Actors Who Were Arrested Long Before They Became Famous

Many of the biggest stars in Hollywood had troubled pasts before they found success on the screen. While some performers are known for their clean images today their early lives involved legal challenges and moments of rebellion. These experiences often shaped their careers and influenced the grit they bring to their most famous roles. Understanding the history of these actors provides a unique perspective on their journey to international stardom. Here are the male actors who were arrested long before they became famous.

Mark Wahlberg

The Boston native faced legal trouble at age sixteen before he found success in the music industry. He was involved in a serious assault in 1988 that resulted in a short prison sentence. After serving time the future star turned his life around by pursuing a career in rap and modeling. He eventually transitioned into acting with breakthrough roles in films like ‘Boogie Nights’. The actor now uses his past experiences to advocate for youth reform and community improvement.

Tim Allen

The comedian was arrested in 1978 at an airport for possessing a significant amount of an illegal substance. He served over two years in a federal prison before being released on parole. This life altering event took place long before he became a household name on the television series ‘Home Improvement’. After his release he began performing stand up comedy to build a new professional path. He eventually became a major star known for voicing iconic characters like Buzz Lightyear in ‘Toy Story’.

Danny Trejo

This prolific actor spent many years in and out of California prisons during his youth. He faced numerous charges related to robbery and drug possession throughout the 1960s. While serving time he became a champion boxer and focused on his rehabilitation. His film career began accidentally when he was offered a job as an extra on the set of ‘Runaway Train’. He is now recognized for his roles in major action movies like ‘Machete’.

Bill Murray

The legendary comedian was arrested on his twentieth birthday at an airport in Chicago. He was caught attempting to transport a large quantity of marijuana in his luggage. This incident occurred well before he joined the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’. He was sentenced to probation rather than prison time for the offense. He went on to star in classic comedy films such as ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Caddyshack’.

Samuel L. Jackson

The accomplished actor was involved in a high profile protest at Morehouse College in 1969. He was arrested and charged with unlawful confinement after holding members of the board of trustees hostage. This political activism resulted in a suspension from the college for several years. He eventually returned to finish his degree and moved to New York to pursue acting. He is now one of the highest grossing actors in history thanks to films like ‘Pulp Fiction’.

Nick Nolte

The veteran performer faced legal consequences in 1962 for selling counterfeit government documents. He received a hefty fine and a suspended prison sentence that lasted several years. This conviction initially prevented him from serving in the military during the Vietnam War. He eventually found his calling in theater and landed his breakout role in the miniseries ‘Rich Man, Poor Man’. He later earned critical acclaim for his work in ‘The Prince of Tides’.

Al Pacino

The legendary star was arrested in 1961 while he was a struggling actor in New York City. Police stopped him and two other men for driving suspiciously and found a weapon in their vehicle. He spent three days in jail before the charges were ultimately dismissed. This brush with the law happened over a decade before he achieved international fame in ‘The Godfather’. He went on to become one of the most respected performers of his generation.

Frank Sinatra

The iconic entertainer was arrested in 1938 on charges related to his personal relationships. He faced legal trouble for adultery and seduction which were criminal offenses at the time. These charges were eventually dropped after the authorities determined the legal circumstances were invalid. This incident took place when he was just starting his career as a big band singer. He later became a dominant force in both the music industry and films like ‘From Here to Eternity’.

Will Smith

The global superstar was arrested in 1989 following a physical altercation in Philadelphia. The incident occurred just as his music career was gaining momentum and shortly before he began filming ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’. He was charged with aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy but the charges were later dismissed. He managed to move past the situation and become one of the most successful actors in Hollywood. His extensive filmography includes major blockbusters such as ‘Men in Black’.

Woody Harrelson

The versatile actor was arrested in 1982 for disturbing the peace and resisting arrest. He was reportedly dancing in the middle of a street and later attempted to flee from police officers. This event occurred three years before he joined the cast of the popular sitcom ‘Cheers’. He paid a fine to resolve the matter and focused on his burgeoning acting career. He has since been nominated for multiple Academy Awards for films like ‘The People vs. Larry Flynt’.

James Franco

The actor faced legal trouble during his teenage years for involvement in a shoplifting ring. He and his friends stole designer colognes from department stores and sold them to classmates. He was arrested and given a second chance by a judge who encouraged him to change his behavior. This experience occurred before he moved to Los Angeles to pursue professional acting. He later starred in major projects such as ‘Spider Man’ and ‘127 Hours’.

Stephen Fry

The acclaimed British performer was arrested as a teenager for credit card fraud. He stole a card from a family friend and went on a spending spree across several cities. He spent three months in prison before being released and returning to his studies. This early legal trouble took place long before he formed a comedic partnership with Hugh Laurie. He is now celebrated for his work in ‘The Hobbit’ and his prolific writing career.

Tom Hardy

The talented actor was arrested at age fifteen for joyriding in a stolen vehicle while in possession of a firearm. He faced potential prison time but managed to avoid a lengthy sentence. This rebellious period occurred many years before he established himself as a leading man in Hollywood. He eventually sought help for his personal struggles and dedicated himself to his craft. He is now famous for his roles in ‘Inception’ and ‘Mad Max Fury Road’.

Snoop Dogg

The famous rapper and actor was arrested shortly after graduating from high school in 1990. He faced charges for possession of an illegal substance with intent to sell. He spent several years in and out of the legal system before his music career took off. This occurred prior to his collaboration with Dr. Dre on the album ‘The Chronic’. He has since appeared in many films including ‘Training Day’ and ‘Starsky and Hutch’.

50 Cent

The rapper and star of ‘Power’ was arrested in 1994 for selling illegal substances to an undercover officer. He was only nineteen years old at the time and was sent to a shock incarceration program. This experience preceded his rise to the top of the hip hop world and his transition into acting. He used his difficult upbringing as inspiration for his semi autobiographical film ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’. He is now a successful producer and entrepreneur in the entertainment industry.

Channing Tatum

The actor was once detained by police during his youth for minor infractions in Florida. He had a reputation for being a rowdy teenager before he found a path in the performing arts. This period of his life took place well before he became a professional dancer or actor. He eventually gained international recognition for his breakout performance in the film ‘Step Up’. He has since moved into comedy and drama with films like ‘Magic Mike’.

Josh Brolin

The Academy Award nominee was arrested during his teenage years in Santa Barbara. He was part of a group of friends who were involved in a physical altercation with police officers. He has openly discussed his troubled youth and how he nearly chose a much darker path. These incidents occurred around the time he made his film debut in ‘The Goonies’. He eventually found massive success in films such as ‘No Country for Old Men’.

Chris Rock

The legendary stand up comedian was arrested in the late 1980s for a driving related incident. He was reportedly driving without a valid license and faced minor legal repercussions. This brush with the law happened while he was still performing in small comedy clubs. Shortly after this period he was discovered by Eddie Murphy and joined the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’. He is now considered one of the most influential comedians and actors of his era.

Terrence Howard

The star of the series ‘Empire’ was arrested in 2001 following an incident involving his first wife. He faced charges for assault and harassment during a domestic dispute. This took place several years before he received critical acclaim for his performance in ‘Hustle and Flow’. He has spoken about his personal growth and the lessons he learned from his past. He remains a prominent figure in Hollywood with a long list of credits in television and film.

Shia LaBeouf

The actor was arrested at the age of nine for stealing a pair of high end sneakers. He has mentioned that his early legal troubles were often a result of his difficult childhood environment. This incident occurred long before he became a child star on the Disney Channel series ‘Even Stevens’. He later faced several more arrests as an adult which were highly publicized. He is known for his intense performances in ‘Transformers’ and ‘Honey Boy’.

Steve McQueen

The iconic actor had a very difficult childhood and was arrested for various petty crimes as a teenager. He was sent to a reform school for several years where he eventually turned his life around. This period of incarceration took place long before he became the King of Cool in Hollywood. After his release he served in the Marine Corps and later studied acting in New York. He became a legendary leading man in films such as ‘Bullitt’.

Dustin Hoffman

The celebrated actor was arrested in his youth for a minor infraction in New York City. He was taken into custody for failing to pay a series of traffic tickets while he was a struggling performer. He spent a night in jail before the matter was resolved. This happened years before he became a major star following his role in ‘The Graduate’. He went on to win two Academy Awards for his work in ‘Kramer vs Kramer’ and ‘Rain Man’.

Mickey Rourke

The actor was arrested multiple times during his early years and throughout his career. One notable early incident involved a domestic dispute that occurred before he became a mainstream star. He also pursued a professional boxing career which led to various physical and legal challenges. These events shaped his public persona and his approach to acting in gritty films. He is best known for his performances in ‘9 1/2 Weeks’ and ‘The Wrestler’.

Don Johnson

The star of ‘Miami Vice’ was arrested at age twelve for stealing a car and joyriding with friends. He was sent to a juvenile detention facility where he spent time reflecting on his choices. This early legal trouble took place decades before he became a television icon in the 1980s. He later credited his interest in acting for helping him move away from a life of crime. He has enjoyed a long career in both television and major motion pictures.

Charles Bronson

The tough guy actor was arrested in the 1940s for his involvement in a labor strike and picketing. He faced legal consequences during his time as a coal miner before he decided to pursue acting. This experience added to his rugged reputation and influenced the types of characters he played on screen. He became a massive international star known for his roles in the ‘Death Wish’ series. He is remembered as one of the quintessential action heroes of the twentieth century.

Wesley Snipes

The action star was arrested in his early years for a minor weapons possession charge. He was stopped by police while riding a motorcycle and was found to be carrying a concealed firearm. This event took place before he became a major leading man in the 1990s. He later faced much more significant legal issues regarding his taxes which resulted in a prison sentence. He is iconic for his role as the title character in the ‘Blade’ trilogy.

Ice-T

The actor and musician was involved in criminal activities including jewelry store robberies during his youth in Los Angeles. He spent time in the military before deciding to leave and pursue a career in the burgeoning hip hop scene. This period of his life took place long before he landed his iconic role on ‘Law and Order Special Victims Unit’. He eventually became a pioneer of gangsta rap and a respected television star. His transition from the streets to the screen is one of the most remarkable stories in Hollywood.

James Caan

The acclaimed performer was arrested in his youth for an incident involving a physical altercation in New York. He was known for having a fiery temperament before he found success in the acting world. This brush with the law happened before he landed his career defining role as Sonny Corleone. He later credited the discipline of acting for helping him focus his energy in a more positive way. He is remembered for his powerful performances in ‘Misery’ and ‘The Godfather’.

Robert Blake

The actor had multiple run ins with the law during his youth and early career. He was arrested for various minor offenses while working as a child actor and transitioning into adult roles. These early legal issues were often overshadowed by the high profile trial he faced later in life. He was a prominent star in the television series ‘Baretta’ during the 1970s. He began his career in the ‘Our Gang’ short films as a young boy.

Michael Madsen

The actor known for his work in ‘Reservoir Dogs’ was arrested several times during his youth for minor crimes. He grew up in a tough environment and faced challenges with authority before discovering theater. These experiences helped him develop the intense on screen persona he is famous for today. He has appeared in numerous films directed by Quentin Tarantino including ‘Kill Bill’. He remains a prolific actor in the independent film scene.

Gary Busey

The character actor was arrested for drug related offenses during his early years in the entertainment industry. He faced legal trouble while trying to establish himself as both a musician and an actor. This took place before he received an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Buddy Holly Story’. He has since become known for his eccentric personality and a long career in action films. He has appeared in classics such as ‘Lethal Weapon’ and ‘Point Break’.

Kiefer Sutherland

The actor was arrested in his youth for various alcohol related offenses long before his modern success. He faced several legal challenges that required him to complete community service and probation. These events took place while he was establishing himself as a young talent in films like ‘The Lost Boys’. He later became a global icon for his role as Jack Bauer in the thriller series ’24’. He has continued to work steadily in both television and film projects.

Kelsey Grammer

The actor faced legal trouble in the late 1980s for drug possession and driving under the influence. He was sentenced to community service and probation during the early years of his fame. However he had also experienced significant personal tragedy and legal brushes before ‘Cheers’ became a hit. He eventually overcame his personal struggles to become a television legend as Frasier Crane. He has won numerous awards for his work on ‘Frasier’ and ‘Boss’.

Rip Torn

The veteran actor was arrested in his younger years for multiple instances involving erratic behavior and public intoxication. These incidents occurred long before he became known for his award winning work on ‘The Larry Sanders Show’. He often struggled with a volatile reputation that preceded his casting in major films like ‘Men in Black’. Despite these early legal challenges he was highly regarded for his immense talent in the theater and cinema. He continued to work in the industry for many decades until his passing.

Please share which of these celebrity backstories surprised you the most in the comments.