Celebrities Who Got Rich and Then Lost It All

Will Smith

Prior to Will Smith's incredible success, the IRS seized most of his possessions because he owed the government $2.8 million. Smith had to declare bankruptcy right before he was selected to star in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He was forced to pay the IRS over 70% of his salary over the first three years of the series. 

Willie Nelson

Nelson successfully avoided the taxman until 1990, when the IRS raided his home and seized nearly all of his possessions. Nelson owed the government around $16.7 million, including interest and late fees. Nelson held a fundraiser, which allowed him to continue making music and to pay off his debt entirely. 

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The More You Know

  • Growing up, Katy Perry wasn't allowed to eat Lucky Charms cereal because luck was "linked to the devil." Her family also called deviled eggs "angeled eggs."
  • Tom Hanks had an asteroid named after him which was called “12818 tomhanks”.
  • When Lady Gaga went to NYU, a group of students started a "Stefani Germanotta, you will never be famous" Facebook group.
  • Michael J. Fox's middle name doesn't start with a "J." His middle name is actually Andrew.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.