Unraveling Jerry Lewis's Last Laugh: A Deep Dive into His Will

Hello there, comedy enthusiasts and Jerry Lewis fans! Today, we're going to roll up our sleeves and delve into the fascinating world of Jerry Lewis's will. Now, before we dive in, let's give a little shoutout to the legendary comedian who left us in 2017, but not before leaving behind a legacy that continues to make us laugh and a will that's as intriguing as one of his slapstick routines. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and jerry lewis's will.

Who Was Jerry Lewis?

For those who've been living under a rock (or maybe you're just a young whippersnapper), Jerry Lewis was an American comedian, actor, singer, and film director. He was one of the most popular and successful comedy performers in the world during his prime. Lewis was known for his slapstick humor, his golden voice, and his iconic partnership with Dean Martin. But today, we're not here to talk about his incredible career; we're here to talk about what he left behind.

Jerry Lewis's Will: The Basics

Lewis's will, like the man himself, was anything but predictable. Dated January 14, 2012, the document was a whopping 28 pages long and was amended just a few months before his death. The will revealed that Lewis had a net worth of around $50 million, and he left instructions on how to distribute his fortune. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about who got what.

The Beneficiaries

His Family

Lewis left the bulk of his estate to his sixth and final wife, SanDee, and their daughter Danielle. SanDee, who was 33 years his junior, got a life estate in their Las Vegas home, meaning she could live there until her death. Danielle, Lewis's youngest child, received a substantial sum of money, though the exact amount was not disclosed.

Lewis also left money to his other children from previous marriages. His oldest son, Gary, received $333,333.34 (yes, you read that right, it's not a typo). Lewis's other children, Ronnie, Scott, and Joseph, received smaller sums, as did his grandchildren.

Charity

Lewis was a generous man, both on and off screen. He left a significant portion of his estate to charity, with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) being the biggest beneficiary. Lewis was a longtime supporter of the MDA and had hosted their annual Labor Day telethon for 45 years. He left the MDA $3.6 million.

Other charities that benefited from Lewis's will included the Cancer Research Institute, the American Diabetes Association, and the Motion Picture & Television Fund, among others.

The Surprises

Now, let's talk about the surprises. Lewis's will was filled with them. For instance, he left instructions for his body to be frozen cryonically. That's right, folks! Lewis wanted to be frozen like a human Popsicle, in the hopes that future medical technology could bring him back to life. We're not sure if that's more funny or sad, but it's certainly unexpected.

Another surprise was Lewis's instructions for his funeral. He wanted a "simple Jewish service" with no eulogies and no rabbi. He also requested that his pallbearers be "funny guys," and that his casket should be "ugly." We're not sure what constitutes an "ugly" casket, but we're guessing it's not your average mahogany number.

The Legal Drama

Lewis's will wasn't without its drama. In the years following his death, several of his children challenged the will, claiming that Lewis had been unduly influenced by SanDee. They argued that Lewis had changed his will to favor SanDee and Danielle at the expense of his other children.

The legal battle was long and ugly, but in the end, the will was upheld. SanDee and Danielle kept the bulk of Lewis's estate, and his other children received the sums specified in the will.

Lessons Learned

So, what can we learn from Jerry Lewis's will? Well, for one, it's important to have a will, especially if you have a complex family situation or a significant estate. Lewis's will was complex, to say the least, but it ensured that his wishes were carried out after his death.

It's also important to note that wills can be challenged, and that even the most airtight will can be subject to legal wrangling. If you're worried about your will being contested, it's a good idea to work with an experienced estate planning attorney.

Finally, Lewis's will serves as a reminder that you can never predict what someone's last wishes will be. Lewis was a comedian, after all, and his will was filled with laughter, tears, and more than a few surprises.

Jerry Lewis's Legacy

Despite the legal drama and the surprises, Lewis's will has one thing in common with his comedy: it's left a lasting legacy. Lewis's generosity to charity will ensure that his name lives on, and his unique sense of humor will continue to make us laugh.

So, here's to you, Jerry Lewis. You were a comedian, an actor, a singer, a director, and a philanthropist. You were a man of many talents, and a will filled with surprises. You left us laughing, and we'll always be grateful for that.

Until next time, comedy fans. Keep laughing, and remember: the show must go on!