Stan Lee Family, Bio, Career, Net Worth & Final Years Documentary

Stan Lee is a name that will forever be synonymous with the Marvel Universe. As the co-creator of legendary superheroes like Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Avengers, Lee’s influence on pop culture is immeasurable. But behind the comic book panels and the larger-than-life personality was a man who faced troubling exploitation in his final years. Filmmaker Jon Bolerjack, a long-time fan of Lee, spent years documenting his life—what started as a passion project soon evolved into a revealing, and at times heartbreaking, look at the darker aspects of Lee’s later years. Now, Bolerjack is turning his footage into a documentary titled Stan Lee: The Final Chapter.

A Look Into Lee’s Final Years

Stan Lee, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 95, left behind an extraordinary legacy. He was married to Joan Lee for nearly 70 years until her passing in 2017, and they had one daughter, J.C. Lee. With an estimated net worth of $50 million at the time of his death, one might assume that Lee lived out his final years in comfort and dignity. However, The Final Chapter paints a different picture—one of financial manipulation, elder abuse, and an exhausting work schedule that took a toll on his health.

The Documentary Trailer: A Glimpse of the Struggle

Bolerjack recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to complete the film, unveiling a trailer that gives fans a raw and emotional look at Lee’s last years. The footage shows Lee, visibly frail, being transported from one comic convention to another, signing thousands of autographs while those around him profited.

One of the most disturbing revelations in the documentary is the extent to which Lee’s declining health was exploited. Memorabilia and autographs, which fans believed were direct contributions to Lee’s wealth, were often sold for exorbitant amounts—but much of the money never reached Lee or his family. Instead, it lined the pockets of those who surrounded him, raising serious questions about who was truly looking out for his best interests.

The People Around Lee: Who Was Protecting Him?

Bolerjack’s footage captures more than just the public appearances—it also reveals the troubling figures who had access to Lee in his final years. Among them was his former business partner, Keya Morgan. In 2018, Lee filed a restraining order against Morgan, accusing him of financial and emotional abuse. Morgan was later arrested after allegedly convincing Lee that he was in immediate danger and needed to be moved to a secret location.

Another individual appearing in the documentary is Max Anderson, Lee’s former road manager. While Anderson has denied any wrongdoing, the documentary hints at the possibility that he, too, played a role in Lee’s financial troubles.

How Bolerjack Became Part of Lee’s Inner Circle

Bolerjack’s connection to Lee began more than a decade ago when he pitched a reality TV show idea to the comic book icon. Over time, he gained Lee’s trust and became part of his entourage, accompanying him to conventions and public events. Unlike many others around Lee, Bolerjack says he tried to advocate for the aging legend, suggesting fewer appearances and more rest. However, those controlling Lee’s schedule often had different priorities—keeping him working as long as possible, despite the toll it took on his health.

More Than Just a Tribute

While Stan Lee: The Final Chapter is undoubtedly a tribute to Lee’s life and career, it also serves as a cautionary tale. The documentary raises an important question: How do we treat our aging icons? For many fans, the idea that someone as beloved as Stan Lee could be taken advantage of is shocking—but it’s a reality that extends beyond just one individual.

Bolerjack’s goal is to ensure that Lee’s story is told honestly, shedding light on the unfortunate side of fame that many may not want to acknowledge. The documentary doesn’t seek to tarnish Lee’s legacy but rather to highlight the need for better protections for aging celebrities who may be vulnerable to manipulation.

The Kickstarter Campaign: Completing the Film

Bolerjack is aiming to raise $300,000 through Kickstarter to complete Stan Lee: The Final Chapter. The funds will cover post-production costs, compensate volunteer crew members who worked tirelessly on the project, and address legal fees associated with releasing such a hard-hitting film.

For fans who have followed Stan Lee’s journey from comic book pages to the big screen, this documentary offers an intimate and unfiltered look at his final years. While Marvel Studios has celebrated Lee’s legacy through cameos and tributes, The Final Chapter provides a more personal, and at times painful, perspective on what it means to be an aging icon in an industry that never stops moving.

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