Actors Known Who Are Cheapskates

In the high-stakes world of Hollywood, where blockbuster salaries can reach tens of millions of dollars, some of the industry’s biggest stars have earned reputations for being surprisingly tight with their money. While many celebrities are known for their lavish lifestyles, a specific group of male actors has become famous for habits that range from extreme frugality to outright refusal to tip. These stories, often shared by service industry workers or detailed in memoirs, offer a different perspective on the financial behaviors of the rich and famous. From disputing small bills to asking fans for loans, the following actors have all been identified in various reports for their penny-pinching ways.

Tobey Maguire

The ‘Spider-Man’ star has a well-documented reputation for being exceptionally careful with his money, particularly in high-stakes environments. In her memoir Molly’s Game, Molly Bloom detailed how the actor would reportedly demand she “bark like a seal” for a $1,000 poker chip and was known for being a consistently poor tipper. Other reports from the Los Angeles underground gambling scene suggest he was often the most frugal player at the table despite his significant movie earnings. Maguire’s cautious approach to spending reportedly extends to his personal life, where he is said to avoid the lavish displays of wealth common among his A-list peers.

Jeremy Piven

The actor, best known for playing Ari Gold in ‘Entourage’, faced significant public backlash following a reported incident at a high-end restaurant in Aspen. Reports indicated that after dining with a large group, Piven left a DVD of his show ‘Entourage’ instead of a traditional monetary tip for the waitstaff. The manager of the establishment reportedly banned him from the restaurant, publicly citing his behavior as disrespectful to the service industry. While Piven’s representatives have occasionally challenged the severity of these claims, the story remains a prominent example of his reputation for being tight-fisted.

Robert De Niro

Despite a career spanning decades and a massive net worth, the ‘The Irishman’ actor has frequently been accused of being a difficult customer regarding financial matters. Various reports from New York City service workers suggest that he has a history of disputing small charges on his bills and leaving minimal tips at dining establishments. Waitstaff at several venues have claimed that the Oscar winner is meticulous about checking receipts for any perceived overcharges before paying. This reputation for being thrifty stands in sharp contrast to his status as a co-founder of the globally successful Nobu restaurant empire.

Warren Beatty

The legendary star of ‘Heaven Can Wait’ has long been the subject of Hollywood lore regarding his extreme frugality and avoidance of personal expenses. Biographies, including Peter Biskind’s Star, recount stories of Beatty allegedly asking friends or associates to pay for his meals and transport whenever possible. Industry veterans have noted that throughout his peak years, he often preferred to use studio resources or the generosity of others rather than spending his own funds. This behavior was reportedly so consistent that it became a running joke among his inner circle and business partners for several decades.

Sean Penn

The ‘Mystic River’ actor has been criticized in the media for his perceived lack of generosity in service-based settings and retail environments. One widely reported incident involved Penn allegedly complaining about a relatively small bill at a restaurant and failing to leave any tip for the server. Similar stories have circulated within the hospitality industry, suggesting a pattern of being demanding while remaining tight-fisted when it comes time to settle the check. While he is highly regarded for his extensive philanthropic work abroad, his personal spending habits in commercial environments have earned him a spot on many celebrity “bad tipper” lists.

Will Smith

The ‘King Richard’ star has admitted in multiple public interviews that he often finds himself without cash and relies on the kindness of strangers or colleagues to cover minor costs. On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Smith shared an anecdote about running out of gas and having to borrow $10 from a fan because he did not have his wallet or any money on his person. While some view these instances as simple forgetfulness, others point to them as a recurring pattern of the actor avoiding personal expenditures. This reputation for being accidentally frugal is often discussed in the context of his status as one of the highest-paid actors in history.

Ashton Kutcher

Though he is a highly successful tech investor, the ‘Two and a Half Men’ actor has often spoken about his commitment to a strictly frugal lifestyle. Kutcher has stated in interviews that he grew up in a household where money was tight, which influenced his adult decision to avoid luxury items and unnecessary daily expenses. He famously claimed to have worn the same pair of shoes for years and is known to be very conservative with personal spending despite his multi-million dollar business deals. This disciplined approach to money management has led many in the industry to label him as one of the most miserly stars in contemporary Hollywood.

Mark Wahlberg

The ‘Uncharted’ star has occasionally been singled out by service workers and industry insiders for his perceived reluctance to pay for small services. Reports have surfaced suggesting that Wahlberg sometimes expects his entourage or even restaurant staff to handle the bill when he claims to have forgotten his wallet. While he maintains a high-profile image as a successful entrepreneur, these anecdotes have contributed to a lasting reputation for being tight with his personal funds. This behavior is frequently contrasted with his public support for various charitable causes and his well-documented professional discipline.

Share your thoughts on these Hollywood spending habits in the comments.