Actors Who Have Served Time In Prison

As a movie critic, I’ve always been fascinated by the hidden stories behind the stars we see on screen. It’s not always glamour and red carpets; sometimes there’s a past filled with challenges, even legal troubles. We often hear about actors overcoming adversity, but it’s surprising how many have actually served time in prison. This isn’t about judging, but acknowledging that life takes unexpected turns, sometimes before they hit it big, or during a difficult period in their career. I’ve put together a look at several male actors who, over the years, have faced time behind bars for a variety of offenses.

Robert Downey Jr.

In the late 1990s, the actor was sent to state prison for almost a year due to several drug-related arrests and breaking the terms of his parole. He received treatment at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran during a difficult time in his life, before successfully rebuilding his career with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In 2015, the Governor of California granted him a full pardon.

Danny Trejo

During the 1960s, he served several years in California prisons, including San Quentin and Folsom, mainly for drug-related offenses and robbery. While in prison, he became a skilled boxer and successfully completed a rehabilitation program. These experiences ultimately led to his first acting job, playing a prisoner in the movie ‘Runaway Train’.

Mark Wahlberg

As a young man, he received a two-year prison sentence following an assault in Boston. He spent about 45 days of that sentence at Deer Island House of Correction, and has often described the experience as a crucial moment that motivated him to turn his life around. He later achieved great success as a musician and then became a prominent actor in Hollywood.

Tim Allen

In the late 1970s, the actor spent over two years in a federal prison in Minnesota after being arrested with a significant amount of cocaine at an airport. He could have faced a much longer prison sentence, but during his time inside, he developed his comedic talent by performing for other inmates. After being released, he built a successful career as a stand-up comedian and went on to star in the popular TV show ‘Home Improvement’.

Wesley Snipes

The actor was sentenced to three years in federal prison for not filing his taxes. After years of fighting the charges in court, he began his sentence at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in 2010. He was released in 2013, but finished serving his time under house arrest. The legal issues happened at the height of his success as a leading action movie star and received significant media attention.

Christian Slater

In the late 1990s, the actor spent fifty-nine days in a California jail and rehab center after being involved in an assault and substance abuse incident. Since then, he’s built a successful career, including a role in the TV show ‘Mr. Robot,’ and often talks about learning from his past errors as a key part of becoming a better person.

Sean Penn

In the late 1980s, the actor served thirty-three days in a Los Angeles county jail after assaulting someone while working on a movie set. This happened while he was already on probation for a prior assault conviction. He was initially sentenced to sixty days, but his sentence was reduced due to good behavior. Despite this incident, he went on to have a highly successful career, winning several Academy Awards over the following decades.

Bill Cosby

The actor spent almost three years in a Pennsylvania state prison after being convicted of aggravated indecent assault. He began his sentence at the State Correctional Institution at Phoenix in 2018. However, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court later overturned his conviction because of a prior agreement he had with the prosecutor. He was released from prison soon after the court’s decision in 2021.

Sanjay Dutt

The famous Bollywood actor was imprisoned in India for several years after being found with illegal weapons connected to the 1993 Mumbai bombings. He served multiple sentences at Yerwada Central Jail as his case went through the courts. He was ultimately released in 2016 after finishing his five-year sentence, and his life was later made into the movie ‘Sanju’.

Salman Khan

The Bollywood actor has faced multiple jail terms for offenses including illegal hunting and a traffic accident. In 2018, he was convicted of killing endangered blackbucks while filming a movie and sentenced to five years in prison, though he was released on bail after a short time in Jodhpur Central Jail. Despite these legal troubles, he continues to be a highly successful and popular figure in Indian film.

Charles S. Dutton

As a young man, he was convicted of manslaughter after a fight and spent several years in prison. It was during this time that he discovered his love for acting – he read a play and started a drama group for fellow inmates. After being released, he went on to earn a degree from the Yale School of Drama and became a successful actor in both theater and television. He’s particularly well-known for playing the lead role in the TV series ‘Roc’.

Lane Garrison

I was really shocked to learn about the actor’s past. He spent almost two years in prison in California after being involved in a car accident where someone died. Apparently, he’d pleaded guilty to charges like drunk driving resulting in a fatality and giving alcohol to someone underage. He got out in 2009 and has been working hard to get his acting career back on track ever since. I probably recognize him best as Tweener from ‘Prison Break’ – he was great in that show!

Michael Jace

In 2014, the actor was given a prison sentence of forty years to life for the murder of his wife. He was found guilty of second-degree murder following a trial that revealed a history of domestic issues. He is now incarcerated at Corcoran State Prison in California. He was widely recognized for his role as a police officer on the popular TV show ‘The Shield’.

Ricardo Medina Jr.

The actor served time in prison for the death of his roommate, which was ruled a voluntary manslaughter involving a sword. He was initially accused of murder, but in 2017, he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge. He received a six-year sentence and was released after serving part of it. He was previously well-known for appearing in various ‘Power Rangers’ shows and movies.

Ryan Grantham

After admitting to killing his mother, the young actor received a life sentence in prison. Before turning himself in, he had also planned attacks on government officials. He’s now incarcerated in a Canadian prison and won’t be eligible for parole for at least fourteen years. He was previously known for his roles in television shows, including the series ‘Riverdale’.

Mike Tyson

After being convicted of rape, he spent three years in an Indiana prison in the early 1990s. He was released in 1995 and later became a famous actor, best known for his role in ‘The Hangover’. Despite his past, he successfully rebuilt his career and became a prominent figure in both sports and entertainment. His time in prison remains a significant and often-discussed part of his life story.

50 Cent

As a teenager, he completed a six-month shock incarceration program due to drug-related charges. He had been arrested for selling drugs to an undercover police officer in New York. This challenging period happened before he became famous as a musician and later as an actor and producer. He often draws on these early experiences when creating his work, including the show ‘Power’.

T.I.

He was imprisoned for roughly a year on weapons charges related to trying to buy machine guns, serving his time at the Forrest City Federal Correctional Institution in Arkansas. Soon after being released, he briefly returned to prison for violating his probation. Since then, he’s gone on to appear in popular movies like ‘Ant-Man’ and its sequel.

DMX

Throughout his life, the actor and rapper faced multiple prison terms for offenses ranging from drug possession to animal cruelty. Over several decades, he was incarcerated in facilities in Arizona and New York, including a year-long sentence in federal prison for tax evasion. Despite these challenges, he built a career starring in action movies like ‘Exit Wounds’ and ‘Cradle 2 the Grave’.

Ja Rule

The actor was imprisoned for two years after being convicted of trying to possess a weapon and failing to pay taxes. He served his time at Mid-State Correctional Facility in New York and was released in 2013. After getting out of prison, he resumed his acting career, appearing in independent movies and reality TV shows. He’s best known for his work in films like ‘The Fast and the Furious’ and ‘Half Past Dead’.

C-Murder

The actor and rapper is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of a teenager that occurred at a nightclub in 2002. He’s been in the Louisiana State Penitentiary for many years, but has continued to release music and stay in the public eye through his legal efforts. Before his conviction, he appeared in the film ‘Da Game of Life’.

R. Kelly

As a film fan, it’s really unsettling to think about the whole situation with him. He’s now facing a very long prison sentence after being found guilty of serious crimes like racketeering and exploitation. Before all of this, he was a singer who also popped up in a few movies and even contributed music to a lot of films – I remember seeing his name in the credits of several. It’s just sad to see someone who was once involved in the entertainment world end up like this, especially after years of legal struggles across different courts.

Stephen Fry

When I first heard about it, I was shocked, but learning that this actor spent three months in jail as a teenager for credit card fraud really changed how I saw him. Apparently, back in the late seventies, he was caught using a stolen card and ended up at Pucklechurch Remand Centre. He’s often spoken about how that experience was actually a turning point, pushing him to get his life on track and focus on his education. It’s incredible to think that someone who started down that path could become such a respected and talented figure in British film and television – a true testament to second chances, if you ask me.

Kiefer Sutherland

The actor spent 48 days in jail due to multiple DUI convictions. He began his sentence in late 2007, while still working on the popular show ’24’. Rather than serving his time on weekends, he opted to complete the entire sentence at once to avoid interfering with filming. He’s since spoken candidly about the experience and how it changed him.

Tommy Lee

In 1998, the musician and actor served six months in jail after being convicted of domestic violence against his then-wife, Pamela Anderson. Following his release from the Los Angeles county jail, he was required to perform community service. He’s since appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including the biographical movie ‘The Dirt’.

Dustin Diamond

In 2016, the actor, best known for playing Screech on ‘Saved by the Bell,’ was released from a Wisconsin jail after serving most of a three-month sentence. He’d been arrested for disorderly conduct and carrying a hidden weapon following a fight at a bar where someone was stabbed with a small knife. He was released early due to good behavior.

Lawrence Tierney

Throughout his career, the actor repeatedly faced jail time because of his aggressive outbursts and drinking. He was arrested numerous times over many years for fighting in bars and refusing to cooperate with police. Despite being known as a troublemaker, he gave an unforgettable performance in the movie ‘Reservoir Dogs’. Legal issues were a recurring problem throughout his long and successful time in Hollywood.

Tony Sirico

Before becoming a well-known actor, he spent twenty months in prison for robbery and possessing weapons. He was incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in the early 1970s. He credits seeing a performance by former convicts while in prison with sparking his interest in acting. He later became famous for playing Paulie Walnuts in the television series ‘The Sopranos’.

Robert Mitchum

In 1948, he spent 43 days in jail and on a work farm after being arrested for possessing marijuana. This caused a big scandal that could have ruined his promising Hollywood career. Luckily, his reputation as a strong, masculine actor helped him get through the difficult time and stay popular with audiences. Years later, his conviction was officially canceled and removed from his record.

James Brown

The acclaimed performer and actor spent three years in a South Carolina prison after being convicted of aggravated assault and evading police. In 1988, he led officers on a high-speed chase that spanned two states, resulting in his incarceration. He was paroled in 1991 and successfully continued his career in both music and film, becoming known for roles in films like ‘The Blues Brothers’ and ‘Rocky IV’.

Tom Sizemore

Throughout the early 2000s, the actor faced repeated legal trouble and served time in California prisons and jails for drug offenses and domestic violence. Despite being a talented character actor known for his roles in films like ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Black Hawk Down’, his addiction and legal issues frequently disrupted his career.

Tupac Shakur

In the mid-1990s, the actor and rapper spent nine months in a New York state prison after being convicted of sexual abuse. He was held at the Clinton Correctional Facility, even as his music and movies were becoming more popular. He was released on bail in late 1995 while appealing the conviction. Before his death, he had earned praise for his roles in films such as ‘Juice’ and ‘Poetic Justice’.

Edward Furlong

I’ve been a fan of him since ‘Terminator 2,’ when he was this amazing child star. It’s been heartbreaking to watch him struggle over the years, though. He’s battled addiction for a long time, and it’s led to a lot of run-ins with the law – mostly probation issues and, sadly, charges of domestic violence. Each time he’s been in jail, it’s really set him back, making it hard to build a steady career in Hollywood. You really want to see him succeed, but it’s been a tough road.

Chuck Zito

During the mid-1980s, he spent six years in federal prison due to a drug conspiracy conviction. Before his acting career, he was a prominent member of the Hells Angels and worked protecting celebrities. After being released from prison, he found success as an actor, landing a recurring role on the show ‘Oz’ and appearing in numerous films and TV series, often playing tough-guy characters.

Felonious Munk

After spending six years in prison for a drug-related robbery, he found an outlet in writing and comedy to help him cope and rebuild his life. He went on to become a successful stand-up comedian and actor, and is now known for his role in the TV series ‘For Life’.

Shelley Malil

The actor spent eight years in a California state prison for trying to harm his ex-girlfriend. He was initially given a life sentence with the chance for parole following a violent event in 2008. After a review board decided he no longer posed a danger, he was granted parole in 2018. Before his imprisonment, he had a role in the popular comedy film ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’.

Tommy Chong

The actor and comedian spent nine months in federal prison after being connected to a business that sold items used for illegal drugs. He was caught during a major investigation into the online sale of glass pipes, and began his sentence at the Taft Correctional Institution in California in late 2003. Despite this, he continues to be a well-known entertainer and actively speaks out in favor of changes to the law.

Paul Kelly

In the late 1920s, the actor spent twenty-five months in San Quentin prison after being convicted of manslaughter. The conviction stemmed from a fight with a man over a woman, which tragically resulted in the man’s death. Despite this difficult period, he successfully revived his career, appearing in many films over the years. He later capped off his achievements with a Tony Award for his work in theater.

Share your thoughts on these surprising celebrity stories in the comments.

2026-02-11 06:55