Danny Masterson is the actor who played Steven Hyde, the sarcastic, rebellious friend in That ’70s Show , and his later criminal convictions have heavily reshaped how people talk about the series today.

Quick Scoop: Who He Was on That ’70s Show

  • Danny Masterson portrayed Steven Hyde , one of the core six teens in the Fox sitcom That ’70s Show (1998–2006).
  • Hyde is written as the jaded, conspiracy-loving burnout, often the “too cool to care” counterbalance to Eric and Kelso.
  • The role made Masterson a breakout star and defined his TV image through the 2000s.

From Sitcom Fame to Fallout

  • Riding the success of That ’70s Show , Masterson went on to films and other series like Men at Work and The Ranch.
  • On The Ranch , he reunited with Ashton Kutcher until his character was written out after serious rape and assault allegations became public.
  • Fans often note the irony that a character so “laid‑back cool” on screen was linked to such serious accusations off screen.

Criminal Case and Sentencing

  • Masterson was accused by multiple women of rape dating back to the early 2000s.
  • In 2023, he was convicted of raping two women and was sentenced in Los Angeles to 30 years to life in prison.
  • Prosecutors argued he used his status and ties to the Church of Scientology to avoid consequences for years, a claim the church denied.

How It Changed That ’70s Show for Fans

  • Many longtime viewers say they now struggle to rewatch the show, because Hyde is on screen in almost every episode.
  • Some fans try to “separate art from artist” and still enjoy other characters; others say the show is effectively ruined for them.
  • Online discussions often compare it to other cases where a single cast member’s crimes taint an entire beloved series.

Current Conversation and Trending Angle

  • The phrase “from That ’70s Show to prison” has become a common shorthand in videos and podcasts covering his story.
  • Clips and memes circulate about Hyde’s tough‑guy persona contrasted with headlines about his conviction and sentence.
  • Fans also revisit behind‑the‑scenes moments, cast interviews, and their reactions (or silence) as part of the ongoing forum and social media debates.

TL;DR: Danny Masterson, who played Steven Hyde on That ’70s Show , went from breakout sitcom star to being convicted of raping two women and receiving a 30‑years‑to‑life sentence, and that has permanently changed how many viewers feel about the show.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.