Actors Who Were Forced to Sue Their Own Obsessive Stalkers

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Fame can have a downside for popular actors, as intense fan admiration sometimes turns into dangerous obsession. Though security teams offer initial protection, many male celebrities have had to turn to the courts to stay safe. This usually involves getting restraining orders or giving testimony against people whose behavior has become criminal harassment. Here’s a look at some male actors who’ve had to take legal action to protect themselves and their families from obsessive stalkers.

Hugh Jackman

In 2013, Katherine Thurston harassed actor Hugh Jackman, known for playing ‘The Wolverine,’ by following him and throwing an electric razor containing pubic hair at him in a West Village gym. She had previously been seen near his home and his daughter’s school, leading Jackman to seek a permanent restraining order to protect his family. This legal action followed her arrest for stalking.

Jeff Goldblum

For more than ten years, Jeff Goldblum was harassed by a woman named Linda Resa. She repeatedly went onto his property and showed up at his events, even after being told to stay away. In 2012, the ‘Jurassic Park’ actor took legal action when Resa ignored warnings and came to his home. A judge then issued a permanent restraining order, preventing her from getting within 100 yards of him. Goldblum stated that Resa’s actions caused him considerable emotional upset and made him fear for his safety.

Keanu Reeves

In early 2023, Keanu Reeves obtained a temporary restraining order against Bryan Dixon, a 38-year-old man who repeatedly trespassed on his property. Dixon allegedly believed he was related to Reeves and left a DNA test kit in an attempt to prove it, also claiming a familial connection on social media. The court approved the order to protect Reeves and his partner.

Colin Farrell

In 2006, while on ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’, Colin Farrell was unexpectedly approached on stage by a woman named Dessarae Bradford. Bradford had written and self-published a book about Farrell and had been repeatedly threatening him with lawsuits. Farrell obtained a restraining order to protect himself and his family from her. This event is remembered as a rare instance of a stalker directly confronting a celebrity during a live TV show.

John Cusack

In 2013, John Cusack got a restraining order against Elizabeth Pahlke because she was obsessively pursuing him. She allegedly tried to break into his home and sent him many letters expressing her intense feelings. Court documents showed she had been following him around different cities, believing they were destined to be together. The court required her to stay at least 100 yards away from Cusack and his home.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin had to take legal action against Canadian actress Genevieve Sabourin, who repeatedly emailed him and showed up at his houses. The harassment worsened after he got engaged, prompting him to file stalking and harassment charges. During the 2013 trial, Baldwin spoke emotionally about the distress Sabourin caused his family. She was ultimately found guilty and served several months in jail.

Eddie Murphy

In 2010, Eddie Murphy obtained a restraining order against a woman named Bradi Harrison who claimed to be his wife. Harrison had allegedly entered his home and was found by his security team. Court documents revealed she repeatedly showed up at his house and tried to contact his family. A judge then permanently prohibited her from contacting or approaching the actor.

Brad Pitt

In 1999, a devoted fan named Athena Rolando illegally entered Brad Pitt’s Los Angeles home. Pitt’s caretaker found her wearing his clothes from the movie ‘Fight Club’ and sleeping in his bedroom. As a result, Pitt obtained a restraining order, legally requiring Rolando to stay away from him for three years. This event revealed how vulnerable famous actors can be when they’re at the peak of their careers.

David Hasselhoff

In 2011, David Hasselhoff, known for his role in ‘Baywatch,’ secured a three-year restraining order against Christiane Boccara. He took legal action because she repeatedly showed up at his home and insisted they shared a spiritual connection. Hasselhoff explained in court that her behavior was becoming increasingly concerning and he worried for the safety of his daughters. The order legally prevented her from getting within 100 yards of him and his family.

Jerome Flynn

The ‘Game of Thrones’ actor had to get a restraining order against a woman who had been stalking him for years. She repeatedly followed him and sent him unwanted mail and packages. He took legal action because her behavior was disrupting his life and making him feel unsafe. The court approved the order, legally preventing her from contacting him or coming near his home.

Steven Spielberg

In 1997, famed director Steven Spielberg was stalked by a man named Jonathan Norman, who became obsessed with him. Norman was apprehended on Spielberg’s property with a bag containing items like handcuffs and duct tape. Spielberg requested and obtained a permanent restraining order and shared his fears for his family’s safety in court. Norman was ultimately sentenced to 25 years in prison for stalking and related offenses.

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2026-02-21 18:15