Jerry Lewis’s last will and testament, signed in 2012, largely excluded his six surviving sons from his first marriage and his adopted daughter. His estate, including all property, residuals, and intellectual property rights, was left to his second wife, SanDee Pitnick, and, upon her death, to their daughter, Danielle Sara Lewis. This effectively disinherited a significant portion of his family and led to much public discussion and speculation following his passing in 2017.
The distribution of Lewis’s estate highlighted the complexities of family dynamics and estate planning. It underscored the importance of clear and legally sound documentation to ensure one’s wishes are carried out after death. The case garnered considerable media attention due to Lewis’s fame and the perceived contentious nature of the will. Understanding the details surrounding the beneficiaries provides insight into the final chapter of the comedian’s life and the legal processes involved in estate settlement.