Oscar nominees who went bust
Burt Reynolds
Nomination
Best supporting actor (1997)
Movie
'Boogie Nights'
Win or lose?
Lost (Robin Williams, 'Good Will Hunting')
Credits and creditors
In the early 80s, — long before the plum role in 'Boogie Nights' netted Reynolds an Oscar nomination — the southern actor was at the height of his fame, particularly with the success of the 'Smoky and the Bandit' series. In 1984, Reynolds bought the exclusive rights to open Po'Folks restaurants in Florida, Texas and Southern California. At the time, a spokesman for the chain, which featured Southern specialities such as chicken fried steak, turnip greens and catfish, told 'People' magazine that Reynolds might eventually control 145 locations. Good thing he didn't. In a 12 year span, the once high flying Reynolds lost $15 million on Po'Folks. Dan August declared bankruptcy in 1996.
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