Why Is Charlie Sheen on Edge? 'He's Cash Poor,' Says Insider

By Rob Shuter Posted Mar 9th 2011 10:04AM

Newly out-of-work actor Charlie Sheen is making his public fight against his ex-bosses at CBS and Warner Bros. Television about defending his honor, but sources very close to the actor tell me the real reason is the guy is "cash poor" and desperately needs the money to maintain his vast, complicated estate.

"Charlie has earned an enormous amount of money with this show, but he has also spent a fortune and now finds himself in the very tricky position of being cash poor," an insider tells me. "Every penny he has is tied up in property or business dealings."

According to my source, what Charlie needs is cold hard cash and "that's why he's fighting so hard to try and get the $16 million he lost when CBS originally suspended production on the eight remaining episodes of this season."

See fans suggest who could be the next Charlie Sheen -- both on 'Two and a Half Men' and in the headlines:

Beware former "overlords," Charlie intends to fight to make sure he still gets a big paycheck if the show continues without him, which seems to be the case. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Warners execs and show boss Chuck Lorre are signaling that 'Men' will likely return in the fall. (They're mum on who will replace him.)

Charlie claims to have a so-called 'Michael J. Fox Clause' in his contract, referring to the fact that Michael still earned money from 'Spin City' even after he left the show (and was replaced by Charlie Sheen). Charlie's contract with 'Two and a Half Men' is reportedly based on a similar model, which is why he hopes the show continues without him.

"Charlie wants the show to continue as long as he gets paid," a friend of actor's tells me. "He would like nothing better than to earn money to stay home while someone else does the work."

► Sources: 'Two and a Half Men' Will Carry On Without Charlie Sheen

Another interesting kink in the show's future, via THR: "Existing deals with CBS and syndicators require both Sheen's and Lorre's participation in the show, but Warners execs believe those pacts could be renegotiated if Lorre agreed to return and the right cast came together. And one thing is certain: At least the initial ratings next season would be huge."

In the meantime, the enterprising star is also busy making deals to to put "Winning" and his other catchphrases on T-shirts to capitalize on his elevated profile these days.

I've also learned that Charlie is shopping an interview for $1 million, though since he's been giving them away for free for the past week and a half it's not clear what he could say that would be worth that kind of money!

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Charlie Sheen Snapshots

A hand-written note "To Ging, From one Druggie to Another. Love- C," by Charlie Sheen is inscribed on a page inside the 1991 Consumer Report, The Complete Drug Reference, a gift from Sheen to Porn star Ginger Lynn after her drug incarceration. (Lawrence K. Ho/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

MCT

Los Angeles Times

Charlie Sheen Snapshots

Porn star Ginger Lynn sits in her Woodland Hills, California home with gift items from actor Charlie Sheen she is about to auction off, March 4, 2011. Lynn used to date Sheen during the '90s. (Lawrence K. Ho/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

Charlie Sheen Snapshots

In this photo made Monday, March 7, 2011, television news crews wait across from the entrance to the Mulholland Estates gated community, where actor Charlie Sheen lives, on Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Charlie Sheen Snapshots

In this 1989 publicity image released by Paramount Pictures, clockwise from top left, Corbin Bernsen, Tom Berenger and Charlie Sheen are shown in a scene from "Major League." (AP Photo/Paramount Pictures)

Charlie Sheen Snapshots

In this publicity image released by Metro Goldwyn Mayer/Orion Pictures, top row from left, Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, from bottom left, Francesco Quinn and Kevin Dillon is shown in a scene from "Platoon." (AP Photo/Metro Goldwyn Mayer/Orion Pictures)

Charlie Sheen Snapshots

©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM After being fired from his hit television show "Two and a Half Men", Charlie Sheen and one of his "goddesses", Natalie Kenly, stand atop a roof while attending a meeting with Live Nation. Charlie drinks from a bottle of red liquid which has been altered to read "Tiger Blood" and wields a large knife. NON-EXCLUSIVE March 7, 2011 Job: 110307H8 Los Angeles, California www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

Charlie Sheen Snapshots

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Tags: Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men

Comments

(386)

Wednesday 09 March

By eda

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Take a deep breath and take your meds.

By Well

Got a couple of issues, huh?

By The Doc

We have a few minutes left. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?

By axel

Having a bad day, are we?

By ivywall

Vote down Vote up Report this

YIKES!!!!!

By themeeker

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

And by the way Charlie...TAKE THAT STUPID CIGARETTE OUT OF YOUR MOUTH.

By ml

Oh, butt it lends so much credibility. :)

By Amused

"butt" - too funny, man.

By mcl

Tell us how you really feel.

By victory

I doubt there is a person alive that has any sympathy for Charlie Sheen. Over the last several months, he's made quite a number of enemies. His latest quote, "I'm losing my mind" is as close to his admitting he has a problem so far. It interesting from a psychology point of view, to read and watch the unraveling of a human being. Final stop:Psych-Ward.

By elaine

i think they should have move ryan stiles in with jon cryer, since both have a relationship with judith. could be very funny

By susan

oh, i LIKE that idea!

By Prema

2 years and he will be a has been. The age old Hollywood story of arrogant delusional stars. He thinks he cannot be replaced and he is so special--but, we know that only lasts so long--you are only as good as long as the public finds you interesting. AFter that, he is a has been--

By bryanw593

so true you can only be on top for so long Charlie will regret everthing that he's done even if it takes his entire life to get sober. My prayers go out to him and his family that one day he gets the real help he needs.

By shir

LMAO, hes cash broke, ask his goddesses to start paying rent.. maybe if he wasn't snorting it up his nose, or boozing it, he would have a little cash..

I don't think anyone, not anyone can or will feel sorry for him for being, lol, cash broke..

And what a shame he is willing to throw his fellow actors on the show under the bus for more money.

He was unable to do the show at one point. He started another job while under contract..

By Shir

Did Sheen every win a award for this show? He brags and boosts how wonderful he is and the show is nothing without him, but I don't remember he ever winning any awards for acting on that show....

I know Cryer did.........

and boy oh boy, sheen is really starting to look old

By Tonia's Family

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

While I am not a fan of Sheen's behavior, I am a fan of the show. If "Men" were to be Sheenless next year, I would watch the first few episodes but I don't think I would be a fan anymore. Although Sheen may be acting out, he was nothing but professional while at work (which has been confirmed by CBS and his cast and crew). Work out something, Sheen and CBS, because something tells me in the long run, you will both lose out. Sheen may find out work but nothing that will pay or do him justice as "Men" and CBS will lose a large audience that only "Men" with Sheen could hold. The chemistry between cast members is phenomenal and you don't always find that to keep a show running as low as "Men."

By Grandyone

Well Charlie - you are poor because you wasted your money on drugs, alcohol and hookers and porn. Good luck with that.

By Soldier4God

Brither Charkie! You Have Consumed So Muh Of Demon Food In Your Life That I Can See The Cocaine Demon In Your Eyes! When Angels Smoke They Often Cannot Resist The Temptation To Obtain A Higher Level Of Knowledge! You Got Turned Out By The Demon Cocaine! You Need To Be With Me & I CAn Help You Recognize THE DEMON IN YOU!

By Mistress

Let me cry this man a river!!! He would spend my 2 week salary on a good dinner. Am I to feel sorry for him? Seriously!!

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