Actors Who Were Forced to Sue Their Own Obsessive Stalkers

High-profile actors often face the darker side of fame when fan admiration transforms into dangerous obsession. While security teams provide a first line of defense, many male celebrities have found it necessary to involve the judicial system to ensure their safety. These legal battles typically involve obtaining restraining orders or testifying in court against individuals who have crossed the line into criminal harassment. The following list highlights male actors who were forced to take significant legal action against their own obsessive stalkers to protect themselves and their families.

Hugh Jackman

In 2013, Katherine Thurston followed Jackman into a West Village gym and threw a pubic hair-filled electric razor at him. The actor, known for his role in ‘The Wolverine’, had previously seen her outside his home and his daughter’s school. He sought a permanent restraining order to protect his family from her persistent harassment and trespassing. The legal action followed her arrest for fourth-degree stalking.

Jeff Goldblum

For over a decade, Goldblum was targeted by Linda Resa, who repeatedly trespassed on his property and attended his public performances. The actor, famous for ‘Jurassic Park’, sought legal intervention in 2012 after Resa showed up at his home despite multiple warnings from security. A judge eventually granted a permanent restraining order, forbidding her from coming within 100 yards of the actor. Goldblum testified that her behavior caused him significant emotional distress and safety concerns.

Keanu Reeves

In early 2023, Reeves filed for a temporary restraining order against a 38-year-old man named Bryan Dixon. The individual allegedly trespassed on the property of the ‘John Wick’ star multiple times in an attempt to prove they were related. Legal documents detailed how the man left a DNA testing kit on the premises and referred to himself as a relative on social media. The court granted the protection order to ensure the safety of Reeves and his partner.

Colin Farrell

During a 2006 appearance on ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’, Farrell was confronted on stage by Dessarae Bradford. The woman had previously self-published a book about the actor and had been harassing him with legal threats. Farrell successfully petitioned for a court-ordered restraining order to keep her away from him and his family. The incident remains a notable example of a celebrity being physically reached by a stalker during a live television broadcast.

John Cusack

In 2013, Cusack obtained a restraining order against Elizabeth Pahlke after she showed persistent and obsessive behavior. Pahlke reportedly attempted to break into the actor’s home and sent him numerous letters detailing her fixations. Legal filings indicated that she had been following him across several cities, claiming they were meant to be together. The court ordered her to stay at least 100 yards away from the ‘High Fidelity’ star and his residence.

Alec Baldwin

Baldwin was forced to take legal action against Genevieve Sabourin, a Canadian actress who sent him hundreds of emails and showed up at his homes. The harassment intensified after the star of ’30 Rock’ became engaged, leading him to file formal stalking and harassment charges. The case went to trial in 2013, where Baldwin provided emotional testimony regarding the stress the situation caused his family. Sabourin was eventually convicted and sentenced to several months in jail for her actions.

Eddie Murphy

In 2010, Murphy sought legal protection against a woman named Bradi Harrison who claimed to be his wife. Harrison reportedly managed to enter the actor’s home and was discovered by his security detail. The legal filing stated that she had a history of showing up at the residence of the ‘Coming to America’ star and attempting to contact his family members. A judge granted a permanent restraining order to prevent her from approaching the actor.

Brad Pitt

In 1999, an obsessive fan named Athena Rolando broke into the Los Angeles home of Brad Pitt. She was discovered by the actor’s caretaker wearing the clothes of the ‘Fight Club’ star and sleeping in one of his bedrooms. Pitt subsequently filed for a restraining order, which required Rolando to stay away from him for three years. The incident highlighted the security vulnerabilities of high-profile actors during the height of their fame.

David Hasselhoff

In 2011, the ‘Baywatch’ star obtained a three-year restraining order against a woman named Christiane Boccara. The legal action was taken after she repeatedly appeared at his home and claimed to have a spiritual connection with him. Hasselhoff testified that her behavior was escalating and made him fear for the safety of his daughters. The court order prohibited her from coming within 100 yards of the actor and his family.

Jerome Flynn

The ‘Game of Thrones’ actor was forced to seek legal protection against a woman who had stalked him for several years. The individual followed Flynn to various locations and sent him a significant number of unwanted letters and packages. Flynn filed for a restraining order after the behavior began to affect his personal life and sense of safety. The court granted the order to prevent the stalker from making further contact or approaching his residence.

Steven Spielberg

In 1997, the legendary director of ‘Jaws’ was targeted by a stalker named Jonathan Norman who was obsessed with him. Norman was arrested outside the filmmaker’s estate carrying a toolkit that included handcuffs and duct tape. Spielberg sought a permanent restraining order and testified during the criminal trial about the fear he felt for his family’s safety. The legal proceedings resulted in Norman receiving a 25-year prison sentence for his actions.

Share your thoughts on the measures actors must take for their safety in the comments.