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From Sitcom Star to Serial Rapist: The Disturbing Tale of Danny Masterson
In the early 2000s, actor Danny Masterson was a recognizable face in the world of television. Once a star on the hit series That 70s Show, Masterson is now looking at life in prison
This article originally appeared on the true crime newsletter Tales From the Underworld. Subscribe for new and exclusive historical true crime content.
Guest Post by Kates Lara
Actor Danny Masterson rose to fame as a cast member of the popular television program That ’70s Show. Masterson portrayed the wise-cracking and sarcastic Stephen Hyde, a role that made him a fan favorite.
But decades later, his name became synonymous with stories of abuse and sexual assault. What really happened behind closed doors, and how did a beloved TV star fall so far?
Early Life
Danny Masterson was born on March 13, 1976, in Long Island, New York, to Carol Masterson, a manager, and Peter Masterson, an insurance agent. He spent his early years in Garden City and East Williston, New York, and at the tender age of four, Danny began modeling.
His cherubic face and natural charisma in front of the camera quickly made him a favorite in the advertising industry.
By age five, he began his acting career, eventually appearing in more than one hundred advertisements for well-known brands like Kellogg’s, Tang, Hostess, and Clearasil. It wasn’t just about selling products but also about selling a persona.
His upbeat, relatable energy made him a favorite in households across America throughout the 1980s. These early experiences honed his on-screen presence and instilled in him an understanding of the industry’s workings.
