Celebrities often embody an ideal of beauty, success, and lifestyle. Naturally, we are drawn to this; much like a beautiful cake on display at a wedding. From the outside, everything appears flawless. So, when celebrities face a messy divorce, sudden death, or financial ruin, we can’t help but stare and wonder, “How did it all go wrong?”
As we bid farewell to some of the biggest names in entertainment who passed away in 2024, it is hard not to reflect on the legacies they left behind – not just on the silver screen or through their music, but also in the way their estates are managed. While their fame may have made headlines, their estate planning (or lack thereof) could serve as a valuable lesson for us all. In this blog, we will dive into the estates of some of 2024’s dearly departed stars and unpack what their legal legacies can teach us about planning for the inevitable – because even the brightest stars eventually fade, but smart estate planning can keep their memory shining.
4 Celebrities who reached the final curtain in 2024:
SHANNEN DOHERTY – Brenda’s Bright Divorce Idea
Known for her iconic female lead role as Brenda Walsh in Beverly Hills 90210 (1990), Doherty had numerous roles including Little House on the Prairie (1982) and Charmed (1998). She made headlines later in life when she publicly discussed her ongoing battle with breast cancer. Ultimately, Doherty lost her battle on July 13, 2024. What also made headlines is her timely divorce a day before her death. Doherty filed for an uncontested divorce from Kurt Iswarienko a day before her death, and he signed the agreement the following day. By finalizing the divorce, Doherty ensured her assets would be distributed as per the marital settlement agreement, which allowed her to retain control over her assets so that her beneficiaries would get their inheritance according to Doherty’s estate plan. Although Doherty lived in California, the same rules would apply to estate planning in Florida.
RICHARD SIMMONS – Sweatin’ to Some Estate Litigation
Fitness icon Richard Simmons, most remembered for “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” workout routines, but also known for his flamboyant personality and sparkling signature style, passed away in July 2024 following a fall at his Los Angeles home. The Richard Simmons estate is estimated to be worth $20 million and includes a trust that is at the center of a legal problems involving his brother, Leonard Simmons, and his former housekeeper, Teresa Reveles. Richard was close to both and named them as co-trustees of his trust. However, Teresa alleges that, immediately after an open casket viewing of Richard, Leonard and his wife brought her to a meeting at a law firm to discuss the Simmons estate, where she says she was coerced into signing away her role as co-trustee. This ultimately means that control of the estate assets are left solely in the hands of Simmons’ brother. In her most recent legal filing, Teresa claims that after being removed from the estate management, Leonard started working with Richard’s estranged manager to dispose of Richard’s personal effects (his stuff) and on a possible documentary that she doesn’t think Richard Simmon’s would have approve of.
The case highlights the sometimes-overlooked role using a neutral third party as trustee, or personal representative, while creating an estate plan. This means that the person creating the Trust or Last Will and Testament is the manager of the Trust, and upon their death, a neutral person or trust company (depending on the value of the estate) jumps in to ensure fair unbiased handling of the estate.
SHELELY DUVALL – Shining No More
Actress Shelley Duvall, had been in hospice care for months, passed away from diabetes complications at her home on July 11, 2024, shortly after her 75th birthday. Her long-term partner, Dan Gilroy, confirmed her death to The Hollywood Reporter. Shelley is most often remembered for her 1980 role in the film “The Shining,” directed by Stanley Kubrick and costarring Jack Nicholson, and as Olive Oyl in Popeye during that same year. Shelley never had children, but she lived with Dan Gilroy, for over 35 years.
Dan calls himself her “surviving spouse” from a “common law marriage.” Dan asked the court to rule they were “informally married” under Texas law. Dan now finds himself embroiled in a legal battle with Shelley’s three brothers, Shane, Stewart, and Scott, for a share of her six-figure estate, which includes cash, real estate, and personal belongings. One brother, Shane, said his sister was never formally or informally married to Dan, and therefore the only people who should be awarded Shelley’s property were him and his two brothers. A judge has appointed an attorney to review the case and assist in determining how to divide Shelley’s estate. No decision has been reached so far.
It is important to note that if this case occurred in Florida, the Judge may not rule in Dan’s favor. In Florida, common law marriage is not recognized. Our state does not permit this regardless of how long they lived together or held themselves out as a married couple. However, common law marriages that were legally established in other states where it is recognized may be acknowledged in Florida, as long as the couple meets the requirements set by the state where the marriage was formed.
PETE ROSE – When the Rose-Colored Glasses Come Off
Pete Rose, Major League Baseball’s all-time hit leader, whose iconic hustle could not overshadow the gambling scandals and deception that kept him out of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, passed away at 83. Rose, known as the Hit King for his championship years with the “Big Red Machine” Cincinnati Reds, was the all-time hits leader. Despite Hall of Fame-worthy achievements, he was banned from baseball and excluded from Hall of Fame ballots for gambling on games, making him a divisive figure in the sport’s history.
Rose was married and divorced twice and had a girlfriend at the time of his death. Since he was not married to his girlfriend, she would not inherit from his estate unless he had a Revocable Trust or Will specifying her as a beneficiary. He had several children from his marriages and possibly other children from illicit romantic affairs, some potentially involving underage girls. Without a Will or a Trust, his children, whether marital or not, would inherit all of his estate, in equal shares.
At the time of his death, Rose resided in Nevada, so his estate will be handled by the Court of that state. However, if he owned property in his home state of Ohio, an ancillary probate proceeding would be required. The estate fiduciary, referred to in Florida as the Personal Representative of the estate, must also address any outstanding debts before distributing assets. Rose previously went to prison for tax evasion for failing to pay taxes on his gambling winnings.
What we can glean from Pete’s example is that if you have multiple marriages, a long-term partner that you are not legally married to, multiple business ventures, and children from various relationships, you could benefit from the services of an estate planning attorney.
O.J. SIMPSON – Infamous NFL Superstar
O.J. Simpson, the former NFL star and broadcaster, whose athletic success was overshadowed by his 1995 acquittal in the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, passed away from prostate cancer at the age of 76, his family announced on April 11, 2024. He lived his final years in the Las Vegas home that is now the center of a lawsuit filed by his estate earlier this month in Clark County District Court.
It is alleged that Simpson owed a considerable amount of money to creditors who include the estate of Ron Goldman, which successfully sued Simpson for wrongful death. As a gratuitous move, Simpson’s youngest son, Justin, a licensed realtor, helped his father purchase his “forever home” in Nevada using an LLC that was controlled by Justin. Following O.J.’s death, Justin moved into his father’s home, claimed ownership of it, and now refuses to repay hundreds of thousands of dollars in equity or hand it over to the athlete’s estate, according to court documents filed by the estate’s attorneys. The estate is seeking a judge’s order to compel Justin Simpson’s LLC to give up control of the home. To complicate matters, O.J.’s two other children also claim their late father’s funds belong to them. The battle is ongoing.
The key takeaway of this story is that when purchasing a significant asset, such as real estate, a boat, or a business, it is advisable to avoid purchasing it in another individual’s name. Doing so effectively transfers control of the asset to that person, limiting your ability to exercise authority over it during your lifetime or upon your death.
Final Thoughts:
Take a lesson from the estate planning practices of high-profile celebrities to ensure that your own estate plan is properly established. OC Estate and Elder Law is an exceptional law firm dedicated to estate planning, probate, and Medicaid strategies. We recognize and appreciate the unique journey that everyone embarks on as they “grow old.” Our goal is to provide comprehensive assistance at every stage; we make your challenging legal matters easy. We are here to give you peace of mind. Contact us for a free phone consultation at (954) 251-0332 or info@ocestatelawyers.com. Our attorneys are fluent in English, Spanish, and Russian.
