Jerry Lewis, Tony Curtis & More Celebrities Who Disinherited Their Children & Reasons Behind These Decisions

Being a celebrity sometimes means being rich and famous, and often, close relatives would no longer have to concern themselves with money problems. However, there were some stars who refused to share their wealth with their children.

Being the child of a celebrity comes with untold privileges from lavish lifestyles to being adored by fans and, most importantly, not having to bother with working for a penny as daddy/mommy’s wealth foots the bill.

However, there are other stars who would rather bend their fist when it comes to sharing their wealth with their children. Here is a list of celebrities who refused to give their kids their fortune.

STING

Sting undoubtedly goes down as one of the most successful singers of all time. From obscurity and impoverished childhood, the rock star went on to build a life of fortune and fame for himself.

Despite being worth millions of dollars, Sting made it clear that not a penny would be handed down to his children. In 2014, the singer reportedly said not so much would have been left for his kids to inherit by the time he dies.

Sting noted that he expects his sons and daughters to earn their own money and live responsible lives. The former frontman from the famed group The Police is known for his large heart and charity, and he hopes his kids understand how he spends his money.

Sting has over a hundred people on his payroll, which means he spends what he earns. The singer explained that he did not want to leave trust funds for them, which would end up being a problem for them.

It looks like the rockstar’s children have come to terms with their father’s decision as he once explained that they barely asked him for things, a gesture he appreciated and respected.

Although he does not intend to leave an inheritance for his kids, Sting is willing to come to his children’s aid, but thus far, he noted that none of them had the need for his help as they already possess the work ethics required to help them succeed.

JOAN CRAWFORD

Like Sting and other celebrities, Joan Crawford had a successful career, and hopes were that she would leave behind an inheritance for her family but shockingly, she chose to have them work for their money.

Crawford was known for many things in her lifetime, one of which included her love for charity. She adopted five children, out of which one was reclaimed by his birth mother while she raised the others.

A year after her death, her eldest adopted daughter Christina released a shocking tell-all memoir, “Mommie Dearest,” which was a heartbreaking statement against the actress.

The book, which was widely criticized, brought forth an ugly aspect of Crawford that was doubted by those who knew her, including her longtime rival, Bette Davis.

Christina painted Crawford as a dark, abusive mom whose drinking problems led to her uncontrollable fits of anger. Her book did not come as a shock to fans as Christina and Crawford had bad blood between them.

Prior to her death, Crawford was aware of the book’s existence and made sure to leave the rebellious Christina and her brother Christopher with nothing. She left all to charity and her twin daughters, Cathy and Cindy.

In the shock of the humiliation, Christina and Christopher reacted to being left out by contesting the will. In the end, both parties received a respectable sum from Crawford’s estate.

TONY CURTIS

Another heavyweight on the list is Hollywood legend, Tony Curtis. The actor shocked the world when news emerged that he did not leave a penny for his children despite his enormous fortune.

Tony was loved for his good looks and memorable roles in numerous movies. At the time of his death, he was easily considered one of the best of his generation, but questions were raised about his fatherhood for deciding to leave his kids penniless.

The actor, who was the father of famous actress Jamie Lee Curtis, had six wives and six children and a string of affairs in between. The actor sometimes agreed with his daughter Jamie that he was not the best of dads.

At the time of his death, his estate was worth $60 million, and five months prior to his death, the actor ensured to leave no space for his kids. The actor did not give any reason for leaving out his children from his will.

Two of his kids were said to have challenged the will, as the rest were left shocked by their dad’s decision. Prior to his death, Curtis maintained that he would leave funds behind for his kids, but it seems he had a last-minute change of heart.

Reports revealed that his estate carried out an online auction of items owned by the actor, and afterward, about a million dollars was raised, all of which went to his widow and fifth wife, Jill Vandenberg Curtis, and their charity.

MICKEY ROONEY

Actor Mickey Rooney and his family never saw eye to eye before he passed away at age 93, but everything worsened after his death. A few weeks to his death, Rooney made sure to cut his family off his will and left a meager sum to his stepson and caretaker.

The actor’s estate was grossly mismanaged, and he disinherited his eight surviving children, as well as his estranged wife, Jan Rooney. She was allowed to keep his pension and other benefits due to a former agreement.

Rooney's children filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles just over a month after his death, saying the iconic actor was under "undue influence" when he wrote his will weeks before his death. After several internal strifes, Rooney’s will finally stood.

JERRY LEWIS

Jerry Lewis was survived by his wife, six children from a previous marriage, one adopted daughter, and a $50 million estate. But the actor shockingly disinherited his children from his first marriage from any benefits.

His will did not state why, but Lewis wrote that it was an intentional decision, putting to rest claims that he was under any form of pressure.

A daughter whom he

fathered out of wedlock, Susan Lewis, alongside five of the actor’s sons, rose up to challenge the will, but the process of challenging the will comes at a hefty price in terms of time and money.