Burt Reynolds’ will leaves estate to niece, cuts out son in favor of a trust (2024)

Late screen legend Burt Reynolds’ son was intentionally left out of his will – but that’s because the actor already made him a trust.

Reynolds signed his will in October 2011, and left niece Nancy Lee Brown Hess as the personal representative of his entire estate, according to TMZ.

The move was somewhat surprising, considering Reynolds has a 30-year-old son, Quinton, he adopted with first wife Loni Anderson.

“I intentionally omit (Quinton) from this, my Last Will and Testament, as I have provided for him during my lifetime in my Declaration of Trust,” Reynolds’ will, which was filed in Florida on Monday, reportedly read.

Burt Reynolds’ will leaves estate to niece, cuts out son in favor of a trust (1)

TMZ reports that the document says Reynolds created a trust for Quinton years ago, and that he was likely omitted from the will in order to avoid estate taxes.

Reynolds died Sept. 6 at 82 of a heart attack. He was reportedly worth about $5 million at the time of his death.

The “Smokey and the Bandit” star was remembered fondly by Anderson in a statement to Fox News that praised his “great laugh.”

“Burt was a wonderful director and actor. He was a big part of my life for 12 years and Quinton’s father for 30 years. We will miss him and his great laugh,” the statement read.

The screen legend famously struggled with his finances, and declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1996, though he came out of it two years later.

“I’ve lost more money than is possible because I just haven’t watched it,” he told Vanity Fair in 2015.

Burt Reynolds’ will leaves estate to niece, cuts out son in favor of a trust (2024)

FAQs

Burt Reynolds’ will leaves estate to niece, cuts out son in favor of a trust? ›

Late screen legend Burt Reynolds' son was intentionally left out of his will – but that's because the actor already made him a trust. Reynolds signed his will in October 2011, and left niece Nancy Lee Brown Hess as the personal representative of his entire estate, according to TMZ.

Why did Burt Reynolds cut his son out of his will? ›

Reynolds' niece, Nancy Lee Brown Hess, is the personal representative of Reynolds' estate. Why would Burt Reynolds intentionally leave his son out of his will, and instead, provide for him with a trust? Three good reasons are taxes, probate, and financial management.

How much did Burt Reynolds leave to his son? ›

Did the famous actor coldly exclude his son from inheriting any of his estimated $5 million fortune? Fortunately for Quinton, no. While he won't inherit directly under his father's Will, the Will specifically states that Reynolds provided for Quinton through a Trust.

Did Burt Reynolds get along with his son? ›

Not surprisingly, the animosity between Reynolds and Anderson made things difficult for Reynolds to bond with his son. Closer Weekly recently reported that the father and son went through a tough period, but eventually were able to work through that difficult time and became very close.

What happened to Burt Reynolds' son Quinton? ›

"He is my greatest achievement. He's a wonderful young man and is now working as a camera assistant in Hollywood. He never asked for any help with his career, he did it all himself, and I'm so proud of him. I love him very much," Burt, 82, exclusively told Closer Weekly in a recent issue of the magazine.

Why did Burt Reynolds leave his estate to his niece? ›

TMZ reports that the document says Reynolds created a trust for Quinton years ago, and that he was likely omitted from the will in order to avoid estate taxes. Reynolds died Sept. 6 at 82 of a heart attack. He was reportedly worth about $5 million at the time of his death.

What disease did Burt Reynolds suffer from? ›

Reynolds developed temporomandibular joint disease, but the condition remained undiagnosed for almost a year. His hearing, balance and speech were all affected, he suffered from migraine and sensitivity to light, and because he could not eat properly lost several stone.

Did Sally Field attend Burt Reynolds' funeral? ›

Despite Burt Reynolds admitting he nonetheless neglected his former woman love a long time later, Sally Field never attended his funeral.

Who was Burt Reynolds' first wife? ›

Judy Carne

How much was Burt Reynolds worth when he was alive? ›

At the peak of his career, Burt Reynolds's net worth was estimated at around $60 million. However, a lavish lifestyle, failed projects, an expensive divorce settlement, and a string of bad investments seen him file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1996.

Who was Burt Reynolds love of his life? ›

Burt Reynolds may have claimed that Sally Field was the “the love of his life,” but she has described how he didn't treat her in the most loving way when they were a Hollywood golden couple and she was nominated for her first Academy Award for her career-changing performance in the 1979 film “Norma Rae.”

What was Burt Reynolds doing when he died? ›

He was cast in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and was running his lines for his final role before dying at the age of 82 on September 6, 2018. Reynolds' cause of death was a heart attack. The CW's documentary special I Am Burt Reynolds revisited the late actor's life and successful Hollywood career.

What nationality was Burt Reynolds? ›

Burt Reynolds (born February 11, 1936, Lansing, Michigan, U.S.—died September 6, 2018, Jupiter, Florida) was an American television and film actor who projected a relaxed masculinity that, combined with his wry self-deprecating humour, made him a top box-office draw from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s.

Why did Burt Reynolds exclude his son from his will? ›

I intentionally omit him from this, my Last Will and Testament, as I have provided for him during my lifetime in my Declaration of Trust.” Yes, this language cuts Quinton out of Burt's will, but it does not mean that he was disinherited. All this language tells us is that the Reynolds family values its privacy.

What happened between Burt Reynolds and Dinah Shore? ›

He dated Shore, a singer and TV personality who was 20 years his senior, in the 1970s but broke things off when he realized he wanted to have kids. “There's nobody better,” he says. “I never, ever heard her say anything bad about anybody. Ever.

Did Burt Reynolds have a twin brother? ›

Who was Burt Reynolds married to the longest? ›

Burton Leon Reynolds Jr.
Burt Reynolds
Years active1958–2018
SpousesJudy Carne ​ ​ ( m. 1963; div. 1965)​ Loni Anderson ​ ​ ( m. 1988; div. 1994)​
PartnersDinah Shore (1971–1975) Sally Field (1976–1980)
Children1
7 more rows

How much was Burt Reynolds worth when he passed away? ›

Burt Reynolds was a famous actor featured in various movies and television shows. He was a wealthy individual but misappropriated his wealth. He had an estimated wealth of $3 million at the time of his death.

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