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Just the other day I was wondering what ever happened to Sinbad (like seriously, publicly-on-record wondering about Sinbad), and today TMZ has answered my prayers. Though I have to admit, considering he came out with a comedy special called “Where You Been” three years ago, “what ever happened to Sinbad” probably isn’t the most original thought I’ve ever had.
If you answered “bankrupt” or “in trouble with the tax man,” congratulations, you’re double right!
’90s comedian Sinbad claims he’s broke as a joke … again — filing for bankruptcy for the second time since 2009.
Sinbad (real name David Adkins) filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy last month, claiming he owes $10,991,715 in debt … and only has $131,000 in assets.
The 56-year-old comedian — famous for his roles in ’90s movies like “Houseguest” and “Jingle All the Way” — says he owes $374,979 to American Express, $32,199 to Bank of America, and $2.3 million to the CA Franchise Tax Board.
“’90s comedian” is a doozy of a subtle diss. Brutal.
He also claims he owes $8.3 million to the IRS for taxes from 1998-2006, and admits he owes both state and federal taxes from 2009-2012.
According to the bankruptcy docs, Sinbad earns only $16,000 per month and can’t afford to pay his bills.
$16,000 a month seems like an oddly-stable salary for a comedian. Does he have a regular gig we don’t know about? Houseguest royalties? Or maybe that’s just the stipend he gets from the government to continue being Sinbad? That seems like a fair amount for continued Sinbadry. I support Subsidies for Sinbadry.
But we haven’t even gotten to my favorite part of every celebrity-bankrupcty-filing story: the listing of assets.
But the bright side, he’s still got some possessions — a 2007 BMW 750i, a 2006 VW Beetle, a 2010 Ford F150, a 2010 Lincoln Navigator, $5,000 in home office equipment … and 200 copies of “Sinbad’s Guide to Life” currently for sale on Amazon for $6.25 each. [TMZ]
Okay, so it’s not quite Nic Cage’s dinosaur skulls and snake venom, or Gary Busey’s extensive collection of moccasins (I mean moccasins as in the shoes Indians wear, though I wouldn’t be surprised if he also had the snakes – Gary Busey’s the only guy where that’s unclear). But listing unsold copies of your own book as assets in your bankruptcy filing is up there with “baby shoes, never worn” when it comes to the shortest sad stories.
I just hope this won’t stop him from continuing to be Sinbad. Stay Sinbad, Sinbad. You are the best Sinbad.
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Of course he’s broke, Popeye gave him the “twister punch” and turned his fat ass into a spinach flag !
I sat next to Sinbad and his wife at a movie once. I don’t remember which movie it was… Anyway, after the movie started I noticed something strange out of the corner of my eye- something small and white and unusual for a movie theater. It was a dog! They had snuck a f***ing dog into the movie theater! It crawled back and forth on their laps throughout the movie making little whimpering noises and was a major distraction but I was too chicken to say anything. After the movie they just put it back in the purse and walked out. Who does that?
People do some crazy things to avoid high concession stand prices.
Wish I could find it on YouTube, but Sinbad had a routine in his heyday about being broke in college and how if you found a single dollar, you felt rich and listed all the things he was going to do with his dollar. “Maybe me and my dollar are going to just hangout.”
Looks like he might need to look at some old VHS tapes for some tips.
“Only $16,000 per month”? I had no idea. Poor guy.
How the EFF does he owe $380,000 to American Express? Jesus fucking christ, has no one told him what a credit card is for?
“Homer, I Hardly Knew Me.”
See, white people go bankrupt like this with all sorts of crazy shit like Dinosaur Skulls and albino snakes. Black people go bankrupt through poor financial planning since they more often than not grew up in poverty and don’t know how to handle sudden wealth.
(That’s how they did comedy in the 90’s, right Vince?)
$2.3 million to the CA Franchise Tax Board
Franchise tax? Did I miss an opportunity to invest in a chain of Good Burgers?
You mean he’s not in a mental institution with Rob Thomas?
winner
Patty Boots, you continue to be my favorite uproxx contributor for your witty comments, your fabulous name, and wonderful PD avatar.
Bankrupt again? At least he won’t be in a Different World.
BRB, starting a script for “First Kid 2” where Sinbad and Obama play in a 2-on-2 basketball tournament ala White Men Can’t Jump
Houseguest is one of the dumbest movies I can’t help but love simply because it hit when I was like 10 years old and safe over the top black guys riffing on McDonalds was right in my wheelhouse.
Well, it’s probably still in my wheelhouse if I’m being honest.
Sadly, it appears the winner in all of this is Phil Hartman.
/harsh
Why do so many entertainers have difficulty understanding that the government charges taxes and are pretty serious about collecting them?
I’m not afraid of snakes or the KKK but the IRS scares the fuck out of me.
The last episode of American Dad had SInbad in it, and it was great
He was just on a pretty great episode of American Dad a couple weeks ago.
Sure, we all like to make fun of Sinbad, but you know what? Thanks to 1990’s cable TV I’ve seen “Houseguest” roughly 128 times.
So have I, man, so have I.
He’s been a regular conversation topic between myself and one of my best friends for years. No idea why. That being said is that banner pic from a failed Addams Family reboot?
It’s from Houseguest and how dare you.
I’ll take your admission of my daring as a compliment.
The move, in it’s entirety, is available to view for free on YouTube.
I believe Sinbrad is currently looking for work as well, lets team these guys up!
I truly love the Sinbad comedy legacy with all the films and stand ups that I have been so fortunate to see. I think his character is uniquely funny and a rarity in today’s comedic world. From all that I have witnessed throughout his career, I firmly believe that Sinbad is a comedic genius.
Personally, I think that Sinbad should be uplifted to media stardom for his contribution to the American comedy scene! Everybody knows that Hollywood is a fickle bitch and once you obtain popular mainstream notoriety, it is very hard to maintain it.
Due to several financial setbacks, Sinbad has lost a majority of his fame and popularity over the past few years, but I feel that his unique personality and substance is a great resource to the world and I look forward to a major comeback in the near future!
Everyone knows that Sinbad is a very funny comedian and I hope that every person that enjoys a good laugh will stand up, get out and buy tickets to the next Sinbad performance in your area.
My Advice for Sinbad: Get off your ass and put together a brand new show about your future life and upcoming times! The future is where you will make your stand! Who cares about your past anyway!
Sinbad, you need some new friends who will support you and treat you like the comedic powerhouse that you are. Get rid of the old people and embrace some new and happy people who LOVE YOU! You are a great comedian and I support you and believe in your successful future!
Alan Fletcher… newpano6@comcast.net
COTW?
How much did it cost him to change his name to “Sinbad”?