Actor Val Kilmer’s passing in April 2025 highlights estate planning issues that can affect almost anyone. Although Kilmer was a celebrity, these issues—such as managing multistate real estate, deciding what happens to digital assets, and integrating philanthropy to leave a legacy and help reduce taxes—are concerns that can be particularly relevant to individuals who have an out-of-state summer home or cottage, are unmarried older clients who cannot take advantage of spouse-related legal benefits, or are creative younger clients with digital portfolios. Read more to discover lessons learned from Val Kilmer’s situation.

At the time of his death on March 21, 2025, his estate was estimated to be valued at $300 million. Surprisingly, most of his wealth came not from his triumphs in the ring but from his success as a businessman—specifically from the popularity of the George Foreman Grill.

Unlike many celebrities, Foreman was considered relatable and connected to his audience. Read more to learn about how that relatability extended to many of the estate planning issues he had to navigate as someone with multiple marriages, a large blended family, and adopted children.

From Game Shows to Estate Plans: Insights from Regis Philbin

Philbin passed away in 2020, leaving an estate worth approximately $150 million that was likely divided between his wife, Joy, and his children. He had four children: Danny (who died in 2014) and Amy from his first marriage and daughters Joanna and Jennifer with Joy. While Philbin accumulated most of his net worth as the host of game and talk shows, his estate planning documents and court records show that he also left millions in other assets behind. Read more to discover the lessons learned from Regis Philbin.

This information is for educational purposes only and cannot be considered legal advice, nor does the receipt of this newsletter create an attorney-client relationship.