Mekhi Phifer ‘Divergent’ Actor Files For Bankruptcy; ‘Now I'm Cool, Finally,’ Actor Said One Month Ago, Debts of $1.3 Million

Mekhi Phifer, who was recently in "Divergent" has filed for bankruptcy, reports TMZ. Phifer, 39, is best known for his role as Dr. Greg Pratt on NBC's "ER" from 2002 to 2008, and also for his role opposite Eminem in Curtis Hanson's critically acclaimed movie "8 Mile." Recent projects include a smaller role as Max, t the top of the Dauntless leadership, in the film "Divergent" and a recurring role on the Showtime series, "House of Lies." Phifer also appeared on the Fox crime drama Lie to Me and launched a film promotion company, Third Reel Films, in 2011.

The "Divergent" actor has racked up approximately $1.2 million in back taxes, $50,000 in lawyer fees and $4,500 in back child support, according to TMZ. Legal documents also show he spends around $11,600 in monthly expenses, but only makes $7,500. He also listed $67,000 in assets, including a Segway, three firearms and a leather bed.

Phifer is currently married to Reshelet Barnes and he has two sons, 15-year-old Omikaye and Mekhi Jr., six, from a past marriage to actress Malinda Williams and relationship with Oni Souratha respectively.

Phifer recently appeared on the Today show in March to promote Divergent, in which he plays Max, and said he hadn't heard of the books before reading the script, but that his older son had. "[He] was really excited," he revealed. "It was the first thing he's ever been excited about in my career ever! Now I'm cool, finally."

Phifer recently spoke to ScreenRant about his character in the movie Divergent, saying, "I play Max, the leader of the Dauntless factor. He's a bit of a mystery in this first installment. We don't know what his motivations are. You know there's something going on. He's in cahoots with Kate [Winslet's character Jeanine Matthews] and something is happening but we don't really know yet and so I'm looking forward to the second installment."

Phifer will be reprising his role as the leader of the Dauntless faction in the second film adaptation, Insurgent, which is due to be released next year.