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Did Tony Curtis Exclude Jamie Lee Curtis from His Will?

Tony Curtis, known for his charm, acting talent, and tumultuous love life, had a series of high-profile marriages.

The renowned actor, who was married six times, had children with his first three wives.

His union with Janet Leigh, famous for her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” captivated the public eye in the 1950s before they divorced in 1962.

Jamie Lee Curtis, born four years earlier, along with her sister Kelly, witnessed the unraveling of their parents’ relationship during their formative years.

Reflecting on her parents’ fading connection amidst rising fame, Jamie shared in an interview that she felt like a failed attempt to save their marriage.

Following his divorce from Leigh, Tony wed 18-year-old German actress Christine Kaufmann, whom he starred with in “Taras Bulba.”

The couple had two daughters, Alexandra and Allegra, before parting ways in 1968.

In the same year, Tony entered his third marriage with Leslie Allen, resulting in two sons, Nicholas and Benjamin.

Despite subsequent marriages, including to his last wife Jill, who was significantly younger, Tony did not have more children.

Tragically, Nicholas passed away at 23 due to a heroin overdose.

When Tony died from cardiac arrest in 2010, he left behind five children and seven grandchildren, surprising them with the contents of his final will.

Tony Curtis’s will notably excluded his daughter Jamie Lee Curtis and his other children.

Reports indicate that Tony made changes to his will in May 2010, omitting his children just four months before his death.

The revised document specifically stated that he intentionally chose not to provide for his offspring without giving a reason for his decision.

In addition to disinheriting his children, Tony’s estate, valued at around $60 million, organized an auction of his belongings, which included artworks by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Balthus.

The proceeds from the auction, totaling approximately $1 million, all went to his widow, Jill.

Tony’s daughter Allegra expressed disappointment at being excluded from the auction’s beneficiaries, stating that it was not what her father would have wanted.

Jill, Tony’s widow, revealed that he had allocated funds for his grandchildren’s education as a form of inheritance, ensuring they were provided for.

She emphasized that Tony had been clear about his wishes, wanting to ensure she had a comfortable life after his passing.

Despite the absence of direct inheritance, Jill maintained that Tony had taken measures to secure her future.

Jamie Lee Curtis had a distant relationship with her father, acknowledging that he was not actively involved in her upbringing.

However, as adults, they grew closer, forming a bond based on mutual respect and honesty.

Jamie shared insights into their past struggles, including instances of substance use together, highlighting their complex but evolving relationship over the years.

Although their dynamic was unconventional, Jamie recognized the impact her father had on her life and humorously acknowledged inheriting his attention-seeking tendencies.

In conclusion, while Tony Curtis did not leave any direct inheritance to his children, including Jamie Lee Curtis, his legacy continues to live on through his family and fans.

Jamie fondly remembers her father, embracing the unique bond they shared and cherishing the lessons learned from him.