One thing we usually don't associate with Hollywood's finest is an empty bank account. We typically picture our favorite actors rolling around in enormous piles of cash stacked ceiling-high, golden coins glittering as they toss them up into their shimmering chandeliers. Unfortunately, Lena Headey, star actress on one of the biggest shows on television, has shattered any preconceptions we've had. She's admitted that she's living completely on credit with barely a dollar in her bank account.
Headey, who plays the conniving Cersei Lannister on HBO's "Game of Thrones," is pleading for at least $6,000 from her divorced husband, Peter Loughran, after admitting to a judge that she's utterly broke. She claims she has "less than $5 in her bank account" and has been providing for herself and her two-year-old son solely on credit.
Headey felt the urge to admit her misfortunes in response to Loughran's request for half of the couple's $46,000 tax return from 2011, which could be confiscated as community property. The judge has reportedly thrown out both of their requests, currently leaving both parties high and dry.
It's surprising that Headey finds herself in such dire circumstances. "Game of Thrones" is one of HBO's most popular show. It's season three premiere last Sunday set the record as the most pirated show in TV history and received series-high ratings. You'd think that Headey, as one of the main pivotal characters on the show, would be generously compensated, but apparently not. Or who knows, maybe Headey likes to spend more than she's worth.
In her legal documents, Headey claims that she's expecting money from her acting work in the future, but needs cash to help keep her and her son afloat in the meantime.
It's always sad to see our favorite actors struggle. No one likes to see their idols in such unfavorable circumstances. However, on the flip side, it's sometimes comforting to see celebrities faced with average Joe problems. Welcome to the real world.