FAMOUS BANKRUPTS

A typical consumer bankruptcy filing, doesn’t cause much of a stir to the public at large. Usually no one other than your creditors ever finds out that you have filed. Unless, of course, you happen to be famous.

Here is a sampling of the newsworthy bankruptcy filings that have taken place throughout the years. (See how many names you recognize):

Rembrandt H. V. Rijn
Phineas Taylor Barnum
Mark Twain
Henry John Heinz
Milton Hershey
Henry Ford
Mickey Rooney
Johnny Unitas
Burt Reynolds
Sherman Hemsley
Kim Basinger
Wayne Newton
MC Hammer
Walt Disney
Larry King
Donald Trump
Mike Tyson

And let’s not forget these highly notable filings: Texaco, Macy’s TWA, Penn Central Station and Enron.

Most famous “ALMOST WENT BANKRUPT” goes to: New York City. The year was 1975 and Abe Beam was mayor. The City avoided bankruptcy only because the federal government extended a large federal loan, and the NYC Teacher’s Union agreed to invest $150 million dollars from their pension fund to purchase municipal bonds. Anyone remember the New York Daily News Headline from that era? “FORD TO CITY: DROP DEAD!”

   

Disclaimer: The Law Offices of Michael E. Zapin is a debt relief agency and we help our clients file for bankruptcy relief.

The materials and discussions on this website are for informational purposes only and not intended to be legal advice to you. Most of the information on this website is based on Florida law. Laws are not static, they are fluid. Legislatures periodically change dollar values in laws relevant to bankruptcy. Though we strive to remain current on the law, always check primary sources for the most recent values or developments.  Laws in your home state may vary. Contact a competent local professional for actual legal advice or ask us for a referral.