Marlon Brando, the iconic star of A Streetcar Named Desire, passed away in 2004 at the age of 80.
His death was attributed to complications from obesity, including Type 2 diabetes, respiratory failure, pulmonary fibrosis, congestive heart failure, and liver cancer.
Despite his health struggles, Brando continued to work until the end, even recording lines for The Godfather: The Game on his deathbed with the help of an impersonator.
On the anniversary of his death, the details of Brando's will have come to light.
With an estimated $23 million in liquid assets and a private island in Tahiti worth $100 million, it was surprising to learn that Brando had completely cut his adopted daughter, Petra Brando-Corval, out of his estate.
Petra's mother, Caroline Barrett, had worked as Brando's assistant and he eventually adopted Petra due to ongoing issues with her father.
Brando financially supported Petra, paying for her education and even giving her money to buy a home in London.
However, when Caroline retired as Brando's assistant, he asked her to repay the “loan” he had given to their daughter.
Caroline claimed that Brando was punishing her for retiring, and a court case ruled in her favor.
Brando's will explicitly stated that he did not provide for Petra or any of her descendants.
In another surprising move, Brando left the majority of his estate, valued at around $26 million, to his producer, associates, and his housekeeper, Angela Borlaza.
Brando had verbally promised to leave his home to Borlaza, but she was forced to sue for $627,000.
The court ultimately settled for $125,000, as dictated by the written will.
The Hollywood Hills mansion, a 4,300 square foot property with four bedrooms and five bathrooms, was later listed for sale in 2021 for $4.3 million.
The distribution of Brando's wealth was further complicated by the existence of his mysterious and potentially illegitimate children.
While he listed ten living children in his will, including Christian, Miko, Simon Teihotu, Rebecca, Petra, Maimiti, Raiatua, Nina, Myles, and Timothy, it is believed that Brando had as many as 15 illegitimate children.
One of these children, Lisa Warmer, arrived at Brando's home in Los Angeles after his death, claiming to be his daughter.
Lisa's mother was Cynthia Lynn, known for her role in Hogan's Heroes.
Lisa insisted on being let into the home but was turned away by security.
She expressed her desire to be with her siblings, stating, “Marlon Brando is my father.
I found out about him six years ago when my mother told me.
He was always too ill to see me, but now I want to be where I belong, with my siblings.”
Tragedy struck shortly after Brando's death when his “number one son” and heir, Christian, passed away at the age of 49.
Christian battled double pneumonia, which was exacerbated by his addiction to crystal meth.
He died without health insurance, despite Brando's wishes for him to be taken care of.
Christian's wife, Deborah, criticized the executors of Brando's estate for neglecting their responsibilities.
Christian's life was marked by difficulties, including being kidnapped by his mother's hippie friends at a young age.
In 1990, he made headlines when Brando fatally shot his half-sister Cheyenne's boyfriend, Dag Drollet.
Brando served five years in prison for the crime.
Tragically, Cheyenne later took her own life due to declining mental health and lost custody of her son Tuki.
She died by suicide in 1995.
The complexities of Marlon Brando's will highlight the complicated relationships and personal tragedies that plagued his life and those connected to him.
The legacy he left behind is one of controversy and unanswered questions, with illegitimate children and familial disputes adding to the intrigue.
