25 Famous Actors Who Have Been Behind Bars
Some of Hollywood’s brightest stars have faced shadows off-screen, landing in legal trouble that led to prison time. From drug charges to violent crimes, these actors have seen the inside of a cell, proving fame doesn’t shield anyone from the law.
I’ve put together a list of 25 famous actors who’ve served time, diving into their stories with key details about their careers and the incidents that changed their paths. Each actor’s journey offers a glimpse into how mistakes can reshape even the most celebrated lives.
Danny Trejo
Known for tough-guy roles in films like ‘Machete’ (2010) and ‘Desperado’ (1995), Danny Trejo’s early life was far from Hollywood glamour. He battled addiction and crime as a young man, spending time in and out of California prisons.
Trejo’s youth involved drug deals starting at age seven and multiple arrests by his teens. He served time in the 1960s, including a stint in San Quentin, where he met Charles Manson. Released in 1969, he turned his life around, embracing sobriety and acting, becoming a fan favorite for his gritty authenticity.
Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg, star of ‘Ted’ (2012) and ‘The Departed’ (2006), had a troubled youth in Boston before his Hollywood rise. As a teen, he was involved in violent crimes that landed him in serious trouble.
At 16, Wahlberg attacked two Vietnamese men, knocking one unconscious and injuring another. Charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to assault and served 45 days of a two-year sentence at Deer Island House of Correction. He later credited this time as a turning point, pushing him to leave crime behind for acting.
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr., iconic as Tony Stark in ‘Iron Man’ (2008) and ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019), faced a turbulent period marked by addiction. His struggles with drugs led to multiple run-ins with the law.
In the late 1990s, Downey’s repeated parole violations for drug-related charges resulted in nearly a year in a California prison and treatment facility from 1999 to 2000. His journey to sobriety transformed him into one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, proving redemption is possible.
Sean Penn
Sean Penn, celebrated for ‘Mystic River’ (2003) and ‘Milk’ (2008), has a fiery reputation that once landed him behind bars. His temper got the better of him during a film shoot in the 1980s.
In 1987, while on probation, Penn assaulted an extra on the set of ‘Colors’. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail but served 33 days. This incident didn’t derail his career, as he went on to win two Oscars for his powerful performances.
Wesley Snipes
Wesley Snipes, known for ‘Blade’ (1998) and ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ (1992), faced legal trouble over financial issues. His failure to file taxes led to a serious clash with the law.
Convicted in 2008 for three misdemeanor counts of not filing federal tax returns, Snipes served three years in prison from 2010 to 2013. He later reflected on the experience as a chance to gain clarity, returning to acting in films like ‘The Expendables 3’ (2014).
Michael Jace
Michael Jace, recognized for his role as Officer Julien Lowe in ‘The Shield’ (2002-2008), committed a tragic crime that shocked fans. His personal life took a dark turn in a moment of jealousy.
In 2014, Jace shot and killed his wife, April, in their Los Angeles home in front of their two young sons. Convicted of murder, he was sentenced to 40 years in prison in 2016. The motive stemmed from his belief that she was unfaithful.
Danny Masterson
Danny Masterson, best known as Steven Hyde in ‘That ‘70s Show’ (1998-2006), faced severe consequences after allegations of sexual misconduct. His legal battle drew widespread attention.
In 2023, Masterson was convicted of two counts of rape involving three women, crimes committed between 2001 and 2003. Sentenced to 30 years to life, he remains in prison, marking a steep fall from his sitcom fame.
Tim Allen
Tim Allen, beloved for ‘Home Improvement’ (1991-1999) and voicing Buzz Lightyear in ‘Toy Story’ (1995), had a troubled past before comedy stardom. His early life involved serious criminal activity.
In 1978, Allen was caught with over a pound of cocaine at a Michigan airport. He pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and served over two years in federal prison, released in 1981. This experience pushed him toward a cleaner life and a successful career.
Christian Slater
Christian Slater, star of ‘Heathers’ (1988) and ‘Mr. Robot’ (2015-2019), faced legal issues tied to his wild lifestyle in the late 1980s. His reckless behavior led to time behind bars.
In 1989, Slater was arrested for drunk driving and evading police after a car chase, resulting in a 10-day jail sentence. He returned to jail in 1998 for nearly two months after assaulting his girlfriend while under the influence, but he later rebuilt his career.
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan, known for ‘Mean Girls’ (2004) and ‘The Parent Trap’ (1998), struggled with addiction and legal troubles that marked her early career. Her issues led to brief but notable jail time.
In 2010, Lohan was sentenced to 90 days for violating probation by missing alcohol education classes. Due to overcrowding, she served only two weeks. Her public struggles didn’t stop her from attempting comebacks in acting and producing.
Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland, iconic as Jack Bauer in ‘24’ (2001-2010), faced legal trouble tied to alcohol. His recurring issues with drinking led to a stint behind bars.
In 2007, Sutherland was arrested for DUI and violating probation from a prior charge. He served 48 days in jail. Despite this setback, he continued to deliver strong performances in film and television, maintaining his status as a leading actor.
Will Smith
Will Smith, known for ‘Men in Black’ (1997) and ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990-1996), had a brush with the law before his rise to fame. His early days in Philadelphia were rocky.
At 16, Smith was involved in an assault, serving 50 days in prison. This experience motivated him to focus on music and acting, transforming him into one of Hollywood’s biggest stars with a career spanning decades.
Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry, celebrated for ‘V for Vendetta’ (2005) and ‘Blackadder’ (1983-1989), faced legal trouble as a young man. His rebellious streak led to a brief but impactful jail stint.
At 17, Fry was convicted of credit card fraud and spent three months in Pucklechurch prison. This early misstep didn’t define him, as he went on to become a beloved actor, comedian, and writer, known for his wit and charm.
Felicity Huffman
Felicity Huffman, known for ‘Desperate Housewives’ (2004-2012) and ‘Transamerica’ (2005), was caught up in a high-profile scandal. Her actions to secure her daughter’s future backfired.
In 2019, Huffman pleaded guilty to fraud in the college admissions scandal, paying to boost her daughter’s SAT scores. She served 11 days of a 14-day sentence, paid a fine, and completed community service, later expressing regret for her choices.
Lori Loughlin
Lori Loughlin, famous for ‘Full House’ (1987-1995) and ‘When Calls the Heart’ (2014-2021), was also implicated in the college admissions scandal. Her involvement shocked her fanbase.
Loughlin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud after paying to get her daughters into college. She served two months in prison in 2020, followed by community service. She’s since worked to rebuild her acting career.
Jamie Waylett
Jamie Waylett, known as Vincent Crabbe in the ‘Harry Potter’ series (2001-2011), faced legal trouble tied to civil unrest. His actions during a chaotic event led to consequences.
In 2011, Waylett was convicted of violent disorder during the London riots, receiving a two-year sentence. His time in the spotlight ended, and he stepped away from acting after his release.
Michelle Rodriguez
Michelle Rodriguez, star of ‘The Fast and the Furious’ (2001) and ‘Lost’ (2004-2010), faced repeated legal issues tied to driving. Her troubles with alcohol led to multiple arrests.
In 2007, Rodriguez violated probation after a DUI arrest and was sentenced to 180 days in jail but served 18 days due to overcrowding. She’s since focused on her career, continuing to shine in action roles.
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage, known for ‘National Treasure’ (2004) and ‘Face/Off’ (1997), had a brief but dramatic encounter with the law. His personal life spilled into public trouble.
In 2011, Cage was arrested in New Orleans after a drunken argument with his wife, charged with domestic abuse and disturbing the peace. He spent a night in jail before charges were dropped, allowing him to return to his prolific career.
Russell Brand
Russell Brand, star of ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ (2008) and ‘Get Him to the Greek’ (2010), faced legal trouble during a heated moment. His impulsive actions led to a quick arrest.
In 2012, Brand was arrested for allegedly throwing a photographer’s phone through a window in New Orleans. He spent a brief time in jail, paid a fine, and moved on, continuing his work in comedy and acting.
Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen, known for ‘Two and a Half Men’ (2003-2011) and ‘Platoon’ (1986), faced legal issues tied to his personal struggles. His volatile behavior led to a notable incident.
In 2009, Sheen was arrested for assaulting his then-wife, Brooke Mueller, in Aspen. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault, serving 30 days in jail. Sheen later returned to television, remaining a controversial figure.
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson, director and star of ‘Braveheart’ (1995) and ‘The Passion of the Christ’ (2004), faced legal trouble tied to alcohol. His actions during a traffic stop made headlines.
In 2006, Gibson was arrested for DUI in Malibu, making antisemitic remarks during the incident. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges, serving three days in jail and entering rehab. He continued his career despite the controversy.
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg, who appeared in ‘Training Day’ (2001) and ‘Starsky & Hutch’ (2004), faced legal issues early in his career. His involvement in a violent incident led to serious charges.
In 1993, Snoop was charged with murder in a shooting case but was acquitted. He later served time for drug and weapons charges in the early 2000s, spending brief periods in jail before focusing on music and acting.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber, who starred in ‘Justin Bieber: Never Say Never’ (2011), faced legal trouble during his teen idol days. His reckless behavior led to a high-profile arrest.
In 2014, Bieber was arrested in Miami for DUI and resisting arrest after a street race. He spent a night in jail, paid a fine, and avoided further time, continuing his music career with renewed focus.
Jay Johnston
Jay Johnston, known for ‘Bob’s Burgers’ (2011-2023) and ‘Arrested Development’ (2003-2019), faced consequences for his actions during a national event. His involvement shocked fans.
In 2024, Johnston was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for his role in the January 6 Capitol attack, obstructing police with a stolen riot shield. His acting career has since stalled.
Cameron Douglas
Cameron Douglas, who appeared in ‘Wonder Boys’ (2000) and ‘The Runner’ (1999), struggled with addiction like his father, Michael Douglas. His drug issues led to serious legal trouble.
In 2010, Douglas pleaded guilty to heroin possession and conspiracy to distribute, receiving a five-year sentence. Additional drug charges in prison extended his time to nearly seven years, released in 2016, after which he pursued acting and writing.
Which actor’s story surprised you most, or did I miss anyone with a notable tale? Share your thoughts in the comments!