James Gandolfini’s newly-filed will reveals the actor has left the bulk of his estimated $70 million estate to his 13-year-old son Michael and 8-month-old daughter Liliana.
James Gandolfini, who died of a heart attack while on vacation in Italy last month, also left millions to his wife, his two older sisters and friends – including his personal secretary and assistant.
The will, which was seen by the New York Post, was signed on December 19 last year and filed in Manhattan Surrogate’s Court on Tuesday.
It shows that James Gandolfini’s teenage son Michael by his first wife is to get the largest chunk of his father’s estate through a trust set aside for him until he turns 21.
Through the trust, Michael Gandolfini will also be able to buy his father’s lavish home and parking space in Greenwich Village in Manhattan.
Michael Gandolfini will split his father’s Italian property with his half-sister, Liliana, when she turns 25.
James Gandolfini asked in the documents that they “keep it in our family for as long as possible”.
His other properties – a $1.1 million home in Califon, New Jersey, and a $7 million penthouse in Tribeca, Manhattan – are not specifically mentioned in the will but it notes they can be sold.
Michael Gandolfini also gets his father’s clothing and jewelry.
The remainder of James Gandolfini’s estate will be split among his wife, Deborah Lin, his sisters, Johanna Antonacci and Leta Gandolfini, and his baby daughter Liliana.
Johanna Antonacci and Leta Gandolfini each get 30% of the leftover estate, while Deborah Lin and little Liliana will each receive 20%. He also left $500,000 to each of his two nieces, the daughters of Johanna.
James Gandolfini left $200,000 each to his personal assistant and friend, Thomas Richardson, and secretary, Trixie Flynn Bourne, and amounts of $100,000 and $50,000 to other select friends.
The actor was estimated to be worth up to $70 million when he died of a sudden heart attack on June 19 when he was just 51.
James Gandolfini was found suffering a heart attack by his son Michael and was pronounced dead in hospital. A funeral for the beloved actor was held in Manhattan last week.
His family joined more than 1,000 mourners including Edith “Edie” Falco, Gandolfini’s on-screen wife, for the two-hour ceremony, which was described as a “wonderful” tribute to the star.
Friend Thomas Richardson, who was named in the will, described how every day with James Gandolfini was an adventure, whether it was sharing sushi on set or helping New Jersey residents recover in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
“He really made the most of every day,” he said.
“In his passing, he is forever with us. Amen.”
The will is the first and primary filing of James Gandolfini’s estate; more documents are expected to be filed.
