The crème de la crème can be downright brutal when it comes to their offspring. You think those kids would have the world presented to them on a silver platter. And yes, some do. But others… do not.
A surprising number of celebrities have informed their progeny that they’re holding onto their net worth (or giving it to charity). And, tough, the kiddos will have to make it on their own in this cruel world.
Here’s a dozen “no free ride” parents, Hollywood style.
1. Sting – Spending it now so kids don’t inherit a burden.
The musician believes trust funds ruin ambition, so he’s spending what he has rather than leave it around for his children. He wants to keep their feet on the ground.
2. International Chef & Restaurateur, Gordon Ramsay’s Kids Fly Coach
Gordon Ramsay makes his kids fly economy, but you’ll find him in first-class. Why? They haven’t worked hard enough to enjoy the perks. “They get an education,” he says, “and that’s it.” Don’t even think of inheriting, kids. The Blonde Scorcher is giving away most of his moolah.
3. Philip Seymour Hoffman
Hoffman expressly left his entire estate to his long-term partner so there’d be no chance their three children would turn into the dreaded “trust fund kids.”
4. Jackie Chan – “You make your own money or you don’t get mine.”
Chan has publicly stated he will leave none of his $400M net worth to his son. “If he is capable,” Chan has said, “he can make his own money. If he is not, then he will just be wasting mine.” Half of Chan’s estate will go to charity. The rest…who knows? All we say is, it ain’t going to Jackie’s son, Jaycee Chan.
5. Jerry Lewis – “I’m leaving them nothing”
The King of Kooky Komedy disinherited all six children from his first marriage. His will pays out only to his widow and adopted daughter — the rest get nothing. All one can say is: “La-la-la – bad Daaaaaadddy!” TheShot+8People.com+8Trusts and Estates Law Group+8
6. Judi Spencer
Legendary TV producer Aaron Spelling left millions to charity and to his wife, Judy Spencer. But not one sou to his kiddos. We ache for you, Tori.
7. Jeff Goldblum
On a podcast, Goldblum informed listeners that he doesn’t intend to leave much (if anything) to his children. That’s what you might call “The Fly” in the ointment… daniellemayoras.com+2People.com+2
8. Gene Hackman – Not even mentioned in his will.
After Hackman’s death earlier this year, the late Oscar-winning actor’s will revealed that his three children weren’t included in his and his wife’s joint will. Reports suggest Gene Hackman’s $80M estate was left to his wife, Betsy Arakawa — who died days before him—potentially triggering a clause that sends it all to charity. Now, his children may contest. Cue a myriad of potential legal challenges and a most heated Conversation.
9. Marie Osmond Says Inheritance Is “A Disservice”
Marie Osmond’s opinion? Leaving your kids millions is the worst thing you can do for them. She told The Talk that wealth kills ambition. So that horde of happy Mormon offspring? They’re not getting a dime. Charity’s getting it all.
10. Elton John Won’t Spoil His Kids Rotten
Elton John is worth hundreds of millions, but he’s not raising trust-fund brats. They’ll be taken care of but not spoiled. They’ll just have to live common, average, everyday rich-kid lives.
12. Lucille Ball’s Daughter Was Fired by Her Own Mom
Turns out the flame-haired comedienne was a harsh taskmistress, going so far as to once fire her daughter Luci Arnaz for showing up late to work. Yup, her own daughter. I wonder if Arnaz still loves Lucy…
The message? Family doesn’t mean free passes. Especially when mom’s the boss.
Why Celebs Choose to Disinherit
Experts cite several legal and personal motivations behind cutting someone from a will:
● Avoiding further financial dependence from ex-spouses or grown children
● Punishment or estrangement
● Desire to give everything to charity or others
● Avoiding disputes — using disinheritance or no‑contest clauses
● Preserving benefits for heirs with special needs
And when mistakes happen, courts can undo the will, especially if it looks like someone was forgotten rather than intentionally disinherited.
Call it foresight…cruelty…a desire to impart financial common sense – whatever the reasons, it boils down to this: You don’t get to ride the gravy train just cause you share some genes and a last name. In the age of nepo babies and trust funds, it’s refreshing to see that some stars still believe in making their families earn it.
If you ever think the ‘rents aren’t doing right by you, just be glad you’re not related to the stars above. Count your blessings…if not your stock dividends.
