Here's Who Inherited Bette Davis' Fortune After Her Death

May 2024 ยท 2 minute read

While Bette Davis' daughters didn't get any money, her son did. Michael Merrill has always denied his sister's claims of abuse and remained close to his mother until her death, as reported via Romper. In her will, Davis left Michael half of her estate, which, after taxes and other payments, was valued close to $1 million (via AP News). She also left her daughter-in-law, Michael's wife, some of her personal clothing, and while there are no details on what that includes, it could potentially have included accessories and other personal items. 

The other half of Davis' estate went to Kathryn Sermack, her friend and personal secretary, who spent many years at her side. Sermack started working with Davis in 1979 when she was only 22 (per Closer Weekly). Over the next decade, she would become not only Davis' business ally and helper but also a close friend. For the last few years before Davis' death, Sermack lived with her in her Los Angeles apartment, becoming the closest person to her. 

In addition to half her estate, Davis also left Sermack a number of personal items, including jewelry, some furniture, books, and silverware marked with the letters "BD" engraved on them (her estranged daughter's initials). Davis also left a few small items to other people, including a painting and a pearl and sapphire watch to an old friend, and some silver containers to her niece, AP News reports.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qL7Up56eZpOkunB9j29obG9oZLWmvsSsZLCgn2K2r7TEq6CtnZRir6bA055knZmmnsBuss6rq66mlWKup8DEq2ShnaJisaat06Fm