Danny Masterson – a former Long Islander and actor, and now convicted rapist – was among the Top Ten individuals in Google’s “Year in Search 2023” report.
Masterson, 47, best known for playing the character Steven Hyde in the hit sitcom “That '70s Show,” placed fourth among actors that were searched for by the general public an eighth on the list overall amongst all categories.
Born on Long Island, Masterson – who is a member of the Church of Scientology – grew up in Albertson, Garden City and East Williston.
Searches for Masterson reached their peak at the end of May of this year, after the disgraced actor was found guilty following a retrial of raping two women, with a third charge being dropped; a previous 2022 trial on the charges was declared a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury.
Google searches on Masterson again spiked on September 7 when he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison, with parole eligibility after serving 25.5 years.
Masterson's lawyers have vowed to appeal the conviction.
Bijou Phillips, Masterson's wife’s – who share a daughter – filed for divorce after his sentencing.