Actresses Who Were Arrested Long Before They Became Famous

Many famous actresses faced legal trouble early in their lives, before becoming Hollywood stars. These issues often happened when they were young or still trying to launch their careers. Some incidents were due to typical youthful mistakes or financial hardship, while others stemmed from their involvement in political or social causes. Learning about these experiences gives us a more complete picture of who these women were before they became famous. Here’s a look at several actresses who were arrested well before achieving their current level of fame.

Nicki Minaj

Before becoming a famous rapper and voice actress (including her work in ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2’), Nicki Minaj was arrested in 2003 for having a weapon. The arrest happened years before she rose to fame, and her mugshot from that time shows a very different side of the artist we know today. She’s hinted at her challenging childhood and past legal issues in her songs and interviews. This early experience highlights her incredible journey from growing up in Queens to achieving global success.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson faced a difficult time in college when she was arrested for shoplifting at Howard University. While a student and facing financial hardship, she attempted to steal items from a department store. Henson has since spoken about this experience as a turning point that helped her prioritize her career. Despite this early mistake, she went on to achieve significant success in Hollywood, appearing in films like ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,’ and becoming a highly respected actress.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish experienced difficult times early in her life, including unstable housing and personal struggles. While building her comedy career, she was arrested for outstanding traffic tickets and other small offenses. These issues occurred before she became famous with her role in ‘Girls Trip’. Haddish frequently incorporates her experiences with foster care and the legal system into her stand-up comedy. Her journey is inspiring to others facing similar obstacles.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne faced legal troubles in the early 2000s that almost derailed her acting career. She was arrested multiple times for things like drunk driving and vandalism. These problems happened after she first became famous as a child, but before her big break with ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Lyonne has openly discussed her battles with addiction and how she turned her life around. Now, she’s a highly respected actress and producer, known for her distinctive and creative work.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez faced some legal troubles early in her career. Soon after gaining recognition in the film ‘Girlfight,’ she was arrested for DUI and leaving the scene of an accident. These problems continued while she was filming the first seasons of ‘Lost,’ and she ultimately went to jail for violating her probation. Since then, she’s overcome these challenges and become a prominent star in action movies.

Nicole Richie

Looking back at the early 2000s, it’s easy to remember Nicole Richie’s rise to fame with ‘The Simple Life,’ but it’s also important to acknowledge her difficult past. Before the reality TV show launched her into the spotlight, she faced some serious legal issues – an arrest for heroin possession and driving with a suspended license. Thankfully, she sought treatment and managed to turn things around. It’s been really impressive to watch her evolve into a successful fashion designer and actress, and she’s proven to be genuinely funny, as we’ve seen in shows like ‘Great News.’ Of course, those early struggles were constantly splashed across the tabloids, but she’s clearly come a long way.

Khloé Kardashian

In 2007, as her family’s reality show was starting, Khloé Kardashian was arrested for drunk driving. She briefly went to jail after violating her probation related to the incident, and this was shown on ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’. Since then, Khloé has built a successful career as an entrepreneur and TV personality, and has often discussed how the experience taught her important lessons about safety and taking responsibility.

Mischa Barton

As a film and TV fan, I remember when Mischa Barton’s DUI and marijuana possession arrest hit the news back in 2007. It was a really big deal at the time, especially since it happened right after she’d finished her run as Marissa on ‘The O.C.’ – it felt like a lot of pressure on a young actress. It really shone a light on how tough things can be for young stars. She’s definitely faced some ongoing struggles since then, legally and personally, but it’s great to see she’s continued to work, showing up in a bunch of indie films and TV projects over the years.

Heather Locklear

In 2008, actress Heather Locklear, known for her role on ‘Dynasty,’ was arrested for driving under the influence after someone reported their concerns. This arrest was the start of a very public battle with personal and legal problems. Before this, Locklear had built a successful and relatively scandal-free career as a well-known television star. The incident brought a lot of attention from the media, focusing on her mental health and overall wellbeing. Since then, she has gotten help and prioritized her privacy.

Rose McGowan

In 1997, Rose McGowan, then a rising actress known for her role in ‘Scream,’ was arrested after a confrontation with a police officer. She has frequently talked about her early Hollywood days as a period of challenging the status quo. Later, McGowan became a prominent voice in exposing wrongdoing within the entertainment industry, and her past legal troubles are often seen as a reflection of her strong and rebellious personality.

Vivica A. Fox

In 2003, actress Vivica A. Fox was arrested for driving under the influence on a California highway. At the time, she was well-known for her roles in movies like ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Kill Bill’. She later apologized for the incident and fulfilled all legal obligations. Throughout the decades, Fox has consistently worked as a successful actress in both film and television, remaining a prominent and influential figure in the entertainment industry, and continues to take on significant projects.

Carmen Electra

In 1999, Carmen Electra was briefly arrested following a disagreement with her husband, Dennis Rodman. This happened shortly after she became well-known for her role on ‘Baywatch’. Although charges were filed against both of them, they were later dismissed. Electra continued her career in entertainment, appearing in comedies and on television, and later focused on modeling and running her own businesses.

Natasha Henstridge

Natasha Henstridge had a brush with the law as a teenager when she was caught shoplifting. This happened before she moved to New York to become a model and actress. She later achieved fame after starring in the sci-fi movie ‘Species’. Henstridge has talked about how this early experience taught her the importance of hard work and staying focused, and she continues to act in both TV shows and films.

Erika Eleniak

Before becoming famous on ‘Baywatch,’ Erika Eleniak had a run-in with the law as a teenager in Southern California when she was arrested for shoplifting. She later overcame this youthful mistake and built a successful career as a model and actress, even appearing in the film ‘Under Siege’ with Steven Seagal. This early incident is rarely discussed in accounts of her life and work today.

Yasmine Bleeth

In 2001, actress Yasmine Bleeth was arrested after police found cocaine in her car following an accident. This happened after her time on the popular show ‘Baywatch,’ but while she was dealing with personal difficulties. She admitted guilt and received probation and was ordered to perform community service. After this, Bleeth mostly withdrew from public life to concentrate on getting better, but she’s still remembered as a prominent face from nineties television.

Mackenzie Phillips

Mackenzie Phillips faced several arrests for drug possession and public intoxication starting in the late 1970s. These problems began during her time as a young star on the sitcom ‘One Day at a Time,’ and were widely publicized. She was even fired from the show multiple times because of them. Eventually, Phillips overcame her addiction and dedicated herself to helping others with recovery. She later returned to acting, appearing in the series ‘So Weird.’

Tatum O’Neal

In 2008, actress Tatum O’Neal, a childhood Oscar winner, was arrested in New York for trying to buy drugs. This occurred during a challenging time in her life, and she has since openly discussed her battles with addiction and the difficulties of growing up famous. O’Neal later wrote a memoir about her experiences and recovery, and she continues to act, with a recent role in the show ‘Rescue Me’.

Linda Blair

At eighteen, just a few years after starring in the hit horror film ‘The Exorcist,’ Linda Blair was arrested for possessing drugs and intending to sell them. This arrest created difficulties for her career as she tried to find roles as an adult. Eventually, she shifted her focus and became a passionate advocate for animal rights, though she has occasionally appeared on television shows and in documentaries since then.

Joyce DeWitt

In 2009, Joyce DeWitt, best known for her role as Janet Wood on the TV show ‘Three’s Company,’ was arrested for driving under the influence in El Segundo, California. As part of her sentence, she was required to complete an alcohol program and pay fines. After the show ended in the eighties, DeWitt largely stayed out of the public eye, but she has continued to act in theater productions nationwide.

Dawn Wells

Dawn Wells, famous for playing Mary Ann on ‘Gilligan’s Island,’ was arrested in Idaho in 2007 for reckless driving and having marijuana in her car. She later reached an agreement with authorities and received probation, with some charges dropped. Despite this surprising incident, which contrasted with her generally wholesome image, Wells remained a popular figure with television fans and continued to appear in public until her death.

Margot Kidder

In the mid-1990s, actress Margot Kidder, best known for playing Lois Lane in the ‘Superman’ movies, experienced a very public mental health crisis. Police found her in distress and she was arrested for trespassing. After getting help and recovering, Kidder became a strong voice for mental health awareness, earning widespread admiration for her courage and openness about her struggles.

Queen Latifah

In 1996, Queen Latifah was arrested after police found a loaded gun and marijuana in her car. This happened early in her career, as she was becoming known as a rapper and for her role on the show ‘Living Single’. She accepted a plea deal, receiving probation and a fine. Latifah later achieved great success in entertainment, even earning an Academy Award nomination for ‘Chicago’, and has consistently used her influence to advocate for positive change.

Kathy Griffin

Before becoming a well-known comedian and actress, Kathy Griffin was briefly arrested for shoplifting as a teenager. She frequently references this incident in her stand-up routines to connect with audiences. Griffin rose to fame with her reality show, ‘Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,’ and appearances in several sitcoms. Though she’s faced many controversies, she continues to be a significant presence in comedy, and the teenage arrest is now a minor detail in her successful career.

Jane Fonda

In 1970, Jane Fonda, a well-known actress and political activist, was arrested at an airport in Cleveland. She was accused of bringing drugs into the country and assaulting a police officer, but the pills turned out to be harmless vitamins and all charges were dropped. The photo taken during her arrest became a famous symbol of the counterculture movement of the time. Even today, Fonda is occasionally arrested for participating in protests, now focused on climate change.

Susan Sarandon

I’ve always admired Susan Sarandon, not just for her incredible talent – she’s won an Academy Award and starred in films like ‘Thelma & Louise’ and ‘Dead Man Walking’ – but also for her unwavering commitment to what she believes in. I was surprised to learn she’s been arrested several times over the years, starting with a protest against police brutality in New York City. It really shows how deeply she cares about social and environmental issues and isn’t afraid to stand up for them, even if it means facing legal consequences. Her activism isn’t just a phase; it’s been a lifelong dedication to making a difference.

Lucy Lawless

You know, it’s pretty cool how Lucy Lawless – Xena herself! – isn’t just an actress, but a real-life activist. Back in 2012, she actually got arrested protesting oil drilling in New Zealand! She climbed onto an oil ship and stayed there for days to raise awareness about protecting the environment. She ended up pleading guilty to trespassing, and had to pay a fine and do some community service. But she didn’t let that stop her – she still juggles acting with her environmental work, and she’s a total icon to a lot of us sci-fi and fantasy fans.

Daryl Hannah

Daryl Hannah, known for her roles in films like ‘Splash’ and ‘Kill Bill’, is also a dedicated environmental activist. Throughout her career, she’s been arrested several times while protesting issues like oil pipelines and the closing of urban farms. She uses her fame to raise awareness about important environmental problems and often participates in acts of civil disobedience with other activists. This commitment to environmental causes has become a significant part of how the public sees her.

Bai Ling

In 2008, actress Bai Ling, known for her roles in films like ‘The Crow’ and ‘Anna and the King,’ was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for stealing magazines and batteries. She later explained that the incident was due to emotional difficulties following a breakup and personal challenges. After paying a fine and fulfilling the terms of her sentence, she continued her acting career and is still working in independent films and making appearances at events.

Jaime Pressly

In 2011, actress Jaime Pressly was arrested for DUI in Santa Monica, not long after finishing her popular role on the show ‘My Name Is Earl’. She accepted a plea deal resulting in probation and required classes. Since then, Pressly has continued to thrive in television, notably with a long-term role on the comedy ‘Mom’. She’s described the experience as a valuable lesson that helped her make positive changes in her life.

Rebecca De Mornay

In 2007, actress Rebecca De Mornay, known for her roles in films like ‘Risky Business’ and ‘The Hand That Rocks the Cradle’, was arrested for driving under the influence. A breathalyzer test revealed she had exceeded the legal alcohol limit. She later accepted a plea bargain, which included probation and a fine, and has continued to work consistently in TV and movies.

Lisa Robin Kelly

Lisa Robin Kelly, known for her role as Laurie Forman on ‘That ’70s Show,’ began facing legal troubles in 2010, including arrests for drunk driving and domestic violence. These issues, along with struggles with substance abuse, were heavily publicized in the media during the later years of her life. Sadly, Kelly passed away in 2013 while receiving treatment. She is best remembered for her early success on television.

Dana Plato

It’s really sad to think about Dana Plato’s story. Most people remember her as a bright young star on ‘Diff’rent Strokes,’ but things got incredibly tough for her after the show ended and she struggled to find consistent work. In 1991, she was actually arrested for robbing a video store in Las Vegas – unbelievably, she used a pellet gun! Witnesses were able to identify her, and while she got probation, she continued to battle problems both legally and in her personal life. Sadly, she passed away in 1999, and it’s a reminder of how difficult the transition can be for child stars and the complicated side of fame.

Erin Moran

Erin Moran, famous for her role as Joanie Cunningham on ‘Happy Days’ and ‘Joanie Loves Chachi,’ faced difficulties later in life, similar to many child stars. After achieving fame, she struggled with financial and personal issues and eventually lived in a trailer park in Indiana. Moran passed away in 2017 after a battle with cancer. She was arrested in 2010 following a domestic incident at her home.

Jodie Sweetin

After ‘Full House’ ended, Jodie Sweetin faced difficult times with addiction. Though she wasn’t always arrested, her struggles were public knowledge among fans. She eventually got sober and shared her story in a memoir called ‘UnSweetined’. Sweetin later returned to TV with the sequel ‘Fuller House’ and now uses her visibility to support others facing addiction.

Maia Campbell

Maia Campbell, a former actress best known for her role on the sitcom ‘In the House’ with LL Cool J, faced several arrests for minor offenses in the 2000s. These legal troubles were often connected to her battles with mental health and substance abuse. She has since appeared on reality TV, showing her efforts to rebuild her life, and continues to be remembered fondly by fans of her earlier work.

Lark Voorhies

Lark Voorhies, best known for her role as Lisa Turtle on ‘Saved by the Bell,’ was arrested in 2015 following a domestic incident with her husband. More recently, she’s been the subject of public concern regarding her health and personal life. Since the show ended, Voorhies has participated in several TV appearances to share updates on her life and career. She continues to be fondly remembered as a prominent figure from 1990s pop culture.

Shailene Woodley

In 2016, actress Shailene Woodley was arrested for trespassing while protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline. She live-streamed the arrest to raise awareness about environmental issues. Already well-known from movies like ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ and the ‘Divergent’ series, Woodley later reached a deal where she was placed on unsupervised probation for a year. She remains an active advocate for environmental causes alongside her acting career.

Juliette Lewis

When Juliette Lewis was sixteen, she was arrested for being at an underground club. This happened as her acting career was starting to take off with roles in films like ‘Cape Fear’. Her father helped her with the legal problems, and the incident contributed to her reputation as a bit of a rebel. Since then, Lewis has enjoyed a successful career as both an actress and a musician, becoming known for her powerful performances and distinctive artistic approach.

Emma Roberts

In 2013, Emma Roberts was briefly arrested in Canada after a disagreement with her boyfriend, Evan Peters. Both were questioned by authorities, but no charges were filed, and they resolved the issue privately. Roberts was already a familiar face thanks to her work on shows like ‘Unfabulous’ and ‘American Horror Story,’ and has continued to be a successful actress in film and television. The incident received a lot of attention from entertainment news at the time.

Shelley Hack

Shelley Hack, who later became famous as a star on ‘Charlie’s Angels’, had a run-in with the law in the 1970s, before she was well-known. She started her career as a model and then moved into acting. After her time on television, she shifted gears again, working in international politics and as a media consultant. Despite this earlier legal trouble, she was able to successfully build a career in public service.

Courtney Love

As a teenager, Courtney Love had some trouble with the law, including an arrest for shoplifting and time spent in a youth detention center. These issues happened before she became famous as the frontwoman of the band Hole and started acting in movies like ‘The People vs. Larry Flynt’. Love has faced many public legal and personal struggles throughout her life, but she’s still a respected and impactful person in music and film. She frequently discusses how her challenging upbringing influenced her creative work.

Bijou Phillips

Bijou Phillips had some trouble with the law as a teenager growing up in New York City. Before becoming an actress in films like ‘Almost Famous’, she was known as a socialite and model. She’s talked about how difficult it was to grow up with a famous family and the stress of becoming famous so young. Later, she found consistent work playing a recurring character on the TV show ‘Raising Hope’. Her early arrests were often discussed in alternative media during the nineties.

Fairuza Balk

Fairuza Balk, known for her roles in popular films like ‘The Craft’ and ‘Almost Famous,’ had a run-in with the law during her youth while participating in a protest. Throughout her career, she’s prioritized artistic projects over becoming a mainstream star, often working on independent films and doing voiceover work. This early activism and the resulting legal issues demonstrate her dedication to her principles.

Paz de la Huerta

I’ve always been fascinated by Paz de la Huerta, and it’s been heartbreaking to follow her story. Back in 2011, while she was a prominent actress on ‘Boardwalk Empire,’ she was arrested after an incident at a New York City hotel. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of her troubles; she’s dealt with a number of public and personal difficulties since then. She’s been really open about the tough realities of being in this industry, and I admire her courage. Thankfully, she’s still working and appearing in interesting, often independent, films, which is great to see.

Kimora Lee Simmons

Kimora Lee Simmons, a successful model and fashion executive, faced legal trouble in 2004 when she was arrested in New Jersey for traffic violations and attempting to avoid police. She later pleaded guilty to reckless driving and received probation. While she’s been featured in reality shows and films, her career achievements have largely eclipsed this earlier incident.

Amber Heard

In 2009, Amber Heard was briefly arrested following a disagreement with a former partner at an airport, but the charges were dropped and the incident wasn’t widely reported at the time. This happened as her acting career was beginning, with roles in films like ‘Pineapple Express’. Years later, she became known for a very public legal case involving her ex-husband, Johnny Depp. She continues to appear in major films, including the ‘Aquaman’ movies.

Megan Fox

When Megan Fox was fifteen, she was arrested for stealing makeup from a department store. This happened before she became famous for her role in ‘Transformers.’ As a result, she was banned from the store. Now a well-known actress and frequent subject of media coverage, Fox has sometimes talked about the incident as a memory from her teenage years.

Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes, a former child and teen television star, experienced a series of difficulties starting with a DUI arrest in 2012. Following that, she faced charges related to hit-and-run incidents and driving with a suspended license. She later decided to leave acting to prioritize her well-being and education, and her fans continue to offer their support as she works towards a more peaceful and stable life.

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2026-02-28 00:21