Legendary actor Marlon Brando, known for his illustrious six-decade career, chose to divide his wealth among most of his children but notably omitted his adopted daughter, Petra Fisher, from his will shortly before his passing.
Brando had a tumultuous final period marked by a legal dispute with Caroline Barrett, the mother of his adopted daughter.
This conflict led to the exclusion of Petra Fisher from his will just weeks before his demise.
BRANDO'S FAMILY CIRCLE
The private life of Brando, like many celebrities, remained largely shielded from the public eye, leaving fans curious about the details.
The actor was believed to have had a total of 11 children, a mix of biological and adopted offspring.
Christian, Brando's eldest son born in 1958 from his relationship with actress Anna Kashfi, faced a tragic incident involving the death of Cheyenne's abusive boyfriend, Dag Drollet.
Brando also had children Miko and Rebecca with his second wife, Movita Castaneda, and welcomed Simon with Tarita Teri'ipaia.
Amidst his family expansions, Brando began adopting children, starting with Teri'ipaia's daughter Maimiti in 1977 and later including Raiatua, her niece.
His relationship with Caroline Barrett, who joined as his assistant in 1976, led to the adoption of Petra when she was 14 years old, amidst Barrett's legal battles with her father, James Clavell.
A TURNING POINT IN RELATIONSHIPS
Barrett's lawsuit against Clavell, claiming emotional distress and seeking financial support, further solidified Brando's role in Petra's life.
Despite initial support from Brando, their bond strained over the years, ultimately resulting in his decision to exclude her from his will just two weeks prior to his death.
A SOURING SITUATION
In a twist of events, financial disagreements between Brando and Barrett came to light post his demise.
A loan of $185,000 given by Brando to Barrett for a house purchase in London led to disputes regarding repayment after Barrett's retirement as his assistant in the early 2000s.
Legal battles ensued, with Brando's documents categorizing the transaction as a loan, while Barrett claimed it was intended as a gift.
The court eventually ruled in Barrett's favor in June 2004, only days before Brando's passing at the age of 80 due to lung failure.
PETRA'S EXCLUSION FROM INHERITANCE
Brando's revised will, finalized in August 2004, explicitly excluded Petra and Cheyenne's descendants from inheritance, despite Cheyenne's tragic demise a decade earlier.
The estate, valued at $21 million, was smoothly distributed among the rest of his children, overseen by executors Larry Dressler, Mike Medavoy, and Avra Douglas.
A LEGACY OF SUCCESS
Brando's estate primarily comprised real estate assets worth $18.6 million, including properties in Beverly Hills and Tahiti.
Additionally, personal belongings such as artworks and rare scripts, totaling around $3 million, were part of his legacy passed down to his children, including his youngest offspring Nina, Myles, and Timothy.
With a prolific acting career spanning iconic roles in “The Godfather,” “The Missouri Breaks,” and “Superman,” Brando amassed significant earnings, setting milestones in Hollywood paychecks.
Notably, he became the first actor to receive $1 million for a single film, “The Fugitive Kind,” in 1959, showcasing his unparalleled impact in the industry.
Marlon Brando's legacy as a trailblazing actor endures, reflecting his unique talent and enduring influence on the cinematic landscape.
