LGBTQ+ Actors Who Lost Fortunes

The entertainment industry is known for its volatility, where immense wealth can be accumulated quickly and lost just as fast. For many actors within the LGBTQ+ community, financial instability has stemmed from a variety of causes, ranging from legal battles and cancellations to discriminatory firing practices in earlier eras. While some managed to rebuild their careers, others faced significant long-term financial setbacks that depleted their earnings. This list explores the stories of male actors and public figures who navigated these challenging economic downturns.

Kevin Spacey

Once one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, Spacey faced a rapid financial decline following numerous allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017. He was fired from the hit series ‘House of Cards’ and ordered to pay millions in arbitration damages to the production company for breach of contract. The actor revealed in interviews that he faced foreclosure on his Baltimore home and owed substantial legal debts. His career came to a halt, effectively cutting off the income needed to sustain his previous lifestyle and mounting legal fees.

Jussie Smollett

Smollett was a rising star on the drama ‘Empire’ before a staged hate crime scandal destroyed his career and finances. The actor was ordered to pay restitution and fines, while also facing a lawsuit from the City of Chicago for the cost of the police investigation. His removal from the show resulted in the loss of a lucrative salary that was reportedly increasing with each season. Legal bills and a lack of new acting work have significantly impacted his net worth since the incident.

Michael Barrymore

This British comedian and presenter was one of the highest-paid stars on television during the 1990s. His fortune and career collapsed after a man was found dead in his swimming pool in 2001, leading to years of legal scrutiny and public backlash. Barrymore filed for bankruptcy in the UK as his income sources dried up and legal costs mounted. He later sued the police for wrongful arrest and won nominal damages, but the compensation was far less than the millions he had lost in potential earnings.

Andy Dick

Known for his role in ‘NewsRadio’ and his erratic comedy style, Dick has faced numerous legal battles that have depleted his net worth. His struggles with substance abuse led to multiple arrests and job losses, making him uninsurable for many major productions. The comedian has experienced periods of homelessness and financial instability, often relying on small gigs and online streaming for income. His chaotic personal life has overshadowed his acting talent, preventing him from maintaining the wealth he accrued in the 1990s.

Aaron Carter

The pop singer and actor, who came out as bisexual later in his life, filed for bankruptcy in 2013 with millions of dollars in debt. Carter owed a significant amount in back taxes to the IRS, which he attributed to financial mismanagement during his years as a child star. His earnings were further strained by legal issues and stints in rehabilitation facilities. despite attempted comebacks, his financial struggles persisted until his untimely death.

Duncan James

As a member of the boy band Blue and a soap opera actor, James enjoyed significant wealth during the early 2000s. He filed for bankruptcy in 2013, citing the property market crash as a primary reason for his financial ruin. James had invested heavily in real estate for his family, but the value of the homes plummeted, leaving him with unmanageable debt. He has since worked to rebuild his finances through various television appearances and acting roles.

Lee Ryan

Another member of the band Blue and a recurring actor on ‘EastEnders’, Ryan also faced severe financial difficulties. He became the final member of his group to file for bankruptcy in 2015, following aggressive actions by a debt collection agency. The performer struggled with money management and fines, including a substantial penalty for failing to provide driver information. His financial woes were compounded by a throat condition that temporarily affected his ability to perform and earn.

Joe Exotic

The star of ‘Tiger King’ experienced a total financial collapse following a long-standing feud with activist Carole Baskin. A trademark infringement lawsuit resulted in a judgment of approximately one million dollars against him, which he could not pay. His assets, including his zoo and animals, were eventually seized or transferred as part of the legal outcomes. His subsequent imprisonment for murder-for-hire charges solidified the loss of his livelihood and property.

Richard Hatch

Hatch gained fame and a million-dollar prize as the first winner of the reality competition ‘Survivor’. He failed to report these earnings to the IRS, leading to a conviction for tax evasion and a prison sentence. The legal battle and subsequent incarceration drained his winnings and left him with significant financial liabilities. His attempts to return to reality television have been sporadic, and the tax issues severely damaged his long-term financial health.

Billy Porter

Despite his critical acclaim and success in ‘Pose’, Porter revealed he had to sell his home due to the financial strain of the 2023 Hollywood strikes. The actor stated that he was living “check-to-check” and that the halt in production dried up his income stream. He spoke openly about the misconception that all actors are wealthy, highlighting the fragility of financial security in the industry. The sale of his property was a direct measure to ensure stability during the work stoppage.

Todrick Hall

The multi-talented performer and actor has faced multiple lawsuits regarding unpaid rent and compensation for employees. In one high-profile instance, he was sued for owing tens of thousands of dollars in back rent on a luxury home in Los Angeles. Dancers and crew members have also alleged non-payment for their work on his videos and tours, leading to legal disputes. These financial controversies have frequently made headlines, challenging his public image and bank balance.

Boy George

The Culture Club frontman and stage actor faced a period of financial difficulty during the height of his addiction issues. He was later sued by a former bandmate for lost earnings, which resulted in a significant payout that impacted his finances. Legal costs associated with his 2008 conviction for false imprisonment further drained his resources. He was also banned from touring the United States for several years, cutting off a major source of revenue.

William Haines

In the 1930s, Haines was a top box office draw for MGM until he was given an ultimatum to enter a sham marriage to cover up his homosexuality. He refused to leave his partner, Jimmy Shields, leading the studio to fire him and terminate his lucrative contract. While he lost his acting fortune overnight, he successfully pivoted to interior design, eventually rebuilding his wealth in a different field. His story remains a prominent example of the financial price gay actors paid in Old Hollywood.

Sal Mineo

After rising to fame in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’, Mineo struggled to transition from teen idol to adult actor. His career stalled as studios typecast him, and leading roles became scarce, leading to a significant drop in income. By the 1970s, he was facing financial difficulties and had to rely on theater work to make ends meet. He was in the process of reviving his career when he was tragically murdered in 1976.

Rupert Everett

Everett has spoken candidly about how coming out as gay in 1989 negatively impacted his earning potential in Hollywood. He stated that he lost out on leading man roles that went to straight actors, significantly reducing his career earnings for over a decade. He eventually found success again with ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’, but the intervening years were financially leaner than they would have been for a closeted star. He continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ actors, citing his own lost fortune as a cautionary tale.

John Barrowman

The ‘Torchwood’ and ‘Doctor Who’ star faced professional fallout when allegations of inappropriate behavior on set resurfaced in 2021. He was removed from several high-profile projects, including an interactive theatre show and a role on ‘Dancing on Ice’. The cancellation of these contracts resulted in a significant loss of immediate and future income. Barrowman has since spoken about the mental and financial toll the “blacklisting” took on his life.

Perez Hilton

Before becoming a notorious gossip blogger and reality star, Hilton pursued acting but found himself buried in debt. He filed for bankruptcy in 2005, citing tens of thousands of dollars in credit card debt and student loans. His financial situation was dire before his blog began to generate substantial revenue. While he eventually made a fortune, his early career in the entertainment industry was marked by insolvency.

Big Freedia

The bounce music artist and reality TV personality pleaded guilty to theft of government funds in 2016. Freedia was charged with accessing Section 8 housing vouchers while earning an income that exceeded the eligibility limit. The court ordered restitution of roughly $34,000 and imposed a substantial fine. The legal proceedings and repayment requirements were a financial blow during a peak time in Freedia’s career.

Share your thoughts on these stories and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ talent in the comments.