordering him to pay $30 million.
Blake’s career, which spanned decades with roles in ‘In Cold Blood’ and ‘Lost Highway’, was tarnished by the case. The acquittal did little to restore his reputation, and he largely retreated from public life.
Don King
Boxing promoter and occasional actor Don King was involved in two fatal incidents. In 1954, he shot and killed a man attempting to rob his gambling house, ruled a justifiable homicide. In 1967, King was convicted of second-degree murder for beating a former employee to death over a $600 debt, later reduced to manslaughter, serving four years.
King’s acting roles included appearances in ‘The Last Fight’ and ‘Head of State’. Despite his criminal past, he became a legendary figure in boxing, though his violent history remains a dark footnote.
Phil Spector
Music producer and occasional actor Phil Spector was convicted of second-degree murder in 2009 for the 2003 shooting of actress Lana Clarkson at his California mansion. Spector claimed the gun discharged accidentally, but witnesses testified to his history of threatening women with firearms. He was sentenced to 19 years to life and died in prison in 2021.
Spector’s work in films like ‘Easy Rider’ and his music production legacy were overshadowed by the crime. The trial revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior, cementing his fall from grace.
John Huston
In 1933, before his directing career, John Huston accidentally struck and killed a female pedestrian while driving in Los Angeles. The incident occurred early in his Hollywood journey, and he faced no major legal consequences. Huston went on to become a legendary director of films like ‘The Maltese Falcon’.
The accident remained a lesser-known part of Huston’s life, overshadowed by his prolific career. However, it marked a tragic moment for the victim’s family, with little public record of the aftermath.
Paul Kelly
In 1927, actor Paul Kelly killed actor Ray Raymond in a fistfight over an affair with Raymond’s wife, Dorothy Mackaye, who was also an actress. Kelly was convicted of manslaughter and served 25 months in prison. After his release, he married Mackaye and resumed his career in films like ‘The President Vanishes’.
Kelly’s acting career survived the scandal, with roles in ‘Broadway Thru a Keyhole’ and ‘Song and Dance Man’. The incident, though, remained a notable blemish on his otherwise successful Hollywood run.
Alec Baldwin
In 2021, Alec Baldwin discharged a prop gun on the set of ‘Rust’, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin, a star and producer of the film, claimed he did not pull the trigger. No charges were filed, and he cooperated with authorities investigating the incident.
The tragedy shocked the industry, given Baldwin’s long career in films like ‘The Hunt for Red October’. The incident raised questions about set safety, leaving a lasting impact on his public image.
Lane Garrison
In 2007, Lane Garrison, known for ‘Prison Break’, crashed his car in Beverly Hills while driving under the influence, killing 17-year-old passenger Vahagn Setian. Garrison pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter and DUI charges, serving 40 months in prison.
The accident halted Garrison’s rising career, which included roles in ‘Shooter’. After his release, he spoke about his regret and worked to rebuild his life, but the tragedy defined much of his public story.
Vince Neil
In 1984, Mötley Crüe singer and occasional actor Vince Neil, while drunk driving, crashed his car in Redondo Beach, California, killing his passenger, Nicholas Dingley of Hanoi Rocks. Neil was convicted of vehicular manslaughter, serving 15 days in jail, five years of probation, and paying $2.6 million in restitution.
Neil’s acting roles included ‘The Adventures of Ford Fairlane’. The incident fueled his reputation as a reckless rock star, though he continued performing with Mötley Crüe.
Tony Lovato
In 2007, Tony Lovato, lead singer of Mest and an actor in ‘Dirt’, stabbed a man who challenged him over a mutual love interest. The charges were dismissed after it was determined Lovato acted in self-defense. The incident occurred during a turbulent period in his music and acting career.
Lovato’s roles were minor, but the stabbing drew attention to his volatile personal life. He continued making music with Mest, though the event remained a controversial chapter.
Johnny Lewis
In 2012, Johnny Lewis, known for ‘Sons of Anarchy’, killed his 81-year-old landlady, Catherine Davis, in Los Angeles after a violent outburst. Lewis, who had suffered head injuries in a prior motorcycle accident, died the same day after falling from a roof. No charges were filed due to his death.
Lewis’s promising career, including roles in ‘The O.C.’, was cut short by the tragedy. His erratic behavior was linked to mental health struggles, leaving a complex legacy.
Claudine Longet
In 1976, French actress and singer Claudine Longet shot and killed her boyfriend, Olympic skier Spider Sabich, at his Aspen home. Longet claimed it was an accident, saying the gun misfired. She was convicted of misdemeanor criminal negligence, serving 30 days in jail and paying a fine.
Longet’s acting included roles in ‘McHale’s Navy’. The high-profile case, involving her celebrity status and marriage to Andy Williams, drew significant media attention, effectively ending her career.
C-Murder
Rapper and actor C-Murder, born Corey Miller, was convicted of second-degree murder in 2009 for the 2002 shooting of 16-year-old Steve Thomas at a Louisiana nightclub. Miller, who appeared in films like ‘Hot Boyz’, was sentenced to life in prison, though he maintains his innocence.
The case garnered attention due to Miller’s ties to No Limit Records and his acting roles. His legal battles continue, with supporters advocating for his release based on alleged trial irregularities.
Snoop Dogg
In 1993, Snoop Dogg, who has acted in films like ‘Training Day’, was charged with murder alongside his bodyguard in the shooting of a rival gang member, Philip Woldemariam. Both were acquitted in 1996, with the defense arguing self-defense. The case occurred as Snoop’s music career was skyrocketing.
The trial brought intense scrutiny to Snoop’s early gang affiliations. Despite the acquittal, it shaped his public image, though he went on to become a major entertainment figure.
Duane Chapman
Before starring in ‘Dog the Bounty Hunter’, Duane Chapman was convicted of first-degree murder in 1976 for his role in a drug deal gone wrong, where a dealer was killed. Chapman, present during the altercation, served 18 months of a five-year sentence in a Texas prison.
Chapman’s reality TV fame came later, but the early conviction shaped his tough persona. He used his past to build a career chasing fugitives, though the incident remains a controversial part of his story.
William S. Burroughs
In 1951, writer and occasional actor William S. Burroughs shot and killed his wife, Joan Vollmer, during a drunken game of William Tell in Mexico City. Burroughs was charged with murder but bribed officials to secure release after 13 days, fleeing to the U.S. The incident profoundly influenced his writing career.
Burroughs appeared in films like ‘Drugstore Cowboy’. The killing, though accidental, haunted him, and he later said it was the catalyst for his literary output, including ‘Naked Lunch’.
Aaron Hernandez
NFL star and actor Aaron Hernandez, who appeared in ‘Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem’, was convicted of first-degree murder in 2015 for killing Odin Lloyd, a semi-pro football player, near his home. Hernandez was sentenced to life without parole and died by suicide in prison in 2017.
Hernandez’s football fame and minor acting roles made the case a media sensation. The trial revealed his ties to violent incidents, overshadowing his athletic and screen achievements.
What’s the most surprising story on this list to you—share your thoughts in the comments!