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Being a celebrity can be quite costly. Despite their incredibly high incomes, A-listers tend to live expensive lives. Multiple homes, private travel, and extravagant vacations make up the more luxurious side of their financial burden. However, their public personas mean that they and their families require high levels of security wherever they go, which doesn't come cheap. Factor in financial abuse by dodgy managers, poor investment choices, and drug addictions, and their lifestyles can lead to heavy debt.

These surprisingly common problems mean that not all celebrities are able to maintain their wealth. Some of the most influential individuals in history have actually passed away with no money left.

Curious to know more? Continue reading to discover the unexpected celebrities who died penniless.

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This poet from the 19th century was indeed an eccentric, writing almost 2,000 poems and employing inventive methods in her writing.

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According to reports, Emily Dickinson passed away in impoverished circumstances, with 40 volumes of her poetry published posthumously.

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Mickey Rooney began his career as a child actor and continued to work for nine decades.

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After a long and accomplished 93-year career, including 300 films and eight marriages, Mickey Rooney did not amass great wealth. It's reported that he didn't leave behind sufficient funds for a public funeral service.

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Gary Coleman found fame playing the role of Arnold Jackson in 'Diff'rent Strokes.' He enjoyed considerable success in both television and cinema.

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Coleman successfully obtained US$1.3 million by suing his parents over mismanagement of his wealth. He filed for bankruptcy and died in 2010.

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The poet from the 1800s greatly influenced the detective fiction genre. Notable works by this poet include 'The Raven,' 'The Stylus,' and 'Tamerlane and Other Poems.'

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Reports indicate that Poe passed away in 1849 under uncertain circumstances, leaving behind very little.

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Sammy Davis Jr. passed away from throat cancer in 1990. At the time of his death, he still owed debts, leading his estate to sell his belongings to pay them off.

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The American performer showcased a multitude of talents, including singing, acting, impressions, and vaudeville performances.

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Marvin Gaye initially joined Motown Records as a drummer. However, he later transformed into a prominent music figure, renowned for his popular songs such as 'What's Going On' and 'Let's Get It On.'

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Despite this, Gaye continued to face financial difficulties and struggled with drug addiction. In his later years, he filed for bankruptcy and was burdened with significant debt. Sadly, his life came to a tragic end when he was murdered by his own father.

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Judy Garland was born into a family of entertainers and later became a unique cinematic star, unlike any other.

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Regrettably, Garland faced struggles with substance abuse and financial woes. She had accumulated millions in debt before her demise, and it is said that the IRS seized her residence posthumously.

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This Canadian teen idol acted alongside Corey Feldman in 'The Lost Boys.' He also made appearances in 'Lucas,' 'Silver Bullet,' and 'Murphy's Romance.'

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Corey Haim encountered financial problems and substance abuse issues, resulting in his bankruptcy filing. He passed away suddenly in 2010 at the age of 39, reportedly of natural causes. His family reached out to fans for help paying for the funeral.

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Zora Neale Hurston, an impactful American writer and anthropologist, is best known for her widely acclaimed piece, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God.'

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According to reports, Hurston passed away with minimal funds in her bank account. Notably, her grave remained unmarked until Alice Walker purchased a headstone for her.

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The Irish writer is still highly influential, with well-known works such as 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and 'The Importance of Being Earnest.'

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Wilde was imprisoned in the UK for his homosexuality later in life which caused a major decline in his health, finances, and social standing. He passed away in 1900 with very little money.

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Veronica Lake, a renowned actress, captivated audiences in the 1940s with her roles in films such as 'Sullivan's Travels' and 'So Proudly We Hail!'

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Regrettably, Lake's Hollywood career was not extensive or fruitful. She struggled with schizophrenia and alcoholism, which contributed to her premature death at the age of 51. She was penniless when she passed away.

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Charlie Parker, a highly respected jazz musician, gained immense popularity in both the United States and internationally throughout the 20th century.

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At the time of his demise, Parker was just 34 years old and had almost nothing to his name.

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This one might be the most surprising for you. MJ was one of the most successful artists of all time, with over 60 million copies of 'Thriller' sold.

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However, it is reported that the highly successful musician had a debt of more than US$500 million at the time of his death. Following MJ's demise, his estate went into bankruptcy but later generated US$2 billion.

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Bobby Driscoll was a child star born in 1937. He had a short but successful career as an actor for several years, but was unable to get work after his incarceration for drug-related offenses.

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Driscoll died at the age of 31 in 1968, suffering heart failure caused by his drug use. He was buried in an unmarked grave in New York City.

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Joe Louis, the heavyweight champion, had a remarkably long reign in boxing. While he amassed a fortune during his career, he unfortunately passed away with very little left..

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Louis experienced financial troubles throughout his life, including poor investment choices and issues with taxes. Tragically, he passed away in 1981 from a heart attack after suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues for years.

See also: Bizarre celebrity deaths you've probably never heard of