

Celebrity Estates: Wills of the Rich and Famous
WealthManagement.Com
Welcome to the Celebrity Estates podcast. In this podcast we break down high profile celebrity estate planning cases for advisors and their clients. Most celebrity estate catastrophes are based on the same issues that everyday people face, just with the volume turned up. Our goal is to identify and extract the individual estate planning issues that lie at the heart of each story. We then discuss what advisors should expect and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 31, 2025 • 23min
Celebrity Estates: Gene Hackman and Estate Planning While in Cognitive Decline
 After four decades of acting and winning multiple awards, Gene Hackman was found dead in his home at the age of 95, along with his wife and primary caretaker, Betsy Arakawa. Forensics uncovered that his wife predeceased him, leaving him to struggle with Alzheimer’s alone before passing away one week later. Join WealthManagement.com Senior Editor …  Read More  Read More 

Feb 24, 2025 • 31min
Celebrity Estates: All the President’s Money with Megan Gorman
 With Donald Trump appearing at his recent inauguration flanked by tech billionaires, the connection between presidents and the almighty dollar is more apparent than ever. However, Trump is not the only president with an interesting relationship with money. In this episode of the Celebrity Estates podcast, host David Lenok welcomes back Megan Gorman, a wealth …  Read More  Read More 

Dec 16, 2024 • 42min
Celebrity Estates: Jim Thorpe, Native Americans, and the Land Back Movement
 Alma Soongi-Beck, a Counsel at Lothrop GPM specializing in the Land Back movement, and Professor Jo Carrillo, a law professor with expertise in Indigenous property law, delve into the complexities of Jim Thorpe's burial controversy. They discuss the intersection of legal rights and personal wishes, especially regarding land repatriation. The duo also explores land transfers' nuances, conservation impacts, and the rising trend of testamentary gifts, highlighting the importance of respectful communication in fostering Indigenous sovereignty and identity. 

Nov 25, 2024 • 24min
Celebrity Estates: John Amos and Warning Signs of Elder Abuse in Estate Planning
 Neil Solares, a seasoned estate planning attorney, joins to discuss the troubling case of John Amos, famed for his roles in 'Good Times' and 'The West Wing'. The conversation highlights alarming signs of elder abuse, such as isolation and sudden estate changes. Solares stresses the importance of advisors recognizing these red flags and knowing when to pursue conservatorship. They also delve into how caregiver laws in California can impact estate decisions, and why family dynamics often lead to conflicts over caregiving. 

Oct 7, 2024 • 26min
Celebrity Estates: Shannen Doherty and The Importance of Timely Planning
 In this engaging discussion, expert Shawn Goheen, a partner at Goheen Companies with over 30 years in the life insurance industry, addresses the poignant story of actress Shannen Doherty, who finalized her divorce just before her passing. The conversation underscores the vital need for timely estate planning and how it influences asset distribution. Goheen emphasizes the importance of integrating foundational documents and life insurance into estate strategies while fostering open dialogues among advisors to ensure cohesive planning for future generations. 

Jul 22, 2024 • 27min
Celebrity Estates: Simon Cowell and Disinheritance in Estate Planning
 Simon Cowell, reality star and record producer, has an estimated net value worth of $600 million. How much of that will be left for his son? According to him, nothing. Listen in as host David Lenok is joined by Thomas Kopelman, head of community at Estate Planning platform wealth.com and co-founder of All Street Wealth. …  Read More  Read More 

May 20, 2024 • 44min
Celebrity Estates: The Gilded Age and Psychological Implications of Inherited Wealth
 Even celebrities aren’t free of the pitfalls of poor estate and legacy planning. With their lives and finances often in the spotlight, it can be easy to see where they fall short and how to avoid those same problems if you know where to look. Join David Lenok and his guest, psychologist and economist Eric …  Read More  Read More 

Apr 29, 2024 • 26min
Celebrity Estates: Steve Lockshin on Len Bias and NIL Deals in Estate Planning
 Len Bias was a star basketball player at the University of Maryland drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1986 and one step away from becoming a pro athlete. Unfortunately, he passed away just two days after being selected but before signing any MBS or sponsorship documents, leaving him and his family just out of reach …  Read More  Read More 

Mar 25, 2024 • 39min
Celebrity Estates: The National Football League and Lessons on Family Dynamics and Governance
 A close-knit network of family businesses, the NFL earns around $200 billion annually. On top of traditional family business within their individual branches, the NFL navigates those same financial planning connections between extended family members as well. Join David Lenok and his guest Alvina Lo, chief wealth strategist at Wilmington Trust, as they delve into …  Read More  Read More 

Feb 26, 2024 • 54min
REPLAY! Celebrity Estates: King Charles III and How International Heirs Impact Tax Planning
 When King Charles III was crowned, he had lived a life full of experiences at the age of 74. His heirs equally have lived their lives and made their own decisions, including his son Harry who has taken up residence in the US. This decision will impact how Harry’s inheritance will be taxed after his …  Read More  Read More 


