Simon Cowell, known for his sharp, brutally honest, and sometimes harsh judging on TV talent shows, has built an impressive career as a producer, media mogul, and creator of hit series like The X Factor and America’s Got Talent. Despite his tough on-screen persona, Cowell has achieved remarkable success.
Now a devoted father, Cowell has made it clear that his $600 million fortune will not be passed down to his son, Eric. Instead, he plans to donate it all to charity.
Cowell’s rise to fame as an entertainment entrepreneur and TV personality is well-known in both the UK and the US. However, in 2014, he took on a new role: fatherhood. Becoming a dad changed him, yet even before Eric was born, Cowell had decided that his immense wealth wouldn’t be inherited by his son. He has expressed that he doesn’t believe in passing down fortunes through generations.
In a 2013 interview, Cowell stated, “I’m going to leave my money to someone. Maybe a charity—kids and dogs. I don’t believe in passing down from generation to generation.”
Instead of a financial inheritance, Cowell wants to leave Eric a legacy of values and opportunities that will help him succeed in whatever career path he chooses. He believes that his true legacy lies in giving others a chance to succeed, sharing his knowledge, and investing time in people.
Cowell’s $600 million fortune will be donated to a charity, though he hasn’t yet decided which one. He has hinted that it will likely support causes related to children or animals.
Cowell isn’t alone in this mindset. Other celebrities, like Anderson Cooper, Bill Gates, and Jackie Chan, have also stated that they won’t be leaving large sums of money to their children. They share a common belief: they want their children to grow up understanding the value of hard work and to develop into responsible adults.
Ultimately, whether you have millions to pass on or just a little, the decision on how to do it is personal. The aim for many parents, however, remains the same: to raise humble, hardworking children who understand the value of money and privilege.