Money and fame can’t buy family harmony. Sometimes, even in the glittering world of Hollywood, family ties can be as fragile as a house of cards. These ten celebrities, each with unique stories and reasons, chose to cut off their children from their riches. Their decisions shocked fans and ignited media frenzies, showing a glimpse into the often tumultuous relationships behind the scenes.
Joan Crawford
Joan Crawford was one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, known for her intense roles and fierce determination. Her legendary career spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on the film industry, but her relationship with her kids was far from glamorous. When Crawford passed away in 1977, she shocked the world by disinheriting her adopted children, Christina and Christopher, stating they knew why. This dramatic decision led Christina to write the infamous memoir, “Mommie Dearest,” which painted Crawford as a tyrannical and abusive mother.
Gordon Ramsay
This iconic chef, famed for his fiery temper and colorful language, made a surprising decision despite his substantial earnings: he chose not to leave any inheritance to his five children. In a 2017 interview with The Telegraph, the celebrity chef explained that his intention wasn’t to be harsh but to prevent spoiling them. As reported by Financial Express, he and his wife, Tana, agreed only to provide a 25 percent deposit for a flat rather than the entire flat for each of their children.
Bette Davis
The queen of classic Hollywood drama captivated audiences with her intense performances and sharp wit. Her illustrious career included legendary appearances in films like “All About Eve” and “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?”. But Davis’s real-life drama was just as compelling; after a tumultuous relationship with her daughter, B.D. Hyman, Davis made a bold move in her will. When she passed away in 1989, she cut B.D. out of her inheritance—a decision that mirrored the dramatic flair of her film roles.
Aaron Spelling
Aaron Spelling, the mastermind behind TV shows such as “Dynasty” and “Beverly Hills, 90210,” was a giant in the entertainment industry. His prolific career made him one of the wealthiest producers in the film industry. However, his family life was rife with drama. When Spelling died in 2006, his estimated $600 million fortune was expected to be a windfall for his kids, but his daughter and son received only a fraction. Safe to say, they weren’t happy with how the will was structured.
Tony Curtis
Celebrated for his striking appearance and captivating performances in “Some Like It Hot,” Tony Curtis became a cherished heartthrob in Hollywood. He cemented his status as a silver-screen icon with a career of over sixty years. Nonetheless, his final off-screen act stunned many when he excluded all of his five children from his will, including his daughter, Jamie Lee Curtis. Tony’s enigmatic decision still puzzles many.
Steve Jobs
The co-founder of Apple was notable for his innovation and visionary leadership. When he passed away, his fortune was valued at $10.2 billion, largely from his holdings in Apple and a 7% stake in Disney. Surprisingly, none of his three children inherited his wealth directly. Instead, his wife Laurene and his first daughter, Lisa Brennan, from a previous relationship, were the primary beneficiaries. This decision was intended to make amends for years of rejection and lack of support for Lisa.
Mickey Rooney
Mickey Rooney, a child star who grew into one of Hollywood’s most enduring actors, lived a rocky life. His career, spanning nine decades, included memorable parts in Babes in Arms and The Black Stallion. Even with his success, Rooney’s private life was far from perfect. When he died in 2014, he allocated his modest estate to his stepson, cutting out his biological children entirely. This decision raised eyebrows and hinted at deep-seated family conflicts.
Philip Seymour Hoffman
His performances in movies like Capote and The Master earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards. However, Hoffman’s personal life took an unconventional turn. In his will, Hoffman specified that his kids should not receive his estate directly, fearing they would become “trust fund kids.” Instead, he gave everything to his long-time partner, Mimi O’Donnell. Hoffman’s grounded approach to life and parenting ensured his kids would learn the value of hard work.
Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis, a legendary comedian famed for his slapstick humor and classics such as “The Nutty Professor,” left an indelible mark on the comedy world. Yet, his personal life was no laughing matter. When Lewis passed away in 2017, he dropped a surprising punchline in his will by excluding his six sons from his first marriage. The decision shocked many, given his public persona as a loving father. Lewis’s reasons remain private to this day.
Jackie Chan
Famous for “Rush Hour” and “Police Story,” Chan has undoubtedly amassed a significant fortune. But the actor, an acclaimed actor beloved for his incredible martial arts and stunt skills, also made a bold move off-screen by announcing he would not leave his fortune to his son, Jaycee. Chan believes in self-reliance and has stated that his wealth will go to charity instead.
