This much-loved comedian died in 1961 and his will was dated 31 years prior. His parents were the beneficiaries. They had pre-deceased Benny, so the Rules of Intestacy applied. His brother and sister had also pre-deceased Benny. So, his estate of about £7.5 Million went to nieces and nephews. A newer will was found leaving the whole of his estate to his friends.
However, this new will wasn’t signed, dated and witnessed correctly-therefore invalid.
Jimi Hendrix- Died in 1970 and the battle over his estate took more than 30 years to sort .He joined a list of musicians who all died at age 27 – Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain. Janis Joplin did leave a will. Amy and Kurt did not. Jim Morrison of the Doors left a valid will naming his unmarried partner as Beneficiary. She died 3 years later with no will and the fortune passed back to Jim’ s parents.
Abraham Lincoln 16th US President was the first President to be assassinated. Killed by a famous actor and the President died without leaving a will.
His occupation- LAWYER.
Can you believe it?
Bob Marley- didn’t make a will as he believed it was against his religion. He left about $30 Million and also a lot of paternity suits to try and claim. He had one wife from age 21 till his death, and 4 children plus 7 illegitimate children.
What about Howard Hughes– the eccentric Billionaire died at age 70. His will, however, was found in the headquarters of The Latter Day Saints in Salt Lake City Utah, of all places- but was proved to be a forgery. So, he died intestate (leaving no valid will). His 22 cousins were probably happy with the verdict that the Will was declared null & void.
Pablo Picasso died in 1973 aged 91- left artwork, homes cash, gold and bonds. It took 6 years to settle his estate at a cost of $30 Million.
Sonny of Sonny and Cher-died in a skiing accident – (described as “untimely” meaning “it happened earlier than it should, or sooner than you expected”- sounds a lot like most deaths to me) . No will which caused a lot of friction but his wife and 2 children were eventually agreed as his heirs.