Iconic Stars and Their Tragic Financial Downfalls

Sep 11, 2023

By: Sahib Preet Singh

Behind the glamour: The financial struggles of legendary entertainers

In the dazzling world of entertainment, fame and fortune often appear to go hand in hand. Yet, behind the glittering façade of Hollywood's brightest stars lie stories of financial turmoil, tragic choices, and unforeseen circumstances that led to their dow...

1. Michael Jackson

Known as the King of Pop, Michael Jackson passed away in 2009 due to an overdose of surgical anesthetic. His financial situation was marked by significant debt, estimated at around $500 million. This precarious financial state was the result of his extravagant...

2. Marvin Gaye

The iconic Motown singer met a tragic end when he was fatally shot by his father in 1984. Leading up to his untimely death, Marvin Gaye faced considerable financial challenges. His struggles with drug addiction and multiple divorces had taken a toll on his fin...

3. Judy Garland

The iconic actress and singer, known for her lifelong battle with substance abuse, tragically succumbed to a barbiturate overdose in 1969. Throughout her illustrious career, Judy Garland faced numerous challenges, including being consistently overworked and un...

4. Bela Lugosi

Renowned for his iconic portrayal of the titular character in the 1931 horror masterpiece "Dracula," the actor struggled with substance abuse, with much of his fortune spent on drugs and alcohol. Despite maintaining a steady stream of work and appear...

5. Mickey Rooney

Enduring purported physical and financial mistreatment from his eighth spouse and her son, Mickey Rooney passed away with only a modest portion of the wealth he had amassed from his acting career. The remaining $18,000 was bequeathed to his stepson, who had pr...

6. Corey Haim

Corey Haim, renowned for his role in "Lost Boys" and a victim of alleged childhood sexual abuse, grappled with a debilitating drug addiction that tarnished his once-promising career. His lack of insurance led to substantial expenses for multiple reha...

7. Veronica Lake

Veronica Lake, a captivating Hollywood femme fatale from the 1940s, dissipated her wealth on alcohol as her career faced decline. A series of failed marriages and a devastating miscarriage contributed to her struggle with alcoholism. Lake passed away at the ag...

8. Omar Sharif

Renowned Egyptian film star Omar Sharif, celebrated for his roles in "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Doctor Zhivago," was notorious for his excessive drinking and gambling habits. His penchant for gambling led to the depletion of his fortune, for...

9. Anita Ekberg

Swedish actress Anita Ekberg, famed for her role in Fellini's "La Dolce Vita," enjoyed a successful acting career during the 1960s. However, her opportunities waned in the 1970s. A divorce and multiple robberies left her living in seclusion duri...

10. Sammy Davis Jr.

Despite his legendary status as a singer, Sammy Davis Jr.'s fortune couldn't sustain his extravagant lifestyle. Upon his passing from complications related to throat cancer in 1990, his $4 million estate fell significantly short of covering his subst...