Challenges in the Life of Nicolas Cage in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Nicolas Cage faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Nicolas Cage, born Nicolas Kim Coppola, is a celebrated American actor and film producer. His career boasts numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He's been nominated for two BAFTA Awards. Cage is renowned for his versatility and has cultivated a dedicated cult following through his diverse roles across various film genres.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2000: Theft of Action Comics #1

In 2000, Nicolas Cage's Action Comics #1 was stolen from him, and he received an insurance payment on the item.

2002: Unpaid Taxes From 2002 to 2004

From 2002 to 2004, the Internal Revenue Service had a lien for more than $350,000 in unpaid taxes against Nicolas Cage.

2004: Unpaid Taxes From 2002 to 2004

From 2002 to 2004, the Internal Revenue Service had a lien for more than $350,000 in unpaid taxes against Nicolas Cage.

November 2007: Research for The Wrestler

In November 2007, Nicolas Cage was spotted backstage at a Ring of Honor wrestling show in New York City doing research for the lead role in The Wrestler. He later dropped out of the production due to lack of preparation time, and director Darren Aronofsky chose Mickey Rourke for the role instead.

2007: Cage's Shopping Spree

In 2007, Nicolas Cage went on a shopping spree that included the purchase of three additional residences, 22 automobiles including 9 Rolls Royces, 12 expensive pieces of jewelry, and 47 purchases of artwork and exotic items, as stated by his business manager.

2007: Unpaid Federal Income Tax

In 2007, the IRS alleged that Nicolas Cage failed to pay over $6.2 million in federal income tax.

2008: Kathleen Turner's Memoir Allegations

In her 2008 memoir, Send Your Roses, Kathleen Turner falsely alleged that Nicolas Cage had stolen a chihuahua and was arrested twice for drunk driving while filming Peggy Sue Got Married. Cage won a libel action against her, her publisher, and Associated Newspapers.

July 14, 2009: IRS Files Tax Lien Against Cage

On July 14, 2009, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) filed documents in New Orleans regarding a federal tax lien against property owned by Nicolas Cage in Louisiana, concerning unpaid federal taxes.

October 16, 2009: Cage Files Lawsuit Against Business Manager

On October 16, 2009, Nicolas Cage filed a $20 million lawsuit against his business manager, Samuel J. Levin, alleging negligence and fraud.

November 12, 2009: Foreclosure Sale of LaLaurie House

On November 12, 2009, Nicolas Cage's "Most Haunted House in America", also known as "The LaLaurie House", was foreclosed and sold at auction for $5.5 million due to his financial problems.

December 2009: Christina Fulton Sues Cage

In December 2009, Christina Fulton sued Nicolas Cage for $13 million and for the house in which she was living, following an order for her to leave due to Cage's financial difficulties.

April 2010: Failed Foreclosure Auction of Bel Air Home

In April 2010, Nicolas Cage's Bel Air home, which had six loans totaling $18 million, failed to sell at a foreclosure auction despite an opening offer of $10.4 million.

November 2010: Sale of Bel Air Home

In November 2010, Nicolas Cage's Bel Air home was eventually sold for $10.5 million after a previous failed foreclosure auction.

April 15, 2011: Arrest in New Orleans

On April 15, 2011, Nicolas Cage was arrested in New Orleans' French Quarter on suspicion of domestic abuse battery, disturbing the peace, and public intoxication.

November 2011: Auction of Action Comics #1

In November 2011, Nicolas Cage sold his Action Comics #1 in an online auction managed by Heritage Auctions for a record-breaking $2.16 million to assist paying his tax liens and other debts.

2014: Forbes' Top 10 List Exclusion

In 2014, Nicolas Cage failed to make Forbes' Top 10 List of highest-paid actors, despite having earned $40 million in 2009.

May 2017: Cage Reportedly Taking Film Roles to Pay Off Debts

By May 2017, Nicolas Cage, with a net worth of around $25 million, was reportedly "taking [film] roles left and right" in order to pay off his remaining debts.

July 2021: Tiger King Series Scrapped

In July 2021, the planned Tiger King series starring Nicolas Cage was scrapped.

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July 2024: Weston Cage's Arrest

In July 2024, Nicolas Cage's son, Weston Cage, was arrested for assaulting multiple people with a deadly weapon, including his mother. He was later released on a $150,000 bond.