American Actresses Who Lost Fortunes

The entertainment industry often provides a platform for incredible wealth and fame though financial security is never a guarantee. Many talented women have earned millions during their careers only to see their bank accounts dwindle due to unforeseen circumstances or poor planning. Legal struggles and health issues or bad investments frequently contribute to these significant losses. This list explores several American actresses who navigated extreme financial challenges after reaching the heights of Hollywood success.

Kim Basinger

Kim Basinger experienced a massive financial setback when she purchased the town of Braselton in Georgia for twenty million dollars. The actress intended to transform the location into a major tourist destination featuring movie studios and a film festival. Her ambitious plans failed to materialize and she eventually had to sell the property for a massive loss. She also faced a significant lawsuit after backing out of the film ‘Boxing Helena’ which led to a bankruptcy filing. These events severely impacted her wealth during the peak of her acting career.

Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton is known for her successful music career and her roles in various television projects like ‘Braxton Family Values’ and movies. She has filed for bankruptcy protection twice despite selling millions of records and earning significant royalties. Her financial troubles stemmed from a combination of low royalty rates and a focus on expensive lifestyle choices. She also faced health challenges that affected her ability to perform and generate new income for several years. She has worked diligently to rebuild her financial status and career following these setbacks.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan rose to stardom as a child actress in ‘The Parent Trap’ before becoming a major Hollywood star in ‘Mean Girls’. Her career was eventually derailed by legal issues and substance abuse problems that led to high legal fees and lost work opportunities. The Internal Revenue Service seized her bank accounts at one point to pay back hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes. She moved abroad to rebuild her life and career after years of financial and personal instability in the United States. Her story highlights how quickly a fortune can vanish when personal struggles take center stage.

Tori Spelling

Tori Spelling grew up in one of the wealthiest households in Hollywood as the daughter of producer Aaron Spelling. After starring in the hit series ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ she faced public struggles with debt and credit card payments. She received only a small fraction of her father’s massive estate which led to lifestyle adjustments and financial stress. She has documented her money troubles in various reality television shows and memoirs over the years. Her financial journey remains a frequent topic of discussion in celebrity news.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

Zsa Zsa Gabor was a legendary socialite and actress who appeared in films like ‘Moulin Rouge’ and ‘Lovely to Look At’. She lost a significant portion of her fortune when she became a victim of the massive Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Bernie Madoff. The loss forced her to put her long time mansion on the market to cover her mounting expenses. Her later years were marked by expensive medical bills and physical health complications that drained her remaining assets. She remained a symbol of Hollywood glamour despite the financial difficulties she faced toward the end of her life.

Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson gained international fame as a star of the television series ‘Baywatch’ and appeared in numerous films. She encountered severe financial distress due to outstanding tax debts and expensive renovations on her California home. The actress was forced to move into a trailer park for a period while her property was being remodeled and her debts were settled. She eventually sold her house for several million dollars to clear her obligations to the government. Her financial struggles were widely publicized during a time of transition in her professional life.

Courtney Love

Courtney Love achieved fame as the frontwoman of the band Hole and through her acclaimed performance in ‘The People vs. Larry Flynt’. She has claimed that millions of dollars were stolen or mismanaged from the estate of her late husband Kurt Cobain. The actress faced numerous lawsuits and lived in rented properties after her once substantial wealth was depleted. She has been vocal about the financial exploitation she experienced within the entertainment industry. Her career has seen various revivals as she continues to work in both music and acting.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton became a household name while starring in the popular teen drama ‘The O.C.’ during the early two thousands. Her career slowed down after she left the show and she eventually faced a foreclosure on her home. She also entered a legal battle with her mother over the management of her career and her earnings. The actress struggled to find steady work in high profile projects which impacted her ability to maintain her previous lifestyle. She has since appeared in reality television and independent films while managing her financial recovery.

Lena Headey

Lena Headey is widely recognized for her role as Cersei Lannister in the hit series ‘Game of Thrones’. During a difficult divorce proceeding the actress claimed to have less than five dollars in her bank account. She faced significant financial pressure while waiting for her salary payments from the television network to clear. The legal battle over her assets and the custody of her child created a temporary but severe financial crisis. She eventually recovered her financial footing as the show became a global phenomenon.

Kelly Rutherford

Kelly Rutherford is best known for her role in the television series ‘Gossip Girl’. She filed for bankruptcy after spending a fortune on a long and public international custody battle. The actress reportedly spent over one million dollars in legal fees while trying to keep her children in the United States. Her financial resources were entirely exhausted by the litigation and she struggled to maintain her residence. She has remained an advocate for family law reform following her personal and financial ordeal.

Teresa Giudice

Teresa Giudice became famous as a cast member of ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’ and has written several books. She and her husband faced federal fraud charges that led to a prison sentence and massive financial restitution. The couple was forced to sell their mansion and other assets to pay back creditors and the government. She has worked to rebuild her brand and income through television appearances and product endorsements since her release. Her financial rise and fall have been a primary storyline on her reality television show.

Debbie Reynolds

Debbie Reynolds was a major star of the silver screen known for her role in ‘Singin in the Rain’. She faced financial ruin twice due to the poor business decisions and gambling habits of her husbands. She also invested heavily in a museum to house her massive collection of Hollywood memorabilia which ultimately led to a bankruptcy filing. Despite these setbacks she continued to perform in live shows and films to pay off her debts. She is remembered as a resilient performer who worked until the end of her life to support her family.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland was one of the greatest stars of the golden age of Hollywood with iconic roles in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘A Star Is Born’. Despite her massive fame she struggled with severe financial problems caused by bad management and tax evasion by her representatives. She owed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the government and often had to perform constantly to stay ahead of her debts. Her later years were characterized by a grueling schedule of concerts that took a toll on her health. She died with very few assets despite her status as a global legend.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne found early success in films like ‘Everyone Says I Love You’ and ‘American Pie’. Her career was interrupted by a period of addiction and legal trouble that resulted in her losing her home and assets. She experienced homelessness and serious health scares before deciding to pursue a path to recovery. She successfully rebuilt her career with leading roles in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and the series ‘Russian Doll’. Her journey is often cited as one of the most impressive career and financial comebacks in modern Hollywood.

Loni Anderson

Loni Anderson gained fame for her role in the television series ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’. She faced a difficult financial situation following her high profile divorce from actor Burt Reynolds. The legal proceedings were lengthy and expensive and they eventually led her to file for bankruptcy protection. She struggled to find consistent acting work that matched her previous salary levels during the nineties. She eventually stabilized her finances through various television guest spots and personal appearances.

Margot Kidder

Margot Kidder is most famous for playing Lois Lane in the ‘Superman’ films of the late seventies and early eighties. She suffered a highly publicized mental health crisis in the nineties that left her homeless for a period of time. Her medical expenses and inability to work during her recovery led to the total loss of her fortune. She later found work in independent films and television while living a more modest life in Montana. She became a strong advocate for mental health awareness before her passing.

Erin Moran

Erin Moran was a beloved child star who played Joanie Cunningham on the hit show ‘Happy Days’. She struggled to transition into adult roles and eventually lost her home to foreclosure. Reports surfaced that she was living in a trailer park with her husband while facing financial and personal challenges. She was unable to secure the steady income needed to regain her former lifestyle. Her story is often used to illustrate the difficulties faced by child stars after their shows go off the air.

Lisa Robin Kelly

Lisa Robin Kelly was a regular cast member on the popular sitcom ‘That 70s Show’. Her career ended abruptly due to personal struggles and multiple arrests that made her difficult to hire. She lost her earnings and her place in the industry as her legal troubles mounted over several years. She was unable to mount a successful comeback before her untimely death. Her financial downfall was a tragic result of the issues that plagued her later life.

Delta Burke

Delta Burke became a major star on the television series ‘Designing Women’. She faced professional conflicts and health issues that led to her departure from the show and a decline in her income. The actress struggled with the financial impact of a slowing career and the costs of managing her health. She eventually launched a successful clothing line that helped provide financial stability outside of acting. Her journey shows how expanding into business can help offset the loss of acting revenue.

Brett Butler

Brett Butler was the star of the highly rated sitcom ‘Grace Under Fire’ during the mid nineties. Her career was derailed by substance abuse issues that led to the cancellation of her show and a loss of millions in potential earnings. She eventually ran out of money and spent time living in a homeless shelter. She has since returned to acting with guest roles on shows like ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘The Leftovers’. Her recovery has allowed her to find steady work and rebuild her life away from the spotlight.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique won an Academy Award for her powerful performance in the film ‘Precious’. She later claimed that she was blackballed by the industry which led to a significant decrease in her acting opportunities and income. She engaged in a public dispute with major streaming platforms and production companies over fair pay. This standoff affected her ability to secure high paying roles for several years. She eventually reached a settlement in her legal battles and has begun appearing in new projects.

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr earned a fortune from her long running sitcom ‘Roseanne’ which was one of the biggest hits on television. She lost a massive source of income when the revival of her show was canceled due to controversial comments she made on social media. The loss of her starring role and production deals significantly impacted her financial standing. She had to pivot to independent projects and social media platforms to maintain her public profile. Her sudden departure from mainstream television serves as a modern example of how quickly celebrity wealth can be threatened.

Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes was a successful child star on Nickelodeon before transitioning to film hits like ‘She’s the Man’. Her career stopped after several legal issues and public health struggles led to a court ordered conservatorship. Her assets were managed by her parents for many years while she focused on her personal recovery. She was unable to continue working in the industry during this time which halted her earning potential. She has recently been exploring new career paths outside of the traditional acting world.

Janice Dickinson

Janice Dickinson is a former supermodel who appeared as a judge on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and starred in ‘The Surreal Life’. She filed for bankruptcy after accumulating over one million dollars in debt related to unpaid taxes and medical bills. The actress cited her lack of consistent work and high expenses as the primary reasons for her financial distress. She has been very open about her struggles with money and the challenges of maintaining a public image with limited funds. She continues to make television appearances to support herself.

Dionne Warwick

Dionne Warwick is a legendary singer and actress who has appeared in numerous films and television specials. She filed for bankruptcy after facing millions of dollars in tax debt that had accumulated over several decades. The actress stated that the debt was the result of poor financial management by her former business representatives. She had very few assets remaining at the time of her filing despite her long and successful career. She has continued to tour and perform to manage her financial obligations.

Liza Minnelli

Liza Minnelli is an entertainment icon who won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Cabaret’. She has faced various financial crises throughout her life due to high spending and the costs associated with her health and personal life. At one point she was sued by her former drivers and staff over unpaid wages and other financial disputes. Her estate has been managed by various representatives to help protect her remaining assets. She remains a beloved figure in the theater and film world despite her past money troubles.

Taryn Manning

Taryn Manning gained fame for her roles in films like ‘8 Mile’ and the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She has dealt with various legal issues and tax liens that have impacted her financial security. The actress has spoken about the stresses of the industry and the difficulty of managing wealth while dealing with personal crises. Her income has fluctuated as she moved between mainstream hits and smaller independent projects. She continues to work in the industry as both an actress and a musician.

Heidi Montag

Heidi Montag became famous as a star of the reality television series ‘The Hills’. She and her husband famously spent a fortune of approximately ten million dollars on a lavish lifestyle and expensive cosmetic procedures. They admitted to being unprepared for the end of their television fame and the loss of their steady income. The couple eventually faced a significant financial crisis and had to move into a smaller home provided by family. They have since worked to rebuild their finances through new reality appearances and business ventures.

NeNe Leakes

NeNe Leakes rose to stardom as an original cast member of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ and appeared in ‘Glee’. She faced several tax liens totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars during her time as a television personality. These financial issues were complicated by her departure from the reality franchise that made her famous. She has opened several businesses including boutiques and lounges to diversify her income streams. Her financial journey has been a topic of public record and television discussion.

Porsha Williams

Porsha Williams is known for her roles on reality television and as a host on entertainment news programs. She experienced a financial downturn following her divorce from her husband which was a major storyline on her show. The actress reported that she was left with very little in the way of assets or alimony after the marriage ended. She had to focus on building her own brand and securing new contracts to maintain her lifestyle. She eventually achieved financial independence through her various media projects and business deals.

Sonja Morgan

Sonja Morgan became a fan favorite on ‘The Real Housewives of New York City’ and has been involved in several business ventures. She faced a massive lawsuit related to a failed movie production deal that resulted in a seven million dollar judgment against her. This legal loss forced her to file for bankruptcy and put her long time townhouse on the market. She spent several years navigating the bankruptcy process while continuing her work on television. She remains a prominent figure in the New York social and entertainment scene.

Kim Richards

Kim Richards was a successful child actress in ‘Escape to Witch Mountain’ and later appeared on ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’. She has faced significant financial instability and legal issues related to her personal struggles. Reports have indicated that she relied on the support of her family members during times when she was not working. Her financial situation has been a recurring theme in the media coverage of her life. She has periodically returned to the screen for guest appearances and reality projects.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich was a global superstar of the golden age of cinema known for her roles in ‘Morocco’ and ‘Shanghai Express’. Despite her enormous success she faced severe financial difficulties in her later years due to tax issues and a lack of planning. She spent the final decade of her life in relative seclusion in a small apartment in Paris. She had to sell many of her famous costumes and personal items to support herself during this time. Her story serves as a reminder of how even the greatest legends can face financial isolation.

Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr was a celebrated actress and inventor known as one of the most beautiful women in film history. Despite her contributions to both the arts and technology she struggled with poverty in her later years. She lived on a small social security income and faced legal trouble related to shoplifting incidents. She did not receive the financial recognition she deserved for her scientific inventions during her lifetime. She died in Florida with very little wealth to her name.

Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake was a major film star of the nineteen fourties famous for her signature peek a boo hairstyle. Her career declined rapidly due to her struggles with health and personal issues which led to a loss of her fortune. She was once found working as a waitress in a hotel bar in New York City after being out of the spotlight for years. She spent the remainder of her life living in modest circumstances away from the glamour of Hollywood. She remains a cult icon of the noir film era despite her financial downfall.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was the first African American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Carmen Jones’. She faced systemic challenges in Hollywood that limited her earning potential despite her immense talent. She lost her savings due to a series of bad investments and the mismanagement of her funds by people she trusted. At the time of her death she reportedly had very little money left in her bank account. She is remembered as a trailblazer who deserved far more than she was given by the industry.

Jaime Pressly

Jaime Pressly won an Emmy Award for her role in the hit sitcom ‘My Name Is Earl’. She faced a significant financial hurdle when she was hit with several tax liens for unpaid income taxes. The actress had to work through these debts while navigating the cancellation of her major show. She eventually found success again with a long running role on the sitcom ‘Mom’. Her ability to overcome her tax issues and maintain a steady career is a testament to her professional resilience.

Mackenzie Phillips

Mackenzie Phillips achieved early fame as a star of the television series ‘One Day at a Time’. Her career and her wealth were decimated by long term addiction and the legal issues that followed. She went through several periods where she was unable to work and lost the majority of her assets. She later dedicated her life to helping others with recovery while taking occasional acting roles. She has rebuilt her life as a counselor and an author while staying active in the entertainment community.

Tatum O’Neal

Tatum O’Neal remains the youngest person to ever win a competitive Academy Award for her performance in ‘Paper Moon’. She struggled with the pressures of fame and addiction which eventually led to a decline in her career and financial status. She has spoken candidly about the difficulties of maintaining her wealth without a steady stream of work. Her personal journey has been documented in her memoirs and various television appearances. She continues to work in the industry while focusing on her health and family.

Dana Plato

Dana Plato was a star of the hit sitcom ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ before her career took a downward turn. She faced severe financial hardship after leaving the show and was eventually arrested for a robbery at a video store. The actress struggled with poverty and was unable to regain the success she had as a child. She appeared in low budget films and worked various service jobs to try and support herself. Her story remains one of the most tragic examples of a child star losing everything.

Jodie Sweetin

Jodie Sweetin gained fame as Stephanie Tanner on the popular series ‘Full House’. She struggled with addiction after the show ended which led to the loss of her earnings and career momentum. She also faced a significant tax lien for unpaid taxes that further complicated her financial recovery. She eventually found sobriety and successfully returned to her famous role in the revival series ‘Fuller House’. She is now a successful actress and public speaker who uses her experiences to help others.

Tia Carrere

Tia Carrere is known for her roles in ‘Wayne’s World’ and the series ‘Relic Hunter’. Early in her career she faced a major financial and legal battle when she tried to leave her contract on ‘General Hospital’ to pursue film roles. The resulting lawsuit was a significant burden and threatened her ability to work in the industry. She managed to overcome the legal hurdle and went on to have a successful career in both film and music. She has won multiple Grammy Awards for her work in music alongside her acting career.

LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes started her career as a child star in music and later transitioned into acting with roles in movies like ‘Coyote Ugly’. She entered a long and expensive legal battle with her father and former manager over the management of her earnings. She claimed that millions of dollars had been misappropriated during the early years of her career. The litigation was a major financial and emotional drain during her young adulthood. She eventually settled the dispute and regained control over her career and finances.

Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia Barrino rose to fame as the winner of ‘American Idol’ and went on to star in ‘The Color Purple’ on Broadway and in film. She faced a major financial crisis that led to the foreclosure of her home in North Carolina. The actress and singer attributed her troubles to a lack of financial knowledge and the burden of supporting her extended family. She has since turned her situation around by focusing on her career and gaining better control of her business affairs. She remains a powerful force in the music and acting industries.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty became a star on ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ and later ‘Charmed’. She faced a major financial and legal battle with her former management team over her health insurance coverage. She claimed that their failure to pay her premiums led to a delay in her medical diagnosis and treatment. The resulting legal fight was both costly and public as she navigated her health journey. She continued to work and share her story to advocate for others in similar situations.

Anne Heche

Anne Heche was a highly respected actress known for her roles in ‘Donnie Brasco’ and ‘Six Days Seven Nights’. Following her sudden passing reports indicated that her estate was far smaller than many had anticipated given her long career. She did not have a will in place which led to a complex legal dispute over her remaining assets. The actress had faced various personal and career challenges that impacted her overall wealth over the years. Her estate serves as a cautionary tale regarding the importance of financial planning.

Frances Farmer

Frances Farmer was a rising star in Hollywood during the nineteen thirties known for her beauty and talent. Her career was cut short by a series of involuntary institutionalizations and legal battles that stripped her of her fortune and her freedom. She spent years away from the industry and lost all of her accumulated wealth during her time in state hospitals. She eventually found a small measure of stability later in life as a television host in Indiana. Her life story has been the subject of multiple books and films highlighting her tragic downfall.

Please share your thoughts on these stories of resilience and financial loss in the comments.