Hollywood Actresses Who Filed for Bankruptcy

Hollywood stardom often projects an image of limitless wealth and glamorous lifestyles that captivate audiences worldwide. However, financial stability is not always guaranteed for even the most recognizable faces in the entertainment industry. Many actresses have faced severe economic hardships resulting from predatory contracts, legal battles, or personal investments that went awry. The legal process of bankruptcy has served as a necessary tool for these public figures to reorganize their debts and attempt to rebuild their lives. This list explores the stories of fifty actresses who navigated the difficult path of insolvency while under the scrutiny of the public eye.

Kim Basinger

This Academy Award-winning actress faced significant financial distress in 1993 following a legal battle regarding the film ‘Boxing Helena’. After reneging on a verbal agreement to star in the movie, Main Line Pictures sued her for breach of contract, resulting in an $8.1 million judgment against her. To manage this insurmountable debt, she filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which later converted to Chapter 7. She eventually settled with the studio for a reduced amount, but the ordeal forced her to sell her ownership stake in the town of Braselton, Georgia.

Debbie Reynolds

Known for her role in ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, this Hollywood legend filed for bankruptcy in 1997 due to the failure of her casino business. She had invested millions into the Debbie Reynolds Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, but the venture struggled to compete with larger resorts on the Strip. The financial collapse cost her a significant portion of her personal fortune and forced her to auction off her extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia. Despite the setback, she continued to work in film and television until her passing.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

The Hungarian-American actress and socialite filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1994. Her financial troubles arose primarily from a libel judgment awarded to actress Elke Sommer, who had sued Gabor and her husband for defamation. The court ordered Gabor to pay $3.3 million, a sum she claimed she could not immediately satisfy due to liquidity issues. The bankruptcy filing allowed her to reorganize her finances while dealing with the legal fallout.

Toni Braxton

Although primarily known as a singer, this star has numerous acting credits, including a role in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ on Broadway. She filed for bankruptcy twice, first in 1998 and again in 2010. The first filing was attributed to a low-paying recording contract despite high commercial success, while the second was largely due to health issues caused by lupus that forced the cancellation of her Las Vegas revue. Her debts reportedly ranged between $10 million and $50 million during her second filing.

Cyndi Lauper

Before she became a pop icon and actress with roles in ‘Vibes’ and ‘Mad About You’, she filed for bankruptcy in 1981. This financial low point occurred after her first band, Blue Angel, fired their manager, who subsequently sued them for $80,000. The lawsuit forced the group to disband and left her in financial ruin, working in retail and hospitality to make ends meet. She rebounded spectacularly a few years later with the release of her solo album ‘She’s So Unusual’.

Lorraine Bracco

Best known for her role as Dr. Melfi in ‘The Sopranos’, this actress filed for bankruptcy in 1999. Her financial struggles were the result of a bitter and protracted custody battle with her ex-partner Harvey Keitel, which reportedly cost her $2 million in legal fees. The debt became unmanageable, leading her to seek bankruptcy protection despite her steady television work. She later chronicled her financial and personal recovery in a memoir.

Teresa Giudice

The star of ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’ filed for bankruptcy in 2009 along with her husband, Joe Giudice. Their filing revealed roughly $11 million in debt, including mortgages, business loans, and credit card bills. The bankruptcy proceedings triggered a federal investigation that eventually led to charges of mail, wire, and bankruptcy fraud. Both served prison time as a result of the legal findings stemming from their initial bankruptcy declaration.

Sonja Morgan

A cast member of ‘The Real Housewives of New York City’, she filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2010. The filing was precipitated by a failed movie project titled ‘Fast Flash to Bang Time’ involving John Travolta, which resulted in a $7 million judgment against her. She listed $19.8 million in debts and $13.5 million in assets in her petition. She spent several years settling her debts and eventually sold her homes in France and Colorado as part of the reorganization.

Dionne Warwick

The legendary singer and television personality filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2013. She cited nearly $10 million in tax debts owed to the IRS and the state of California, which she attributed to financial mismanagement by her former business team. At the time of filing, she claimed to have only $1,000 in cash and assets worth $25,500. The bankruptcy allowed her to discharge the tax liabilities that had accumulated over several decades.

Kelly Rutherford

Known for her role as Lily van der Woodsen in ‘Gossip Girl’, she filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2013. Her financial resources were drained by an international custody battle with her ex-husband involving their two children. She reportedly spent $1.5 million on legal fees and travel expenses to Monaco, where her children resided. The filing stated she had assets of roughly $23,000 against debts totaling $2 million.

Nicole Eggert

The former ‘Baywatch’ and ‘Charles in Charge’ actress filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2013 and again in 2014. She sought protection to restructure her debts and prevent the foreclosure of her home. Her filings indicated that she owed significant amounts to mortgage lenders and had tax liabilities. The Chapter 13 process allowed her to propose a repayment plan to creditors while retaining her assets.

Teri Polo

This actress, famous for her role in ‘Meet the Parents’, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2014. She listed nearly $1 million in debt, largely composed of back taxes owed to the IRS and California authorities, as well as credit card debt. Despite her steady employment on the show ‘The Fosters’ at the time, her liabilities outweighed her assets. The court accepted her filing, allowing her to reorganize her finances.

Tisha Campbell

The star of ‘Martin’ and ‘My Wife and Kids’ filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2016 alongside her then-husband Duane Martin. The couple reported over $15 million in debt, which included loans, tax liabilities, and car leases. They listed only a small amount of cash on hand and claimed their restaurant business was no longer profitable. The filing was a significant step in managing their joint financial obligations before their eventual divorce.

Dorothy Dandridge

As the first African American actress nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for ‘Carmen Jones’, she faced severe financial decline in her later years. By 1963, poor investments and financial mismanagement by her handlers left her with only a fraction of her earnings. She filed for bankruptcy, reporting debts that far exceeded her assets. She spent her final years performing in nightclubs to pay off her creditors before her untimely death.

Arlene Dahl

This MGM star and beauty entrepreneur filed for bankruptcy in 1981. Despite a successful career in film and business, she faced financial ruin after a burglary and a guarantee on a business loan went wrong. Her filing listed liabilities of nearly $1 million against smaller assets. She later recovered and rebuilt her career through television roles and her astrology column.

La Toya Jackson

The singer and reality television star filed for bankruptcy in 1995. Her financial troubles during this period were linked to her escape from an abusive marriage and management contract. She sought protection to sever financial ties and restart her life independently. She successfully rebuilt her career in the following decades through various media ventures.

Janice Dickinson

The self-proclaimed world’s first supermodel and reality TV star filed for bankruptcy in 2013. She owed nearly $1 million in taxes and unpaid bills to plastic surgeons and dermatologists. She cited a reduction in income and high medical expenses as contributing factors. Following the filing, she worked to settle her debts and continued her career in television.

Anna Nicole Smith

The model and actress filed for bankruptcy in 1996 in California. Her filing was a strategic move amidst a lawsuit filed against her by a former employee who claimed sexual harassment. Additionally, the bankruptcy proceedings became entangled with the massive legal battle over her late husband J. Howard Marshall’s estate. The case eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court on issues regarding bankruptcy court jurisdiction.

Da Brat

The rapper and actress filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018. Her financial crisis stemmed largely from a $6.4 million judgment awarded to a former cheerleader she had assaulted in a nightclub incident. She reported debts totaling over $7 million and assets around $100,000. The bankruptcy protection helped her manage the judgment and other liabilities while she continued working in radio and television.

Lil’ Kim

The Grammy-winning rapper and actress filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2018 to save her New Jersey mansion from foreclosure. She reported owing substantial back taxes to the federal government and state authorities. Her filing proposed a repayment plan to address over $4 million in debt. She has since continued to tour and release new music.

Lisa Wu

A cast member of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’, she filed for bankruptcy in 2007 prior to her appearance on the show. The filing was joint with her then-husband, Ed Hartwell, and they later dismissed the case. However, financial issues persisted, leading to the loss of their home. She has since transitioned into acting and other business ventures.

Peggy Tanous

Another alumna of ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’, she filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2013. She listed debts including a large mortgage and unpaid property taxes. She sought to discharge liabilities to avoid foreclosure on her home. The filing highlighted the financial strain often hidden behind the lifestyle portrayed on reality television.

Martine McCutcheon

The ‘Love Actually’ and ‘EastEnders’ actress was declared bankrupt in 2013. Her financial difficulties were exacerbated by health issues, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which limited her ability to work. She owed significant amounts to HM Revenue and Customs in the UK. She has since returned to television and released new music after her discharge from bankruptcy.

Kerry Katona

The Atomic Kitten singer and reality star has been declared bankrupt twice, first in 2008 and again in 2013. Her financial instability was fueled by unpaid tax bills and a loss of endorsement deals following public scandals. Despite earning millions at the height of her career, mismanagement and lifestyle costs depleted her funds. She has frequently spoken about the cycle of debt and her efforts to regain financial stability.

Danniella Westbrook

Known for her role in ‘EastEnders’, this actress filed for bankruptcy in 2016. Her well-documented struggle with drug addiction severely impacted her finances and career stability over the years. She faced unpaid tax bills and a reduction in acting work leading up to the filing. She continues to appear in media discussing her recovery and life challenges.

Margot Kidder

Famous for playing Lois Lane in the ‘Superman’ films, she filed for bankruptcy in 1990. Her financial collapse followed a serious car accident that left her unable to work for two years, draining her savings on medical bills. This period also coincided with her public struggle with bipolar disorder. She eventually returned to acting in guest roles on television series.

Dorothy Hamill

The Olympic gold medalist skater and sometime actress filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1996. Her financial troubles arose after she purchased the Ice Capades in an attempt to revive the touring show. The business venture failed to attract audiences, leading to significant losses. She sold the company and reorganized her personal finances through the courts.

Hunter Tylo

The soap opera star, best known for ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2011. She cited debts including legal fees and mortgage payments on her home. Her filing came amidst personal tragedies and legal battles that had strained her resources. The court proceedings allowed her to discharge unsecured debts.

Sherrie Hewson

The ‘Coronation Street’ and ‘Benidorm’ actress declared bankruptcy in 2007. She attributed her financial ruin to a loss of earnings and bad investments following a difficult divorce. She described the experience as humiliating but necessary to clear her debts. She later rebuilt her career as a panelist on ‘Loose Women’ and a television actress.

Laila Morse

Best known as Big Mo on ‘EastEnders’, she filed for bankruptcy in 2013. Her debts were largely due to tax issues and a lack of work after her contract with the show was not renewed as a regular. She also cited helping her family financially as a contributing factor. The bankruptcy order was handed down by the High Court in London.

Tia Carrere

The ‘Wayne’s World’ actress filed for bankruptcy in 1986. Her filing was a legal strategy to break a contract with the soap opera ‘General Hospital’ so she could accept a role on ‘The A-Team’. The court case became a notable example of using bankruptcy laws to reject personal service contracts. While the bankruptcy was dismissed, she eventually negotiated her exit and continued her film career.

Tina Malone

The ‘Shameless’ actress was declared bankrupt in 2012 due to unpaid debts. She admitted that excessive spending on friends and lifestyle choices contributed to her financial downfall. The bankruptcy order was made at Manchester County Court. She has since appeared in various reality shows and spoken candidly about her money troubles.

Lynn Redgrave

The acclaimed stage and screen actress filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1994. Her financial strain was primarily caused by extensive legal fees from a lawsuit against Universal Television over her dismissal from the show ‘House Calls’. She sought bankruptcy protection to reorganize while disputing the legal bills. She continued to have a successful acting career until her death.

Sherilyn Fenn

Known for her role as Audrey Horne in ‘Twin Peaks’, she filed for bankruptcy in 2003. She cited a faltering career and the financial demands of raising a child as reasons for her insolvency. She faced disputes with landlords and creditors during this period. She has continued to act in television and independent films.

Mary Nolan

A Ziegfeld girl and film actress of the 1920s and 30s, she filed for bankruptcy in 1931. Her career decline was precipitated by scandals, health problems, and drug addiction. She owed money to clothing shops and other creditors while unable to secure steady film work. She spent her later years in obscurity and poverty.

Louise Brooks

The silent film icon, famous for ‘Pandora’s Box’, filed for bankruptcy in 1932. After being blacklisted by Hollywood studios for refusing contract demands, her income evaporated. She attempted to earn a living as a dancer but could not maintain her previous lifestyle. She later became a respected film critic and author.

Nell Carter

The star of the sitcom ‘Gimme a Break!’ filed for bankruptcy in 1995 and again in 2002. Her financial difficulties were linked to health problems, including brain aneurysms and diabetes, as well as divorce settlements. Despite her Tony-winning talent, she struggled to manage her finances amidst medical crises. She passed away shortly after her second filing.

Margaux Hemingway

The model and actress, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, filed for bankruptcy in 1991. She listed debts of over $800,000 against minimal assets. Her acting career had stalled, and she struggled with personal issues including substance abuse. She died just five years later at a young age.

Melba Moore

The Tony Award-winning singer and actress filed for bankruptcy in 1991. She claimed that her ex-husband and manager had mismanaged her earnings and left her destitute after their divorce. She lost her home and welfare benefits were required to support her daughter temporarily. She eventually rebuilt her career in theater and music.

Katie Price

The British media personality and glamour model was declared bankrupt in 2019. Once worth millions, her fortune was depleted by failed marriages, lavish spending, and legal costs. She faced a second bankruptcy order in 2024 over unpaid tax bills. She remains a high-profile figure in the UK media.

Danielle Staub

A main cast member on ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’, she filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2012. She reported liabilities of nearly $2 million, including a large tax debt and legal fees. Her filing indicated that her reality TV income was insufficient to cover her expenses. She eventually settled a fraud claim related to the bankruptcy.

Mutya Buena

An original member of the Sugababes, she was declared bankrupt in 2014 by a High Court judge. She blamed an administrative error by her accountants for an unpaid tax bill. Despite the ruling, she continued to perform with the reunited original lineup of her group. She has since resolved her status and continues to tour.

Amelle Berrabah

Another member of the Sugababes, she was declared bankrupt in 2013. Like her bandmate, she cited issues with accountants and unpaid taxes as the cause. She faced financial uncertainty after the group disbanded. She has since appeared on television and reality shows.

Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes

As a member of the chart-topping group TLC, she filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1995. Despite selling millions of albums, the group had an unfavorable contract that left them with very little money. The bankruptcy filing was a tactic to renegotiate their deal with LaFace Records. It allowed the group to secure better terms and continue their success.

Tammy Wynette

The ‘Stand by Your Man’ singer and occasional actress filed for bankruptcy in 1988. Her financial troubles were caused by a bad investment in two Florida shopping centers that failed. She lost millions in the venture and sought protection to manage the debt. She continued to perform and record until her death.

Gail Porter

The Scottish television presenter and model filed for bankruptcy in 2017. She had struggled with alopecia and mental health issues, which impacted her ability to work consistently. She described the experience as terrifying and found herself briefly homeless. She has since become an advocate for mental health awareness.

Koo Stark

The American actress and photographer filed for bankruptcy in 2013 in London. She was known for her relationship with Prince Andrew and roles in films like ‘Emily’. Her financial difficulties reportedly stemmed from legal battles and health issues. She avoided eviction from her home through the assistance of a legal charity.

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