Tony Curtis (195-2010) – Actor
Tony Curtis was an American film actor whose career spanned six decades, but had his greatest popularity during the 1950s and early 1960s. Although his early film roles were partly the result of his good looks, by the later half of the1950s, he became a notable and strong screen presence. He began proving himself to be a fine dramatic actor, having a range to act in numerous dramatic and comedic roles. He won his first serious recognition as a skilled dramatic actor in Sweet Smell of Success (1957) with co-star Burt Lancaster. The following year he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor in another drama, The Defiant Ones (1958). Curtis then gave what many believed was his best acting, three interrelated roles in the comedy Some Like It Hot (1959). Curtis was married six times and had six children, most notably actresses Kelly and Jaime Lee Curtis, from his first marriage to Janet Leigh.
Daughters Kelly and Jaime Lee attempted to contest Curtis’ will, which had been signed five months before his death, but their contest was unsuccessful. From information reported, it appears he had a “Pour Over Will.” This means that the real governing document for Curtis’ estate plan was a trust, and not the Will itself. The Will contained the following sentence: “I acknowledge the existence of my children. . . and have intentionally and with full knowledge chosen not to provide for them.” Thus, while it is clear he disinherited his children, other matters of is estate are not going to be made public due to his trust.
While some might disagree with the idea of disinheriting their children, we honor Tony Curtis as a Legacy Champ for his forethought and planning in having a Will and Trust to ensure that his estate would be handled according to his wishes. If you want to be a Legacy Champ in your own special way, then contact The Mendel Law Firm, L.P. for a free initial consultation on estate planning, trust planning, and/or probate issues.
Stephen A. Mendel, Estate Planning Attorney
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