Jerry Lewis left children out of his will
A recent story online confirms that Jerry Lewis, the famous comedian, actor, and producer, excluded his six oldest children from his Will.
Jerry Lewis passed away on August 20, 2017 at the age of 91. He died as a result of cardiac disease and peripheral vascular disease. Reports indicate that his estate did not have a lot of cash or property, instead being comprised of a vast fortune of intellectual property. After a successful career as part of the Martin and Lewis duo with Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis had immense big screen success. He was also a shrewd businessman who owned almost all of his films including The Nutty Professor and Hardly Working.
His Will was reportedly updated four years before his death. He specifically stated his intention that his six children from his first marriage and their descendants were to receive no benefit from his estate.
Consequently, the estate will now go to his widow, SanDee, and their adopted daughter Danielle who is 25 years old. Danielle was adopted in 1992 after Jerry and SanDee were married for nine years.
None of the disinherited children have challenged the Will. There have been no allegations of undue influence and Jerry Lewis’ testamentary capacity has not been questioned.
Children have alleged they were physically abused in their early years
Jerry Lewis was married to his first wife from 1944 until 1980. They had six children together: Gary (born in 1946), Ronald (born in 1949), Scott (born in 1956), Christopher (born in 1957), Anthony (born in 1959), and Joseph (born in 1965). Joseph passed away at the age of 45 due to a drug overdose. At the time of his death it is alleged he had not spoken to his father for in 20 years. His father even refused to pay for his funeral.
In 1989 Joseph sold a story to the National Enquirer alleging that he and his brothers were beaten severely by their father.
Gary also spoke against his father and blamed him for Joseph’s death. In a 2010 interview he apparently told the National Enquirer that Jerry Lewis was a mean and evil person.
Jerry Lewis also had problematic relationship with his first wife. When she filed for divorce in 1980, she demanded $450,000 in support for herself and Joseph. Furthermore, she discussed the affair Jerry Lewis had with SanDee who later became his wife.
It is unclear if the last will is going to be challenged. The estate may earn significant future income from the intellectual property rights it holds. This will be an interesting story to follow.
More on this story here.