Actresses Who Lost Their Fortune and Rebuilt It From Scratch

Becoming a successful actress in Hollywood is rarely easy, and many women who’ve made it have overcome serious financial hardships. Through legal issues, bad business decisions, or personal difficulties, some actresses lost almost everything before rebuilding their careers. Their experiences show incredible strength and the power of reinvention, proving that a financial crisis doesn’t have to mean the end of a successful life. These women faced bankruptcy and career setbacks, but ultimately proved their resilience.

Toni Braxton

Despite a hugely successful music career with millions of records sold and numerous awards, Toni Braxton faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy twice. This was due to a combination of low income from her music royalties and significant spending on her homes. She turned things around with a profitable Las Vegas show and her reality TV series, ‘Braxton Family Values’. Now, she continues to thrive in both music and television with much more secure finances.

Kim Basinger

In the early 1990s, Kim Basinger experienced serious financial difficulties after withdrawing from the movie ‘Boxing Helena’. A legal battle that followed resulted in a judgment requiring her to pay over eight million dollars, ultimately leading her to file for bankruptcy. She later resolved the case and worked to rebuild her career by taking on strong roles. Her successful return to prominence came with an Academy Award for her performance in ‘L.A. Confidential’.

Debbie Reynolds

You know, it’s always sad to hear about financial troubles, especially for someone as bright as Debbie Reynolds. It turns out her second husband made some really bad business choices and had a gambling problem, which unfortunately cost her a lot of money. It got so bad she actually had to file for bankruptcy in ’97 after a hotel and casino deal in Vegas went bust. But that woman was a trooper! She didn’t let it keep her down. She worked non-stop – doing stage shows and taking on TV roles – to pay off all those debts. Eventually, she managed to rebuild everything and really cemented her place as one of the most dedicated and hardworking performers ever. It’s inspiring, honestly.

Lena Headey

Lena Headey faced serious money problems during her divorce, and at one point had less than five dollars to her name. She had to sell her house and take on whatever acting work she could find to support herself and her child. Everything changed when she landed the role of Cersei Lannister on ‘Game of Thrones’. The show not only provided financial stability but also cemented her status as a leading actress.

Pamela Anderson

In the mid-2000s, Pamela Anderson faced serious financial difficulties due to unpaid taxes and debts from home construction, almost losing all her money. She temporarily lived in a trailer park while her house was being renovated. Anderson then revitalized her career through business opportunities around the world and a successful performance in the Broadway musical ‘Chicago’. More recently, her documentary and autobiography have brought her even greater public attention and financial security.

Courtney Love

Courtney Love lost most of her money—both what she inherited and earned from her career—because of poor financial decisions and high legal costs. She believes she was defrauded and that bad bookkeeping led to millions of dollars disappearing from her accounts. To get back on track, Love returned to acting, appearing in shows like ‘Empire’ and ‘Sons of Anarchy.’ She also pursued art and music as ways to earn money and build a more secure financial future.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne’s promising start as a child actor was derailed by a difficult period of homelessness and health problems. She spent years working to overcome these challenges, dealing with legal and financial difficulties along the way. After gradually returning to acting with smaller roles, she found a breakthrough role in ‘Orange Is the New Black.’ Since then, she’s become a highly successful creator and leading actress, known for shows like ‘Russian Doll’ and ‘Poker Face.’

Cyndi Lauper

In 1981, Cyndi Lauper faced financial hardship after her band, Blue Angel, broke up and a disagreement with her manager left her with no money. She worked in retail while continuing to chase her dream of becoming a solo singer. Her fortunes turned around with the release of her album ‘She’s So Unusual,’ which launched her to international fame. She later added to her success by composing the music for the acclaimed Broadway show ‘Kinky Boots.’

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart faced a major financial hit and saw her company’s value drop after her legal issues and time in prison. While many thought her career was finished, she remarkably turned things around. She successfully reinvented her brand by embracing current trends and collaborating with surprising new partners. Now, her business is thriving, and she remains a prominent figure in the lifestyle and media world.

Kelly Rutherford

In 2013, actress Kelly Rutherford filed for bankruptcy after spending almost $2 million fighting a difficult international custody case. The costs of the legal battle drained her savings, leading her to seek financial protection. She successfully turned things around by working on projects overseas and appearing in the TV show ‘Dynasty’. Rutherford also used her experience to campaign for changes to the legal system while continuing to work as an actress.

Kim Fields

Kim Fields, who first found fame as a young actress, experienced financial difficulties in the late 1990s, including tax liens. She overcame these challenges by transitioning into directing and producing. Later, she successfully returned to the public eye with appearances on ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ and the sitcom ‘The Upshaws,’ which helped her pay off her debts and build a lasting career.

Tia Carrere

After a slowdown in her acting work and some legal issues in the early 2000s, Tia Carrere filed for bankruptcy. Though she was once a prominent film star, known for movies like ‘Wayne’s World,’ she struggled to keep her career going at the same level. Carrere then transitioned to music and voice acting, which proved successful, earning her several Grammy Awards and a consistent income. She has since rebuilt her finances and continues to work in both film and music.

Janice Dickinson

In 2013, Janice Dickinson filed for bankruptcy after accumulating significant debt from unpaid taxes and medical expenses. The former model and TV personality had experienced a decrease in her earnings over time. She worked on reality shows and through sponsorships to pay off her debts and restore her finances. Despite these financial difficulties, she successfully continued her career in entertainment.

Delta Burke

After leaving the popular show ‘Designing Women’, Delta Burke went through some tough times financially and personally. Finding consistent, well-paying work proved difficult for a while. Eventually, she made her way back to television with appearances on several different shows. Through smart financial decisions and by taking on a variety of roles, she was able to regain her financial security.

Kathy Griffin

After a controversial photo caused a public backlash, Kathy Griffin quickly lost her career and all sources of income. She was effectively shut out by major television networks and her tour was canceled. Determined to rebuild, Griffin used her own funds to create a documentary and launch an international tour. Her hard work eventually paid off, leading to sold-out shows and a return to prominence as a leading comedian.

Loni Anderson

In the mid-1990s, Loni Anderson filed for bankruptcy following her very public divorce from Burt Reynolds. At the time, she was struggling with debt and didn’t have steady acting jobs. To earn money, she started appearing in guest roles on TV shows and doing voice work for cartoons. She managed to overcome her financial difficulties and has continued to be a well-respected person in Hollywood.

Tionne Watkins

Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins of TLC faced financial hardship several times, largely due to medical expenses from sickle cell anemia, even while at the peak of her career. Combined with difficult contracts in the music industry, these bills depleted her savings. She successfully recovered financially by returning to touring and participating in reality TV shows that shared her personal story. Her resilience in overcoming repeated financial setbacks has been a source of inspiration for her fans.

Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia Barrino, though she won ‘American Idol,’ faced tough times, including the loss of her home and other personal struggles that threatened her career. She overcame these challenges by focusing on her talent and taking the lead role in the Broadway musical ‘The Color Purple.’ This success ultimately led to the film version of ‘The Color Purple,’ securing her financial recovery.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige faced serious financial challenges, including a large tax bill and a costly divorce, which put her financial future at risk. While continuing her successful music career, she worked to pay off years of back taxes. She then successfully expanded her career into acting, earning an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Mudbound’. This move not only boosted her reputation but also created new sources of income and made her finances more stable.

Shannen Doherty

After leaving ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ in the nineties, Shannen Doherty experienced some tough legal and financial times. For a while, a reputation for being challenging made it difficult to find consistent acting roles. However, she successfully turned things around with her starring role in the popular series ‘Charmed’. She continued to work regularly on television and later used her public profile to advocate for health awareness.

Alyssa Milano

I was shocked to learn that Alyssa Milano sued her former business manager. Apparently, he was incredibly negligent and left her with millions in debt! She claimed he made terrible investments and didn’t even pay her taxes. It’s amazing how she handled it, though. She took on a main role in ‘Insatiable’ and started her own sports apparel line, which really took off. It’s a testament to her hard work and business sense that she was able to overcome such a huge financial setback and get back on her feet.

Tori Spelling

Tori Spelling has openly discussed her financial difficulties and the disappointment of not receiving the large inheritance she anticipated. For years, she dealt with money problems that were often publicized, including on reality TV. She successfully turned things around by appearing on reality shows and writing popular autobiographies. She continues to work hard in the entertainment industry, finding new ways to earn money and provide for her family.

Mischa Barton

After her successful run on ‘The O.C.’, Mischa Barton experienced financial and legal difficulties, struggling to adjust to life after teen stardom. She’s since worked to rebuild her career, appearing on shows like ‘The Hills New Beginnings’ and in independent films. Barton has consistently worked to stabilize her finances and continues to act today.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan faced a very public struggle with her finances, including unpaid taxes and fewer acting roles. She spent several years living outside the US, focusing on getting her life back on track. Recently, she’s made a successful return to acting with a deal to star in multiple movies for Netflix, most notably ‘Falling for Christmas’. This has helped her rebuild her wealth and prove she’s still a valuable actress.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone experienced major financial losses following a severe stroke and a long recovery period. While focusing on her health, she also dealt with legal issues and fewer job opportunities in the film industry. Stone worked diligently to get better and eventually returned to acting in prominent roles. She also helped rebuild her finances with the publication of her bestselling memoir, ‘The Beauty of Living Twice’.

Kirstie Alley

Throughout her career, Kirstie Alley experienced periods where work was scarce, which affected her finances. After the success of ‘Cheers,’ she faced business setbacks and a drop in income. She successfully turned things around by creating and starring in the show ‘Fat Actress’ and partnering with weight loss companies for profitable endorsements. This allowed her to continue living comfortably and pursue her own creative endeavors.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge made history as the first African American woman to be nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award, but despite this achievement, she struggled financially. Bad investments and a limited number of roles available for actresses of color at the time led her to declare bankruptcy. She tried to revive her career by performing in nightclubs and appearing in films overseas. Despite facing numerous challenges, she is now remembered as a groundbreaking figure in Hollywood.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland struggled with serious financial problems and debt for much of her later life, largely due to mismanagement of her money. Even though she was a world-famous star, she often had to perform simply to pay off those she owed. Her incredible concerts at Carnegie Hall marked a huge turning point, and are still celebrated as some of the best live performances ever. This comeback helped her regain her confidence as an artist and earn a substantial income.

Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr was a huge movie star during Hollywood’s golden age, but she struggled with money later in life. After her acting career and marriages ended, she lived a simple life. Eventually, she regained recognition – not just as a glamorous actress, but as a brilliant inventor. Her work on a technology called frequency hopping was finally appreciated, bringing her back into the spotlight and securing her legacy beyond the silver screen.

Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake was a huge movie star in the 1940s, but later in life, she faced hard times with money and health problems. She worked various non-entertainment jobs for years and was mostly overlooked by Hollywood. However, her career experienced a comeback when fans and film experts rediscovered her films, leading to new income and documentaries about her life. This revived interest cemented her place as a timeless icon of classic cinema.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor repeatedly found herself in financial trouble due to lavish spending and health issues. Her passion for jewelry and luxurious living demanded a substantial income. She successfully turned things around by creating a highly profitable perfume line, which ultimately made her one of Hollywood’s richest women, separate from her earnings as an actress.

Mo’Nique

As a critic, I’ve been following Mo’Nique’s career for years, and it’s been inspiring to see her navigate a really tough situation. After winning an Oscar, she felt shut out by Hollywood, losing out on a lot of work, all because she stood up for fair pay and treatment – a public fight with the big studios. For a while, roles were scarce, but she didn’t back down. Ultimately, she landed a huge deal with Netflix for a comedy special, and honestly, it was a total triumph. It wasn’t just a comeback; it proved her worth as a performer and let her take control of her career and rebuild her finances on her terms. It was a powerful statement, and a great special.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph started her career strong with ‘Dreamgirls,’ but then experienced a long period where she struggled to find work. She’s been honest about how difficult it was emotionally and financially to be passed over for big roles in Hollywood. Her career recently experienced a huge comeback when she landed a part in the popular show ‘Abbott Elementary.’ This role not only won her an Emmy Award but also led to many new, well-paying jobs, completely changing her financial situation.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash overcame early hardships and financial struggles as she pursued her acting career. She juggled multiple jobs and coped with family loss before achieving steady success on TV. Roles in shows like ‘Claws’ and ‘Dahmer’ helped her rebuild her life, and her ability to excel in both funny and serious roles has made her a highly sought-after actress.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson arrived in Los Angeles with just $700 and a young son depending on her. Despite being a talented actress and achieving success in films, she struggled for years with low pay. She fought for what she deserved and finally earned a substantial salary playing Cookie Lyon on ‘Empire.’ This breakthrough led to significant wealth and allowed her to invest in different businesses.

Jennifer Coolidge

For years, Jennifer Coolidge often played minor characters and faced periods of unemployment, despite being a recognizable actress. Her success didn’t translate into financial security until her breakout role in ‘The White Lotus.’ This led to critical acclaim, including several major awards, and opened doors to lucrative brand partnerships, dramatically improving her financial situation.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder’s career and finances suffered after a very public legal issue in the early 2000s. She spent several years working on smaller films and projects, stepping away from big Hollywood movies. However, she made a huge comeback when she landed a role in the Netflix hit series ‘Stranger Things’. The show’s worldwide success re-established her as a prominent actress and secured her financial stability.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore rose to fame as a young actress, but her teenage years were marked by public battles with addiction. She became independent from her parents at just fourteen, and many studios wouldn’t work with her due to her struggles. Determined to turn things around, Barrymore built a new career by starting her own production company and appearing in several popular movies. Today, she’s a thriving talk show host and businesswoman, having created a very successful multi-million dollar brand.

Please share your thoughts about these resilient women and their career comebacks in the comments.

2026-02-16 15:19