Danny Masterson said he auditioned for the producers, then for Fox, before landing the role of Steven Hyde on That ’70s Show. He recalled trying eight different character takes at the first audition and starting work on the show two weeks after the network audition. That is Masterson’s account; the available sources do not establish the producers’ definitive reason for choosing him.
How many auditions did Danny Masterson have?
In a 2012 interview with Smashing Interviews Magazine, Masterson described two auditions: one for the producers and another for the Fox network. He said he began the show two weeks after the Fox audition. He was working on The Faculty with Robert Rodriguez at the time, and recalled that the film shortened his part so he could shoot the That ’70s Show pilot. Read the 2012 interview.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
That 70s Show: Season 1 & 2 | $12.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
That '70s Show: Season 3 | $19.60 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
That '70s Show: Season 4 | $15.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
That '70s Show: Season 1 | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
GUSSLM Books Music That '70s Show: The Complete Series | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
What did he do in the audition?
Masterson recalled that auditioners provided little background on the characters. He said Hyde was described as “kind of a deep theorist stoner type.” Rather than settling on one interpretation, Masterson said he tried eight different character takes and got a strong laugh from the people in the room.
He later explained that he developed his approach to Hyde during production, saying in the interview that he had figured out how to play him by about episode four or five. These details are his retrospective recollections, not independently documented production notes.
#1 Best Overall
What was his career background when he joined the show?
Masterson was not new to television. A USA Today feature published on December 11, 1998, and republished by SuperSeventies, described him as 22 and noted his prior regular role on Cybill. The feature characterized the Hyde audition as his easiest audition. That contemporary report supplies career context, but it does not explain the producers’ selection criteria. Read the 1998 feature.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known—and not known—about why he was cast?
The sourced account explains the steps Masterson remembered and what he tried in the audition. It does not provide a definitive production-side explanation for why he won the role. Casting professional G. Charles Wright later discussed general practices such as maintaining contact with agents, but did not recount Masterson’s audition or say he was involved in casting him. His comments are not evidence about this particular decision. Read Wright’s interview.
Rank #2
- Factory sealed DVD
Claims that casting director Debby Romano initially resisted letting Masterson audition because he was older than other cast members are not confirmed by these sources, so they should not be treated as established fact.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- DVD
- Multiple Formats, Box set, Color
- English (Original Language), English (Unknown)
- 3
- 750
Rank #3
- Factory sealed DVD
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
