Most people assume that kids born into rich families have their lives set, but that is not always true. Some famous parents have taken a hard stance against leaving their fortune to their children because they believe their kids should carve out their own success.
Here are six celebrities who have made it clear that their wealth won't be passed down:
Jackie Chan
Legendary martial artist and Hollywood actor Jackie Chan has built an empire worth $400 million. He has two children, but his fortune won’t be going to them. Instead, it will be donated to his charity, the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation.
Jackie / IG / Jackie Chan, 70, believes his son should earn his own success. He once stated that if his son is capable, he will make his own money, and if he isn't, he will just waste it.
With that mindset, the “Rush Hour” star is firm in his decision to leave nothing behind for his kids.
Sting
Musician and actor Sting has no plans to spoil his six grown children with trust funds. The rockstar, who is worth around $550 million, has made it clear that his kids won’t inherit his wealth. He believes leaving them large sums would be a burden rather than a blessing.
Instead of relying on their father’s fortune, his children have developed strong work ethics. Sting respects that they rarely ask him for financial help. He plans to spend his money rather than hand it over to them.
Marie Osmond
Famous singer and TV host Marie Osmond is firm about not handing over her wealth. She believes that inheritances encourage laziness and entitlement. Her fortune, estimated at $20 million, will go to charity instead.
Osmond feels her kids should make their own way in life. She insists that handing them money won’t help them become successful. In her view, people only achieve great things when they work for them.
Gordon Ramsay
Do you think Gordon Ramsay is tough in the kitchen? Well, the master chef is just as strict at home. The celebrity chef, worth around $220 million, has made it clear that his kids won’t be living off his wealth.
He even makes them fly economy because they haven’t earned the luxury of first class.
Gordon / IG / Gordon Ramsay says his children will only get a small deposit on a flat. They must earn everything else themselves.
His no-nonsense approach is already shaping their futures. His daughter Matilda has built her own career, hosting “Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch” at just 14.
Simon Cowell
TV mogul Simon Cowell became a father later in life, welcoming his son Eric in 2014. But despite his $600 million fortune, Cowell doesn’t believe in passing down wealth. Instead, he wants to donate his money to charity, benefiting children and animals.
Cowell’s philosophy is to give his son opportunity, not money. He wants to share knowledge and teach him valuable lessons. Rather than handing over riches, he believes in giving Eric the tools to build his own future.
Laurene Powell Jobs
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs's widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, has no intention of maintaining the billionaire lifestyle. Although she inherited her late husband's wealth, she refuses to pass it on to their children.
Powell Jobs believes in using wealth for social good. She is dedicated to philanthropy and invests in causes that create change. She sees inherited wealth as unhealthy and doesn’t want her children to rely on it. Instead, she encourages them to make their own mark.