Actresses Who Were in Huge Debts
Money troubles have touched performers at every level of fame. Some of the biggest names in film and television have faced bankruptcies, tax liens, court judgments, or steep legal bills that pushed them into serious debt. These stories often involve a mix of missed taxes, risky investments, bad contracts, or life events that spiraled into financial crises.
What follows is a look at actresses who publicly dealt with large debts and how those situations unfolded. Each entry focuses on concrete details such as filings, fines, court outcomes, and the steps they took afterward, from selling assets to taking new projects to stabilize their finances.
Judy Garland
Judy Garland struggled for years with unpaid taxes and heavy obligations that built up under managers and former spouses. Tax liens and mounting bills forced the sale of assets, and she returned to live performance to generate fast income.
She later signed on for television with ‘The Judy Garland Show’ to secure steady pay. The series and concert tours were part of a sustained effort to manage outstanding liabilities and satisfy government claims.
Debbie Reynolds
Debbie Reynolds took on significant debt after investing in a Las Vegas hotel and casino venture that failed. The collapse left her with large obligations and she ultimately filed for bankruptcy in the late 1990s.
To address creditors, she auctioned Hollywood memorabilia she had collected over decades, including high profile costumes. She continued working on stage and screen to rebuild finances after the court process.
Doris Day
After her husband and manager Martin Melcher died, Doris Day learned that her savings were gone and that she faced substantial debts. She took on television work with ‘The Doris Day Show’ to create reliable income while sorting out the shortfall.
She sued attorney Jerome Rosenthal over financial mismanagement and won a large civil judgment. The legal victory and new earnings allowed her to repay obligations and restore stability.
Kim Basinger
Kim Basinger filed for bankruptcy in the early 1990s after a breach of contract case tied to her exit from ‘Boxing Helena’. The judgment created liabilities that exceeded her available cash and forced a court supervised restructuring.
She sold assets, including her interest in the small Georgia town of Braselton, to raise funds. A later settlement reduced the final amount owed, and she resumed steady work to move past the case.
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan faced federal and state tax liens after unpaid assessments from peak earning years. Government levies and penalties created immediate pressure on her accounts until the debts were addressed.
She booked new projects, including the television film ‘Liz & Dick’, and arranged payment plans to clear liens. Subsequent contracts and endorsements were used to service remaining balances and restore compliance.
Tori Spelling
Tori Spelling accumulated tax liens and credit card judgments that became public in court filings. Separate suits from major card issuers and state revenue agencies documented balances and penalties owed.
She used reality series appearances such as ‘True Tori’ and pursued acting and hosting work to increase income. Public records show payment agreements and negotiated settlements as she worked to resolve the backlog.
Pamela Anderson
Pamela Anderson was hit with IRS and California tax liens following renovations and other expenses that outpaced cash flow. The liens listed six figure sums that required immediate action.
She sold property in Malibu and finalized repayment arrangements to release the liens. Subsequent projects and international appearances helped her meet remaining obligations.
Kelly Rutherford
Kelly Rutherford filed for bankruptcy during a prolonged international custody dispute. Court papers listed large legal bills, credit card balances, and tax debts tied to years of litigation.
She reduced expenses and increased work after the filing. As agreements were reached, she followed court approved repayment steps to close out listed debts.
Janice Dickinson
Janice Dickinson sought bankruptcy protection after disclosing unpaid taxes and medical bills related to elective procedures. The petition documented arrears across multiple years.
A trustee oversaw the process while she negotiated with the IRS and private creditors. The case concluded with structured payments and settlements that cleared remaining balances.
Teri Polo
Teri Polo filed for bankruptcy with significant tax liabilities and unsecured debt listed in her schedules. Filings detailed IRS liens and consumer balances that could not be serviced from current income.
She moved to lower cost housing and continued television work to stabilize her finances. The court process allowed her to reorganize obligations and exit with a manageable plan.
Alyssa Milano
Alyssa Milano discovered tax liens and shortfalls that she attributed to alleged mismanagement by former business managers. She filed a civil suit and later reached a confidential settlement.
While the dispute played out, she set up new accounting controls and payment plans with tax authorities. Acting roles and producing work supplied the cash flow needed to retire the liens.
Courtney Love
Courtney Love faced multiple tax liens filed over different years, reflecting unpaid assessments and penalties. Public records tracked releases when partial payments were made and new liens when additional balances came due.
She monetized intellectual property and pursued film and television roles to generate funds. Asset sales and negotiated agreements with revenue agencies were used to reduce outstanding amounts.
Amber Heard
Amber Heard incurred a large civil judgment following the Virginia defamation trial. The court ordered damages created an immediate liability while appeals and insurance issues were addressed.
A later settlement resolved the case for a reduced sum that was funded through insurance. She sold a California home and continued international projects to offset legal costs and related debts.
Martine McCutcheon
Martine McCutcheon declared bankruptcy in the United Kingdom after tax arrears and business losses. Official notices listed amounts owed to HM Revenue and Customs and other creditors.
She continued performing, released new music, and booked television work to rebuild income. Bankruptcy restrictions were lifted after the statutory period, allowing a fresh start.
Danniella Westbrook
Danniella Westbrook entered bankruptcy proceedings more than once due to unpaid taxes and consumer debts. Court records set out creditor lists and timelines for discharge.
She returned to ‘EastEnders’ and to stage work to meet ongoing obligations. Media interviews documented installment plans and budgeting steps she adopted afterward.
Fan Bingbing
Fan Bingbing was ordered to repay back taxes and penalties following a Chinese tax investigation. Authorities calculated unpaid amounts using contracts and so called yin yang agreements.
She issued a public apology, paid the assessed sums, and accepted administrative penalties. Her projects paused for a period while compliance steps were completed and she gradually resumed screen work.
Zheng Shuang
Zheng Shuang received a substantial fine and back tax bill tied to a television contract that used off book arrangements. Regulators also imposed industry restrictions that halted her earnings.
She paid the amounts assessed and disclosed the penalties through official statements. Several projects were pulled from distribution, which affected ongoing income while debts were cleared.
Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige, an Oscar nominated actress and recording artist, faced tax liens and business loan defaults that became public in court records. The balances accumulated across several years of filings.
She arranged payment plans and increased touring and acting work, including projects like ‘Mudbound’ and ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. Subsequent releases and appearances supported the repayment process and lien releases.
Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton, who has acted in television films and series, filed for bankruptcy twice after contract disputes and tour cancellations affected income. Court schedules listed major unsecured creditors and tax obligations.
She later settled with creditors, resumed performing, and took on screen roles to strengthen cash flow. Financial counseling and new management structures were put in place to avoid repeat issues.
Stacey Dash
Stacey Dash was named in federal and state tax lien filings that outlined unpaid balances and penalties. The liens attached to property interests until payments were made.
She took new television and film work and engaged with accountants to resolve the shortfall. Public records show releases when the balances were satisfied or renegotiated.
Denise Richards
Denise Richards appeared in public records for tax liens that identified amounts owed to federal authorities. The filings arrived during a period of changing income from film, television, and endorsements.
She diversified work, including appearances on ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’, and arranged payment plans. Subsequent roles and licensing deals supported the clearance of remaining balances.
Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren served a brief sentence in Italy related to a decades old tax case tied to a disputed deduction. Years later Italy’s courts clarified aspects of the assessment and she addressed the matter publicly.
The case required payment and penalties before the dispute was finally resolved. She continued working internationally while legal and tax advisers brought the issue to a close.
Anna Nicole Smith
Anna Nicole Smith’s bankruptcy stemmed from long running litigation over the estate of her late husband. The court fight produced conflicting rulings that reached the United States Supreme Court.
Her case required detailed creditor lists and trustee oversight while appeals continued. She pursued television and film work to generate income during the proceedings.
Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill, who appeared in ‘Sister Act 2’, was convicted for willful failure to pay taxes on several years of income. The court imposed a prison term and ordered payment of back taxes and penalties.
She completed the sentence, made required payments, and resumed public performances. Compliance plans and financial counseling followed as she reentered film and music work.
Mischa Barton
Mischa Barton dealt with mortgage arrears that led to a foreclosure attempt on a Los Angeles property. She was also sued over unpaid rent in a separate case during the same period.
She returned to regular screen work and reality television with ‘The Hills: New Beginnings’ to stabilize earnings. New representation and budgeting changes were announced as she cleared the backlog.
Share your thoughts in the comments about which stories surprised you and which ones you think deserve a closer look.
