Actresses Who Lost Their Entire Fortune and Had to Start Over

Financial stability in Hollywood is often more fragile than it appears to the public. Many successful actresses have faced periods of severe economic hardship due to legal disputes or poor investments or high living expenses. These women navigated the difficult process of declaring bankruptcy and rebuilding their careers from the ground up. Their stories highlight the volatility of the entertainment industry and the resilience required to overcome professional and personal setbacks.

Kim Basinger

Kim Basinger experienced a major financial crisis in the early 1990s after backing out of the film ‘Boxing Helena’. The resulting legal battle led to a verdict of eight million dollars against her which forced a bankruptcy filing. She had previously invested twenty million dollars in buying a small town in Georgia that she eventually had to sell. Her career recovered significantly when she won an Academy Award for ‘L.A. Confidential’ years later.

Debbie Reynolds

Debbie Reynolds faced severe financial ruin twice during her lifetime due to the business decisions of her husbands. She worked tirelessly in theater and film to pay off millions of dollars in debt that she did not personally accrue. Her dedication to preserving Hollywood history led her to open a museum for her extensive costume collection though it also faced financial difficulties. She remained a fixture in the industry through roles in projects like ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and ‘Halloweentown’ while maintaining a rigorous touring schedule.

Lena Headey

Lena Headey revealed during a difficult divorce proceeding that she had less than five dollars in her bank account. Despite her starring role in the hit series ‘Game of Thrones’ she struggled with mounting legal fees and living expenses. She petitioned the court for an early tax refund to cover her immediate financial needs for herself and her child. Her situation eventually stabilized as the show continued its successful run and she secured more film roles.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan faced public financial struggles including the seizure of her bank accounts by the government for unpaid taxes. Her lifestyle and legal issues contributed to a rapid decline in her savings following her early success in ‘Mean Girls’. She reportedly received assistance from friends to pay off significant portions of her debt while she worked to rebuild her reputation. Lohan eventually moved abroad to focus on new business ventures and a gradual return to acting.

Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson encountered significant financial trouble that led to the sale of her primary residence and a move back to her home country. Unpaid tax bills and the high cost of home renovations contributed to her filing for bankruptcy in both the United States and Canada. She rose to fame in ‘Baywatch’ but found that maintaining a lavish lifestyle was unsustainable during lulls in her career. Anderson has since focused on activism and writing while taking on new acting projects.

Tori Spelling

Tori Spelling has been open about her financial difficulties and the accumulation of significant credit card debt. Despite being the daughter of a wealthy producer she inherited a relatively small portion of his massive estate. She and her family faced lawsuits from banks and challenges with maintaining their standard of living over several years. Spelling documented her journey to manage her finances in the reality series ‘Tori and Dean’ and through various book deals.

Kelly Rutherford

Kelly Rutherford filed for bankruptcy after spending her entire fortune on an international custody battle for her children. The actress known for ‘Gossip Girl’ reportedly spent over one million dollars on legal fees and travel expenses related to the case. Her financial situation became so dire that she could no longer afford her own apartment in New York City. She has since worked on several international television productions and continues to advocate for family law reform.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne experienced a period of homelessness and severe financial instability during a hiatus from acting. Her struggles with health and legal issues led to a total loss of her early earnings from films like ‘American Pie’. She successfully sought treatment and focused on a professional comeback that started with independent theater and film work. Lyonne regained her status in the industry through starring roles in ‘Orange is the New Black’ and ‘Russian Doll’.

Courtney Love

Courtney Love claimed that millions of dollars were stolen from the estate of her late husband Kurt Cobain. The actress and musician faced numerous lawsuits and tax liens that significantly depleted her wealth. She was forced to sell assets and reside in rented properties while investigating the alleged fraud. Love has continued to work in film and television including a recurring role in the series ‘Empire’.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

Zsa Zsa Gabor suffered immense financial loss when she became a victim of the Bernard Madoff investment scandal. The legendary actress lost a substantial portion of her savings which forced her to list her longtime Bel Air mansion for sale. Her husband helped manage her affairs during her later years as they navigated rising medical costs and legal fees. She remained a public figure known for her glamorous lifestyle despite the late career economic challenges.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland struggled with deep financial debt throughout most of her adult life despite her status as a global icon. Mismanagement by her agents and personal health issues led to multiple tax liens from the government. She often performed grueling concert tours to earn enough money to support her family and pay off her creditors. Her performance in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ remains a masterpiece of cinema even though she died with very little personal wealth.

Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake went from being one of the most successful stars of the 1940s to working as a waitress in her later years. She faced financial ruin due to a decline in film offers and several personal challenges that impacted her career longevity. Her distinctive style in films like ‘Sullivan’s Travels’ was not enough to protect her from economic hardship. Lake eventually moved to New York and worked in a hotel bar before a brief return to the stage.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was the first Black woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress but she died in relative poverty. She lost her entire fortune due to poor investment advice and a series of legal complications. Her career was hindered by the systemic limitations of Hollywood during the mid twentieth century. Despite her talent in ‘Carmen Jones’ she was forced to sell her home and lived in a small apartment at the end of her life.

Lorraine Bracco

Lorraine Bracco filed for bankruptcy after an expensive five year custody battle that cost her millions of dollars. The actress known for ‘The Sopranos’ stated that the legal process completely drained her bank accounts. She had to take on numerous roles and live modestly to recover from the financial blow. Bracco eventually stabilized her finances and has since appeared in successful series like ‘Rizzoli and Isles’.

Janice Dickinson

Janice Dickinson filed for bankruptcy after accruing substantial debt from unpaid taxes and medical bills. The former supermodel and actress appeared in ‘America’s Next Top Model’ but struggled to maintain her financial health. She faced various legal challenges and public scrutiny during her efforts to settle her financial obligations. Dickinson eventually sought to rebuild her career through various television appearances and reality show projects.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton faced financial difficulties following the conclusion of her starring role in ‘The OC’. She was involved in a legal dispute with her own mother regarding the management of her earnings and property. Barton experienced a period of transition as she moved between different acting projects and reality television opportunities. She has since worked on stabilizing her career through independent films and the series ‘The Hills New Beginnings’.

Heidi Montag

Heidi Montag and her husband famously admitted to spending their entire ten million dollar fortune within a few years. The actress and reality star rose to prominence on ‘The Hills’ but struggled with impulsive spending on luxury items and surgeries. They eventually faced a reality of living in a guest house after their wealth was completely exhausted. Montag has since focused on parenting and smaller television projects to support her family.

Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes experienced a series of personal and legal challenges that significantly impacted her financial standing. Her early success in ‘The Amanda Show’ and ‘Hairspray’ provided a substantial fortune that was placed under a conservatorship. During the period leading up to the legal arrangement her spending and lack of income caused concern for her long term stability. Bynes has since focused on her education and personal health while living a more private life.

Loni Anderson

Loni Anderson faced financial ruin following her high profile divorce from actor Burt Reynolds. The legal battle lasted for years and left her with significant debts that were difficult to manage on her acting income alone. She filed for bankruptcy in the mid 1990s as a way to restructure her finances and start over. Anderson continued to work in television and became a spokesperson for various causes while rebuilding her life.

Margot Kidder

Margot Kidder went through a period of severe financial hardship after a highly publicized mental health crisis in the 1990s. The ‘Superman’ star lost her home and spent time living in a high stress environment while recovering her health. She gradually returned to the screen with smaller roles in independent films and television guest spots. Kidder became a vocal advocate for mental health awareness before her passing in 2018.

Brett Butler

Brett Butler went from earning twenty five million dollars on ‘Grace Under Fire’ to being homeless for a period of time. Her struggles with health and the cancellation of her show led to a total loss of her assets. She eventually moved to a farm and worked outside of the entertainment industry to support herself. Butler later made a return to acting with recurring roles in series like ‘The Walking Dead’.

Erin Moran

Erin Moran faced significant financial struggles after her career on ‘Happy Days’ ended. She lost her California home to foreclosure and moved into a trailer park with family members in her later years. Despite her early fame her acting opportunities became limited which led to a permanent change in her economic status. Moran remained a beloved figure to fans of classic television until her death in 2017.

Mackenzie Phillips

Mackenzie Phillips experienced a loss of her fortune due to long term personal challenges and gaps in her professional career. The star of ‘One Day at a Time’ faced various legal and health issues that drained her resources. She eventually turned her life around and found a new career as a counselor while continuing to take acting roles. Phillips wrote a bestselling memoir that helped her regain financial stability and share her journey with others.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols faced financial and legal challenges late in her life regarding the management of her estate. The ‘Star Trek’ pioneer was involved in a court battle involving her family and former associates over her assets. Despite her legendary status her later years were marked by concerns over her living situation and healthcare costs. Fans and the community supported her throughout these difficulties until her passing.

Patty Duke

Patty Duke struggled with financial mismanagement early in her career when her guardians controlled her earnings. She won an Oscar for ‘The Miracle Worker’ but discovered as an adult that much of her wealth was gone. Duke successfully advocated for better protections for child actors and continued to work steadily to build a new life. She remained a respected actress and mental health advocate throughout her long career.

Peggy Lipton

Peggy Lipton faced financial difficulties after her marriage ended and she returned to the workforce. The ‘Mod Squad’ star had taken a long hiatus from acting and found it challenging to regain her previous level of wealth. She successfully restarted her career with a prominent role in the series ‘Twin Peaks’. Lipton maintained a steady career in film and television for the remainder of her life.

Tia Carrere

Tia Carrere filed for bankruptcy early in her career following a legal dispute with her management team. The actress known for ‘Wayne’s World’ had to navigate the financial implications of a contract lawsuit while trying to grow her brand. She worked consistently in both voice acting and live action roles to restore her economic standing. Carrere has since won multiple Grammy Awards for her music while continuing her acting work.

Delta Burke

Delta Burke faced professional and financial setbacks after her departure from the series ‘Designing Women’. She struggled with health issues and a decline in leading roles which impacted her overall income. Burke eventually returned to television in various guest roles and focused on her own clothing line business. She has spoken publicly about her journey to overcome personal hurdles and maintain her career.

Lisa Rinna

Lisa Rinna admitted that she and her husband were close to financial ruin before she joined ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’. Despite a long career on ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Melrose Place’ the couple faced a period with little work and high expenses. She took on every job opportunity available to ensure her family could maintain their home. Rinna has since used her platform to launch multiple successful business ventures.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty faced financial challenges related to her health battles and legal disputes with her former management. She filed a lawsuit alleging that her earnings were mismanaged which led to a lapse in her health insurance coverage. The actress from ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ has been transparent about the high costs of medical care and its impact on her savings. She continues to work in the industry and share her journey with her fans.

Sherilyn Fenn

Sherilyn Fenn experienced a significant shift in her financial status after her peak fame in the early 1990s. The ‘Twin Peaks’ actress found that consistent leading roles were harder to secure as the industry changed. She faced various personal challenges that required her to live a more modest lifestyle than her early career suggested. Fenn has continued to work in independent film and television while maintaining a dedicated fan base.

Sondra Locke

Sondra Locke claimed she was left with no assets following a highly publicized legal battle with a former partner. The Academy Award nominated actress spent years in court fighting for her professional and financial rights. She eventually reached a settlement that allowed her to move forward with her life and career. Locke focused on directing and appearing in independent projects in her later years.

Taryn Manning

Taryn Manning has faced reports of financial and legal instability throughout her career in film and music. The ‘Orange is the New Black’ actress has dealt with various personal hurdles that have impacted her professional consistency. She has worked to maintain her presence in the industry through a variety of independent film roles. Manning remains active in the entertainment world while navigating her personal and financial journey.

Lark Voorhies

Lark Voorhies experienced a decline in her fortune and professional opportunities after her time on ‘Saved by the Bell’. She faced several public challenges regarding her health and personal life that made consistent work difficult. Her family has spoken about the efforts to manage her affairs and ensure her well being during difficult periods. Voorhies has made occasional appearances in sequels and specials related to her early work.

Jaime Pressly

Jaime Pressly encountered significant financial trouble including a large tax lien following the end of ‘My Name is Earl’. She had to manage the sudden loss of a steady income while settling her obligations with the government. Pressly focused on her craft and eventually landed a starring role in the long running sitcom ‘Mom’. This career resurgence allowed her to settle her debts and reclaim her financial independence.

Tell us which of these career comebacks surprised you the most in the comments.