Estate planning 101

Which celebrities have died without an estate plan?

Yes, there have been many celebrities who have died without a last will and testament, also known as dying "intestate." When this happens, the distribution of the individual's assets is determined by state law, rather than by the individual's own wishes.
March 17, 2023

Yes, there have been many celebrities who have died without a last will and testament, also known as dying "intestate." When this happens, the distribution of the individual's assets is determined by state law, rather than by the individual's own wishes.

Here are a few examples of celebrities who have died intestate:

  • Jimi Hendrix: The legendary musician died in 1970 without leaving a will. His estate was ultimately divided between his father and his siblings.
  • Prince: The iconic musician passed away in 2016 without a will. His estate was initially valued at around $200 million, and it took several years for his siblings to reach a settlement on how to distribute his assets.
  • Robin Williams: The comedian and actor died in 2014 without a will. His estate was initially valued at around $100 million, and it was eventually divided among his children and his third wife.
  • Heath Ledger: The actor, best known for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight, died in 2008 without a will. His estate was initially valued at around $20 million, and it was eventually divided between his parents and his sister.

These examples illustrate the importance of having a last will and testament in place. Without a will, an individual's assets may not be distributed according to their wishes, and the process of settling the estate can be lengthy and complicated.