Danny Masterson Wasn’t the Only Scientologist in the ‘That ’70s Show’ Cast
Actor Danny Masterson, who played Hyde on That ’70s Show, has a long history with the Church of Scientology. The actor grew up in a family that practiced Scientology. Masterson’s mother raised him and his three siblings, all of whom have acting credits, in the religion. However, Masterson isn’t the only cast member of That ’70s Show affiliated with the church.
Laura Prepon, who dated one of Masterson’s brothers in the early 2000s, also dabbled in the religion for over a decade. Here’s what we know about the relationship these two That ’70s Show alumni have had with Scientology.
‘That ’70s Show’ actor Laura Prepon was a Scientologist
Masterson isn’t the only That ’70s Show star to follow the teachings of the Church of Scientology. Laura Prepon, who played Donna on the show, also has her own unique relationship with Scientology.
Interestingly, Prepon joined the Church of Scientology in 1999 while she was dating Masterson’s brother, Chris Masterson. Chris Masterson is known for playing Francis in Malcolm in the Middle. Even after her split from Chris Masterson in 2007, Prepon remained a member of the church for nearly a decade.
Prepon made her first public statement in 2021 after leaving the Church of Scientology in 2016. In August 2017, Prepon gave birth to her first child, meaning she likely decided to leave the church while she was pregnant.
During her interview, Prepon went on to reveal, “I’m no longer practicing Scientology. I’ve always been very open-minded, even since I was a child. I was raised Catholic and Jewish. I’ve prayed in churches and meditated in temples. I’ve studied Chinese meridian theory. I haven’t practiced Scientology in close to five years, and it’s no longer part of my life.”
Masterson’s initial trial ended in a mistrial in November 2022. According to US Magazine, the second trial date is set for March 29, 2023. If convicted, the That ’70s Show alum could face up to 45 years or a life sentence in state prison.
What’s Danny Masterson’s affiliation with Scientology?
Having grown up in the religion, it’s no surprise that the teachings of Scientology have heavily influenced Masterson.
In 2017, Masterson was accused of sexual assault. Many former Scientologists, like actor Leah Remini, correlate Masterson’s actions to his upbringing in the religion. In her show, Scientology and the Aftermath, Remini interviewed two women who accused Masterson of rape. One of these women was Chrissie Bixler, who dated Masterson for six years. Bixler reported that she was sexually assaulted by Masterson in December 2001.
Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison
In September 2023, Danny Masterson’s second trial concluded after he was found guilty of raping two women from 2001 to 2003. His prison sentence was set at 30 years to life. The former That 70s Show star will serve his sentence in a California state prison.
Laura Prepon did not issue a statement or response following Masterson’s conviction or sentencing. However, former co-stars Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Kurtwood Smith, and Debra Jo Rupp wrote character letters to the judge requesting leniency.
