Tony Curtis' Younger Wife Moved to Ranch with New Man & Changed Look After Getting Bulk of $60M Wealth Instead of His Kids

• When the legendary actor, Tony Curtis, died, his 45-years-younger widow, Jill Vandenberg Curtis, with whom he spent 16 years, inherited the bulk of his estimated $60 million estate, even though he has five kids.
• After Tony's death, Jill moved to the ranch they bought with her new husband, looking utterly different from the glamorous red carpet looks she was once known for.
• Now, at 52, Jill leads a simple rural life, raising animals, driving a tractor, and sometimes working as a bartender with her husband.

Born Bernard "Bernie" Schwartz on June 3, 1925, in Manhattan, New York, Tony Curtis was an American actor with a career spanning over 60 years. He rose to fame in the 50s and early 60s and lent his impressive acting skills to more than 100 movies, portraying a wide variety of characters. He also did several television roles.

The actor, who won 19 awards and was nominated for 20, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in "The Defiant Ones," took his final breath on September 29, 2010, in Henderson, Nevada. He died from a fatal heart attack at the age of 85.

Soon after the megastar's demise, his sixth wife, Jill Vandenberg Curtis, paid tribute to him, shedding tears as she shared her thoughts and feelings outside their residence in Las Vegas.

Even more shocking was how she was much younger than the late actor's oldest daughter, actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

Jill, who tied the knot with Tony in 1998, despite being 45 years his junior, noted that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved and cared for him deeply. She further stated:

"All Tony ever wanted to be was a movie star. He didn't want to be the most dramatic actor. He wanted to be a movie star, ever since he was a little kid."

Tony's widow said he had been hospitalized multiple times in the weeks before his demise for treatment of his lung problems and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease she believed were a result of his inclination toward smoking.

She explained that her loving husband had returned home from the hospital and died in his sleep. Jill recalled how Tony always told her his heart was strong enough to endure things that could easily kill a man. However, she said her husband's heart was finally ready to leave in pursuit of eternal peace.

The "Spartacus" actor had an estimated net worth of $60 million, which he reportedly left to only one person—his young wife, Jill. A few months after her husband's death, his widow spoke for the first time after inheriting his million-dollar estate, while his kids were said to be left out of his will.

Jill, who became the sole inheritor of the iconic star's million-dollar property, noted that he was unequivocal in his wishes. Being a younger woman who spent 16 years with Tony, Jill said her husband wanted to ensure she lived a prosperous life after he was gone.

Jill explained that their relationship was frowned upon when she and Tony got together because of the enormous age difference. Even more shocking was how she was much younger than the late actor's oldest daughter, actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

Jill shared that Jamie Lee had been kind and supportive toward her following her father's demise, which she appreciated wholeheartedly, particularly after her heart-wrenching grief and loss.

However, the young widow said her late spouse's decision to leave his five kids (he had six, but one child passed away) out of his inheritance had led to a family feud, gradually gaining momentum.

According to Tony's will, he acknowledged the existence of his kids but deliberately and with complete knowledge chose not to give them anything from his inheritance. Jill said her husband left considerable money for his seven grandkids' education despite cutting his children out.

Moved by his wife's heartfelt sentiments, Tony, whose acting career was decorated with classics such as "Some Like It Hot" and "The Sweet Smell of Success," told her to do it right away.

Jill defended her late husband's decision, saying he might have thought the best he could do for his kids was to secure their children's future by providing enough cash for their learning experience.

She also shared her plans to leave the country club residence she and Tony had once shared, adding the house made her nostalgic and contained too many agonizing memories of her late husband.

Teary-eyed, Jill said everything was lonely and incomplete without her larger-than-life partner, not just for her but for everyone else.

Contrary to Jill's views about her deceased husband, his family, particularly his children, held a completely different opinion about their father. Tony, who was married six times and had six kids, was reportedly sued by them and even blamed for neglecting his own flesh and blood.

The Oscar-winning star, Jamie Lee, revealed several times that the late movie star wasn't a dad to her—a claim that Tony openly accepted, calling himself a lousy parent.

Jill Sold the Ranch Tony Bought for Her

In 2003, Jill and Tony founded the "Shiloh Horse Rescue" in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since its creation, the non-profit has provided rescue and rehabilitation to hundreds of horses, saving most of them from being slaughtered.

Despite her life in Vegas being far different than that in the Black Hills, she admitted to the place living up to her expectations.

According to sources, Tony and Jill made an inseparable pair and loved traveling the world together, but their horse rescue ranch project in Nevada was incredibly close to their hearts.

In an interview in 2006, Jill said she was horrified to discover that tens of thousands of unwanted American horses were slaughtered yearly in Europe and Asia for human use. Something tugged the couple's heartstrings, pushing them to help the loyal animals.

During one of their evening car rides, Jill told her husband she wished to do something to save the horses. Moved by his wife's heartfelt sentiments, Tony, whose acting career was decorated with classics such as "Some Like It Hot" and "The Sweet Smell of Success," told her to do it right away.

In an interview in January 2020, Jill reflected on her marriage to the Hollywood heartthrob, Tony, their non-profit organization, moving to Deadwood after his death and adopting a new lifestyle.

She described her marriage as a wonderful experience, which gave her a chance to travel and meet great people. Describing herself as a horse person ever since she was a kid, Jill brought her horse to Vegas and was inspired to do something for the animals while watching an episode of the "Oprah Winfrey Show."

When Jill got her first rescue horse and leased land, her husband purchased 40 acres of property outside Las Vegas a few years later, where the couple laid the foundation for their rescue venture.

After her husband's death, Jill sold the ranch they bought for their horse sanctuary and moved to Deadwood, South Dakota, in March 2019, starting a new life in the Black Hills.

She shared that her ultimate goal was to open the rescue to the public so that tourists could interact with the animals and learn to treat them with kindness and compassion.

Jill wanted to see youngsters bond with animals, like brushing the horses' manes and feeding the goats and pigs. She also hinted at holding horse and pony rides and wagon rides in the area. During the winters, she planned to offer sleigh rides.

When asked what made her consider moving to Deadwood from Las Vegas, Jill said she watched the HBO series "Deadwood" and thought it was splendid. Later, she began a new chapter of her life, selling decorated horseshoes as a fundraiser and going around the U.S.

Later, she wondered where to spend the summer and eventually stopped in Deadwood to explore the town. After falling in love with its history, Jill decided to buy a second house in the area, and a few years later, she returned to attend the Sturgis rally.

What was meant to be a one-night stay was extended to three months, and Jill and her new partner eventually bought a house, falling in love with the town. She said she embraced the place, made new friends, and enjoyed being involved in various events.

Jill even loved participating in city council meetings and other initiatives, with her ponies always keeping her company. Despite her life in Vegas being far different than that in the Black Hills, she admitted to the place living up to her expectations.

Calling Deadwood her home and the place which made her feel whole and happy, Jill, who was once known for her short blonde tresses and classy appearance, completely changed her looks and life.

Besides working at their horse rescue, now known as the "Shiloh Horse Rescue on the Prairie/The Lucky Horse Co" at the 28-acre property in Deadwood, the Webers also run a horse-drawn stagecoach on Main Street.

During her nearly 12-year-long marriage to Tony, Jill stole the show with her stunning outfit choices, distinct style, and charming demeanor. Her head-turning dresses had everyone in awe, and her red carpet looks were hard to forget.

Today, Jill confidently sports short hair, casual t-shirts, pants, and even dungarees, while taking care of her horses and indulging in a range of different activities in her favorite town.

Jill's New Life with Her New Husband

Jill tied the knot with Todd Weber three years after Tony's death and became Jill Curtis-Weber. The pair decided to start a new and simpler life, so they moved to the beautiful and historic old western town of Deadwood. Already in love with the area, Jill knew her husband would reciprocate her sentiments.

As fate would have it, Jill's new spouse shared many similarities with her late husband. She said they had the same sense of humor and were witty, intelligent, and incredibly kind-hearted. Jill believed that Todd would have liked Tony if they ever got the chance to meet.

Jill called Todd a supportive life partner who never felt the need to live up to her former spouse and loved her for who she was. She said she had a beautiful life with Todd, as they shared similar passions and enjoyed working together. "I think you could say I have been fortunate in love throughout my life," added Jill.

Besides working at their horse rescue, now known as the "Shiloh Horse Rescue on the Prairie/The Lucky Horse Co" at the 28-acre property in Deadwood, the Webers also run a horse-drawn stagecoach on Main Street.

Jill, who turned 52 in February 2023 and inherited a bulk of her late husband's million-dollar fortune, has adopted a simple and peaceful rural lifestyle. Today, she lives a carefree life out in the wild with her new spouse, Todd.

Instead of leading a glamorous life, Jill prefers to stay far away from people's eyes, driving a tractor in the fields and raising animals in the rescue. The Webers sometimes work as bartenders at their local bars, inviting people to chat with them over a drink or two.

Jill's changed look and new life with her loving spouse prove that home isn't always a luxurious and comfortable place but a state of mind where your heart and soul are at peace and can only feel love.