In the riveting tale of Marlon Brando's grandson, a young boy orphaned at the tender age of five found himself not just excluded from his legendary grandfather's will but also embroiled in a turbulent family history. Fast forward to today, and this remarkable individual has not only forged a path as a doctor but also bears a striking resemblance to the iconic Brando, carrying forward the legacy in his own unique way.
Tuki Brando, at the 'La Petite Veste Noire' Book Launch at Grand Palais on November 8, 2012, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
Tuki Brando's journey is a compelling narrative that unfolds within the backdrop of Hollywood, where fame and fortune often intertwine with personal stories of triumph and tribulation.
US actor Marlon Brando with French Polynesian actress Tarita Teriipia posing for a publicity portrait for the 1962 film "Mutiny on the Bounty" | Source: Getty Images
Being Marlon Brando's grandson, Tuki's lineage is unquestionably illustrious, as the name "Brando" resonates with cinematic greatness. However, his family's reputation was far from a golden ticket into the limelight. Tuki's family tree has its share of thorns, and his story is marked by tumultuous events that read like a Hollywood screenplay.
Cheyenne Brando with lawyer Jacques Verges | Source: Getty Images
A Troubled Family History
At the heart of this dramatic narrative was Tuki's mother, Cheyenne Brando, a woman who made headlines herself. In 1995, at the tender age of 25, Cheyenne's life took a dark turn when she tragically hanged herself. Cheyenne battled demons in the form of addiction, and her life was a rollercoaster ride that took a few too many loops.
Still, curiously, Tuki was omitted from his grandfather's testament.
Cheyenne Brando walking with her mother Tarita Teriipaia | Source: Getty Images
Her struggles intensified after the shocking 1990 murder of her partner, Dag Drollet, by none other than her half-brother, Christian Brando. The night of May 16, 1990, was a turning point in the Brando family's story. It was a night that would forever change the lives of those involved.
Marlon Brando addressing the press at Los Angeles County Jail with Christian Brando in 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Christian, fueled by liquid courage, shot and killed Drollet at Brando's home. The tragic incident was shrouded in ambiguity, with Christian claiming that Drollet had been abusive toward Cheyenne, who was eight months pregnant at the time. Despite the conflicting accounts, Drollet was found dead with a single gunshot wound to the face.
Christian Brando during a press conference at the Santa Monica Courthouse in Santa Monica, California | Source: Getty Images
The events that unfolded that night cast a shadow over the infamous Mulholland Drive, a street whose sinister atmosphere was immortalized by filmmaker David Lynch in his eponymous movie. Tuki entered this world just weeks after his father's murder, and by the age of five, he was orphaned, left without the loving presence of his mother.
The convergence of family heritage and personal qualities became the catalyst for his own brand of fame.
Cheyenne Brando in Paris in January 1991, France | Source: Getty Images
Raised by his maternal grandmother, Tarita Teriipaia, Brando's third and final wife, Tuki's upbringing was far from ordinary. Brando, a Hollywood icon, left behind an extensive will that acknowledged many friends and colleagues. Still, curiously, Tuki was omitted from his grandfather's testament.
Cheyenne's son, Tuki | Source: Getty Images
The will, filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court, revealed that Brando had recognized 11 children as beneficiaries but chose to disinherit Tuki, his adopted daughter Petra Brando-Corval, and their respective descendants. The document, signed in 2002, stipulated:
"I intentionally and with full knowledge of the consequences do not provide in my will or in my living trust for Cheyenne's issue or for Petra Brando-Corval, or for any of Petra's issue."
Tuki Brando's maternal grandmother and Cheyenne's mother, Tarita | Source: Getty Images
The decision to cut Petra Brando-Corval, who had been adopted by Brando, out of his will was a controversial move. Corval's mother, Caroline Barrett, had worked as Brando's assistant since 1976, and the actor had provided financial support for Corval, including her education and even assistance in purchasing a home in London.
Marlon Brando, in character as Stanley Kowalski from the film "A Streetcar Named Desire" in 1952 | Source: Getty Images
Nevertheless, financial disputes and tensions arose when Barrett retired as Brando's assistant in 2001. Brando requested repayment of a loan he had extended to Corval, which led to a court case that ended in Barrett's favor shortly before Brando's passing.
Marlon Brando photographed in January 04, 1967 | Source: Getty Images
The Rise of Tuki Brando
Despite these intriguing family dynamics, Tuki's life took a surprising turn. With liquid assets totaling approximately $23 million and ownership of a private island in Tahiti worth $100 million, Brando's decision to exclude his grandson from his estate left many baffled.
Brando left a lasting mark on Hollywood, and his legacy lives on not just through his films but also through his grandson, Tuki.
Tarita Brando and Tuki Brando graced the launch party of Air Tahiti Nui NYC-To-Tahiti-Nonstop, held at Hiro Ballroom in New York City on April 28, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Tuki emerged from the shadows of his family's complex history to embark on a modeling career. In 2006, renowned photographer Bruce Weber discovered him, highlighting his striking resemblance to Brando. The modeling journey led Tuki to become one of the faces of Versace and, subsequently, TechnoMarine watches.
Tuki Brando at the Louis Vuitton Menswear Autumn/Winter 2013 show during Paris Fashion Week on January 19, 2012, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
As Tuki stepped into the limelight, the world took notice of this charismatic young man with a compelling story. The convergence of family heritage and personal qualities became the catalyst for his own brand of fame.
Marlon Brando at a press conference held at the Los Angeles Criminal Court House in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Fans Notice Tuki and Marlon Brando's Striking Resemblance
Brando left a lasting mark on Hollywood, and his legacy lives on not just through his films but also through his grandson, Tuki. Fans were quick to observe the striking resemblance between Tuki and Brando.
Vogue readers, in particular, were captivated by the uncanny similarity between the two, noting that Tuki had inherited Brando's iconic lips, eyes, and nose as if Marlon's legendary image had been reborn in a new form.
"We never really got closure with Marlon Brando, did we? And the Lord understood this and gave us Tuki," tweeted one fan, acknowledging the poignant connection between Brando and his grandson Tuki.
Tuki Brando, the grandson of Marlon Brando, at the John Galliano Menswear Spring/Summer 2014 Show during Paris Fashion Week on June 28, 2013, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
The weight of a famous surname can be both a blessing and a burden, but Tuki's resilience and unique journey shine through. Despite the challenges and complexities of his family history, Tuki has carved his own path and emerged as a true testament to the enduring spirit of human resilience.
Model Tuki Brando at the Courreges and Estee Lauder dinner party during Paris Fashion Week on March 7, 2015, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
His journey from the shadow of his family's past to the vibrant modeling industry serves as a testament to the power of self-discovery and personal reinvention. He is proof that, in the end, it is not just the family name that defines us but the unique intersection of our heritage and our individuality.
Moreover, alongside his modeling career, Tuki also achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a doctor, adding yet another facet to his inspiring journey of self-discovery and success. According to Tuki's Facebook profile, he studied Medicine at Bordeaux University Hospital and the University of French Polynesia. He is a general practitioner who specializes in sleep apnea.
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