Half a century of excellence
The 'Lethal Weapon' actor filed for bankruptcy in 2012 with debts between US$500,000 and US$1 million.
Christy Carlson Romano and Shia LaBeouf co-starred on the hit Disney show 'Even Stevens' when they were teenagers. Shia LaBeouf went on to become a major star, but the world sort of lost track of Carlson Romano. She went on to voice the lead character in the animated series 'Kim Possible,' and ended up going to university. She was earning a great deal of money at the time but didn't invest any of it or buy a house. She cut ties with her family after college because she didn't like how they managed her finances and went on a spending spree in an effort to make herself feel better. Carlson Romano admitted she never really learned how to manage her money and now wants her own daughters to be educated about their finances. She ended up making and losing millions in those early years, and is sharing her story as a cautionary tale.
The 'Boogie Nights' actor filed for bankruptcy in 1996 when he was US$10 million in debt.
The popular country singer filed for bankruptcy in 1990 as he owed more than US$16 million to the IRS. Shortly after he released the album 'The IRS Tapes: Who’ll Buy My Memories,' whose proceeds went straight to the government.
The 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' actor and musician was hit with a series of lawsuits brought forth by a former collaborator and his ex-manager. He had to declare a chapter 11 bankruptcy to keep them from continuing to file new suits.
In a 2022 interview with Howard Stern, 'Better Call Saul' star Bob Odenkirk revealed that he nearly went bankrupt in the early 2000s. The actor had a successful career up to that point but a couple of failed directorial ventures had left him in a "financial hole." He directed the movies 'Let's Go to Prison' (2006) and 'The Brothers Solomon' (2007), both of which were box office flops. He was in a bad position financially when his agent called him and told him he'd been offered a part on the series 'Breaking Bad.' The show wasn't a big deal at the time, but his agent told him couldn't say no. Odenkirk says he responded "dude, I haven't said 'no' in a year and a half, but maybe you didn't notice that!" Naturally, 'Breaking Bad' became one of the most critically-acclaimed shows in history, and Odenkirk got his own spin-off in 'Better Call Saul.'
Armie Hammer, whose career was devastated by serious allegations of abuse and cannibalistic desires, is selling his beloved truck due to financial difficulties. The actor, who has always denied these claims, has been ostracized from Hollywood and has lost numerous roles since the allegations surfaced. Having not been in a film since 'Death on the Nile' (2022), Hammer revealed his recent struggles in a video posted on Instagram. "(...) I’m selling my truck. Since being back in L.A., I have put about 4 or 500 dollars worth of gas in it, and I can’t afford it. I can’t afford the gas anymore,” he lamented.
In the case of disgraced actor Kevin Spacey, years of lawsuits and legal defense costs have plunged him into debt. The 64-year-old recently gave a tell-all interview with controversial TV personality Piers Morgan in which he disclosed his current financial ruin. Spacey was accused of many cases of assault and misconduct during the Me Too Movement which led to him being fired from the successful show 'House of Cards.' Although he was found not guilty in his civil case against actor Anthony Rapp in the US and his nine criminal charges at his UK trial, he says he now owes millions in legal fees that he doesn't know how to pay.
Morgan asked Spacey where he was currently living, to which the actor responded, "It’s funny you ask that question because this week, where I have been living in Baltimore is being foreclosed on. My house is being sold at auction, so I have to go back to Baltimore and put my things in storage." He continued, "So the answer to that question is, I’m not sure where I am going to live now." Spacey was in tears as he was asked if he was facing bankruptcy. “There’s been a couple of times when I thought I was going to file but we’ve managed to dodge it, at least as of today.” Regardless, Spacey is millions of dollars in debt, without a home, and claims to have no money.
Even the rich and famous struggle financially. Wealthy stars can still face financial challenges, including overspending, making bad decisions, or becoming victims of family disputes.
Jack Veal, who portrayed kid Loki in the Marvel series 'Loki,' has reached out for public support after experiencing tough times. The actor posted several videos on social media explaining he’s looking for housing near London, revealing that he’s been homeless after allegedly facing physical and emotional abuse at home. He also shared his mental health struggles, mentioning that he has autism and ADHD, and is being evaluated for bipolar disorder and psychosis.
Later, he updated his followers in a video, expressing gratitude after social services reached out to him for a meeting that may help. “I don’t know what you guys have done, but it’s gotten out there and it’s really, really helped me. They’re taking action now. They’re actually doing something,” he said in the video. “God bless you all. Thank you so much.”
Click through the gallery and check out the celebrities who have been bankrupt—or come pretty close to it.
Jack Veal, a 17-year-old actor known for his role as kid Loki in Marvel’s 'Loki' series (starring Tom Hiddleston), urgently called for help from the system, saying he has no home just three weeks before Christmas. "I can't stay with my grandparents since my grandfather is seriously ill. I have no other place to go and I urgently need help," Veal explained. He mentioned that he’s been staying in an unsafe trailer with broken windows and that social services haven't provided assistance. Feeling desperate, he begged his followers to spread the word about his situation. Fortunately, it seems social services finally got involved.
See also: Celebrities who own private islands
'Loki' actor Jack Veal reveals he is homeless at 17
The actor reveals family dispute responsible for his homelessness
CELEBRITY Bankruptcy
Even the rich and famous struggle financially. Wealthy stars can still face financial challenges, including overspending, making bad decisions, or becoming victims of family disputes.
Jack Veal, who portrayed kid Loki in the Marvel series 'Loki,' has reached out for public support after experiencing tough times. The actor posted several videos on social media explaining he’s looking for housing near London, revealing that he’s been homeless after allegedly facing physical and emotional abuse at home. He also shared his mental health struggles, mentioning that he has autism and ADHD, and is being evaluated for bipolar disorder and psychosis.
Later, he updated his followers in a video, expressing gratitude after social services reached out to him for a meeting that may help. “I don’t know what you guys have done, but it’s gotten out there and it’s really, really helped me. They’re taking action now. They’re actually doing something,” he said in the video. “God bless you all. Thank you so much.”
Click through the gallery and check out the celebrities who have been bankrupt—or come pretty close to it.