Famous People Who Filed Bankruptcy

Yes. And many other famous people of all financial

means have filed bankruptcy.

If you're feeling depressed because of financial problems, know that many wealthy and famous people have filed for Bankruptcy. And many had their great success and fame after their cases were filed.

Now that is truly a fresh start! And you deserve that fresh start too!

Listed below are just a few famous people who filed for bankruptcy. Artists, athletes, authors, actors and businessmen have filed bankruptcy to obtain relief from their debts.

P.T. Barnum from Barnum and Bailey Circus filed for bankruptcy in 1871.

Mark Twain, famous author, filed for bankruptcy in 1894 and discharged all his debts.

Henry John Heinz, condiment manufacturer, filed for bankruptcy in 1875.

Oscar Wilde, acclaimed poet and author,  filed bankruptcy in 1895.

Tom Petty, filed bankruptcy in 1979.

50 Cent, filed bankruptcy in 2015.

Milton Hershey, founder of Hershey’s chocolate, started four candy companies that failed and filed bankruptcy before starting what is now Hershey’s Foods Corporation.

Henry Ford, automobile manufacturer, filed bankruptcy twice before creating a third company, the Ford Motor Company.

Johnny Unitas, legendary Hall of Fame football quarterback, filed for bankruptcy in 1991.

Jerry Lee Lewis, famous musician and performer, filed for bankruptcy in 1988.


Wayne Newton, Las Vegas entertainer, filed for bankruptcy in 1992.

Kim Basinger, actress, filed for bankruptcy in 1993.

MC Hammer, musician and entertainer, filed for bankruptcy in 1996.

Walt Disney, cartoon creator, filed for bankruptcy in 1920. Left with nothing to pay his bills or creditors, Walt Disney had to declare bankruptcy by 1923. 

Larry King, talk show host, filed for bankruptcy in 1960 and then again in 1978.

Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth President of the United States of America had to declare bankruptcy in 1833 due to failed business. 

Director Francis Ford Coppola has declared bankruptcy three times.