Reagan explained it thus: in his early acting days anything earned over $250K was taxed at a rate of over 90%. once he earned close to that he wouldnt work because anything else he earned went straight to the government, he had no incentive to work. but he wasnt the one hurt, he already made his money. the ones hurt were the ones behind the scenes -stage hands, camera men, caterers, prop men, etc. they didn't make that much, but if movies werent made, they couldnt work.