So, you want to know how much Danny Masterson is worth? Spoiler alert: it’s not as high as you might expect, given his rocky road of scandals. Once known for playing Steven Hyde on That ’70s Show, Danny Masterson’s net worth has taken a few interesting turns over the years—much like his career and, let’s face it, his life. Let’s take a deep dive into the finances of this actor-turned-controversial figure.
Danny Masterson’s Net Worth: The Not-So-Staggering Total
Right now, Danny Masterson’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. Yes, $8 million. It’s not bad if you’re comparing it to, say, a high school teacher’s salary. But when you’re a celebrity who starred in a long-running sitcom and had multiple TV shows under your belt, well, that number might seem a little… underwhelming.
It’s not entirely his fault though (well, mostly). The bulk of his money came from his role as Steven Hyde in That ’70s Show, which ran for eight seasons and made him a household name in the early 2000s. But after the show ended, Masterson’s career trajectory took some hits, largely due to, you know, legal issues that we’ll get into soon. So, let’s explore how his fortune stacked up—and eventually started dwindling.
The “That ’70s Show” Paydays
First things first, let’s talk about where the bulk of Danny Masterson’s net worth came from. That ’70s Show was a massive hit, and it ran from 1998 to 2006. Masterson, as one of the main cast members, earned a solid paycheck for playing the sarcastic and rebellious Steven Hyde. During the peak years of the show, it’s estimated that Masterson made around $250,000 per episode. Not too shabby for a guy who wore sunglasses indoors and barely smiled.
To put it into perspective, that’s around $4 million a season. Considering the show ran for eight seasons, it’s safe to say that Masterson raked in millions just from his time on the show. And, let’s not forget, That ’70s Show is still in syndication, meaning Masterson continues to earn residuals from the reruns. Not a bad deal for a guy who hasn’t really been in the spotlight for a while, right?
But the problem with those big paychecks? They’re not infinite, especially when you’re not exactly raking in new acting gigs.
Post-That ’70s Show: Trying to Keep the Career Alive
After That ’70s Show ended, Masterson did what most actors in his shoes would do—he tried to keep the momentum going. He appeared in a handful of TV shows and films, including a lead role in the Netflix sitcom The Ranch, where he reunited with his former co-star Ashton Kutcher.
For a while, it seemed like Masterson was on track to build on his previous success. His role on The Ranch was reportedly earning him around $100,000 per episode, which, while not quite That ’70s Show money, was still a respectable paycheck. This could have kept Masterson comfortable for a long time.
But, of course, no comeback is that simple. Let’s just say things took a sharp downward turn when his off-screen life started to make headlines.
Legal Troubles: The Not-So-Fun Part of the Story
Here’s where it gets… messy. In 2017, Danny Masterson’s net worth started to take a hit after multiple allegations of sexual assault surfaced against him. These accusations weren’t just small whispers; they became a major scandal, leading to Masterson being fired from The Ranch in 2017.
And it didn’t stop there. Legal battles, including a highly publicized criminal case, have taken a serious toll on both his reputation and his finances. Fighting lawsuits and facing court battles doesn’t come cheap, after all. Plus, Hollywood has a long memory, and those allegations pretty much blacklisted Masterson from landing any new acting gigs. I mean, it’s hard to stay a star when your name is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
With his career stalled, legal fees piling up, and no steady acting income in sight, Masterson’s bank account probably hasn’t been as healthy as it was in the early 2000s. Let’s be real: getting fired from a hit Netflix show isn’t exactly great for your financial prospects.
Endorsements and Other Ventures? Not Really…
If you were hoping to hear about all the side businesses or endorsement deals that have padded Masterson’s net worth, you might be a little disappointed. Unlike some celebrities who diversify their income with savvy business moves, Masterson didn’t seem to dive into the entrepreneurial world.
Sure, he dabbled in some projects here and there, like his involvement in the restaurant business and DJing, but nothing that would make a significant impact on his bottom line. Let’s just say that Danny Masterson isn’t exactly pulling in Kylie Jenner-style cash from a cosmetics line or making waves in the tech world.
What Happened to All the Money?
So, with millions of dollars earned from That ’70s Show and The Ranch, why isn’t Danny Masterson’s net worth higher? Well, we’ve got to factor in those legal fees, lifestyle costs, and the fact that he hasn’t exactly been earning new income in recent years.
When you’re facing multiple lawsuits, lawyers don’t come cheap. And while Masterson is likely still earning some residuals from That ’70s Show, it’s not nearly enough to cover the kind of expenses he’s facing. Add to that the fact that he’s no longer a bankable star in Hollywood, and you start to see why his net worth isn’t in the tens of millions.
Oh, and don’t forget about taxes. Because, yes, even celebrities with shrinking fortunes have to pay Uncle Sam.
What’s Next for Danny Masterson?
Well, that’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? With his acting career on pause (and by “pause,” we mean likely done), it’s hard to say what’s next for Masterson. His focus now seems to be on clearing his name and handling his legal battles, which isn’t exactly a money-making strategy.
If Masterson manages to come out the other side of his legal issues, maybe he’ll try for a career comeback. But given the nature of the allegations and the current Hollywood climate, that seems unlikely. For now, Danny Masterson’s net worth might stay at $8 million, but it’s hard to see it growing unless he pulls off some sort of miracle career reboot.
Conclusion: Danny Masterson’s Net Worth in Context
So, there you have it. While Danny Masterson’s net worth of $8 million might seem like a lot to the average person, it’s not exactly the kind of money you’d expect from someone who starred in one of the biggest sitcoms of the early 2000s. His wealth took a serious hit due to legal troubles and career setbacks, and there’s no telling if he’ll be able to bounce back.
But, hey, at least he’s not broke, right? He’s got more money than most of us will ever see, even if it’s not quite enough to land him in the top tier of Hollywood’s rich and famous. For now, it looks like Danny Masterson’s days of living large might be behind him.