23 June 2020

Who is Steve Bing: his work, his wealth and his women

Millionaire filmmaker and philanthropist Steve Bing has died at the age of 55.

As family and friends pay tribute following his shocking death, here we take a look at the life and times of the American businessman.

Who is Steve Bing?

Steve Bing was an American businessman, philanthropist and film producer. He was a founder of Shangri-La Entertainment, which produces content for the film, television and music industry.

He inherited a $600m fortune at 18 years-old from his grandfather, Dr Peter Bing, a real estate developer.

What films has Bing been involved with?

In 2000 he was the executive producer of Sylvester Stallone’s ‘Get Carter’ which launched his Hollywood filmmaking career.

He co-wrote the 2003 comedy ‘Kangaroo Jack,’ and a year later he famously invested $80m in ‘The Polar Express,’ a 2004 animated Christmas movie starring Tom Hanks.

Bing was also the financier of the 2007 film ‘Beowulf’ and in 2008 produced and financed the Rolling Stones concert film called ‘Shine A Light.’

What political causes did Bing invest in?

He was well known for donating large sums of money to political causes.

In 2002 he donated a huge sum of $8.2m to the Democratic National Committee, which also went towards candidates such as Dick Durbin, Rahm Emmanuel, Al Franken, Hillary Clinton.

He also spent an estimated $50m to campaign for an oil production tax in 2006 to help develop alternative fuels.

What charitable work did he do?

Bing worked closely with actor Brad Pitt during his ‘Make it Right’ campaign in 2007.

The aim of the campaign was to help rebuild a neighbourhood in New Orleans after it was hit by Hurricane Katrina.  

Bing gave $5m to the residents’ areas affected by the hurricane.

He also contributed around $22.5m to Stanford University.

Bing was a well-known donor to liberal causes, he signed up to former US president Bill Clinton’s and Warren Buffett’s ‘Giving Pledge’. In 2012 he promised to donate the majority of his wealth over his lifetime to charity.

Liz Hurley dated Bing for around 18 months before she became pregnant in 2001 (PA)

When did Steve Bing date Liz Hurley?

Bing had dated Austin Powers actress and model Liz Hurley, 55, for around a year before she fell pregnant in 2001, but they had already split up.

They had a son named Damian, but Bing claimed he wasn’t the father and demanded a DNA test to determine paternity.

In a statement he claimed his relationship with Hurley was ‘non-exclusive,' but the test later confirmed he was the father.

Damian, took a similar path to his mother and began a modelling career, and made his debut last year during a campaign for Pat McGrath.

Who is Lisa Bonder?

In 2001, Bing was hit with another paternity case from former American tennis player Lisa Bonder, who in 1984 was ranked World No 9.

She is known for her brief marriage to billionaire Kirk Kerkorian and was in a high-profile child support lawsuit.

Kerkorian suspected that Bing, Bonder’s ex-boyfriend, was the father of her daughter, Kira.  

It turned messy after Kerkorian, who was 48 years older than Bonder, hired private investigator Anthony Pellicano to find out any information. 

He used dental floss from Bing’s bins to do a DNA test to confirm he was the father.

Pellicano also wiretapped Bonder’s phone calls and as a result received a 15-year prison sentence.

Damian Hurley, Bing's son, with his mother Liz (Instagram: Damian Hurley)

What was the row over Damian and Kira’s inheritance?

Last year, Bing’s grandfather tried to prevent Damian and Kira from accessing their inheritance.

He tried to claim that Damian shouldn’t inherit as he had never met his own dad and was 'born out of wedlock’, according to court papers.

But in June last year a Los Angeles judge ruled that Damian, 17, and his half-sister Kira Kerkorian, were indeed beneficiaries to Dr Peter Bing's trust. 

Tributes have since poured in following Bing’s death, as Clinton wrote: “I loved Steve Bing very much. He had a big heart, and he was willing to do anything he could for the people and causes he believed in. 

"I will miss him and his enthusiasm more than I can say, and I hope he’s finally found peace.”

Hurley shared an emotional message on Instagram, saying: "I am saddened beyond belief that my ex Steve is no longer with us. It is a terrible end.

“Our time together was very happy and I’m posting these pictures because although we went through some tough times, it’s the good, wonderful memories of a sweet, kind man that matter.”

Actor Robert Davi said: “One is always effected by someone’s passing but doubly so when it is at their own hands - the mental torment  to do so must be so excruciating-- saddened by the passing of Steve Bing he was always a kind understated person when I met him - MAY HE RIP Condolences to his family.”

One fan wrote: “RIP, Steve Bing. You just never know. Shocking.”

Another fan said: “Rip Steve Bing one of the greatest movie writers ever.”

For confidential support on mental health call the Samaritans on 116 123, email [email protected].

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