Philip Seymour Hoffman, the Oscar-winning actor who passed away recently, wanted his son to grow up either in New York City, San Francisco or Chicago, according to the late actor's will.
"It is my strong desire, and not direction to my guardian, that my son, Cooper Hoffman be raised and reside in or near the borough of Manhattan in the State of New York, or Chicago Illinois, or San Francisco, California," Hoffman stated in the 13-page will, reports CNN.
Hoffman, who died of a heroin-overdose earlier in February, signed the will in October 2004, when his son Cooper Hoffman, now 10, was just 1. The will was signed before his two daughters, Willa and Tallulah, were born.
Hoffman explained that the vibrant culture and architectural diversity the cities offer was the reason he wanted Cooper to grow up there. He also requested that his son visit these cities twice a year if he is unable to live there, reports Reuters.
"The purpose of this request is so that my son will be exposed to the culture, arts and architecture that such cities offer," the will read.
Indeed, Chicago, New York and San Francisco are some of the best architecturally endowed cities of the United States. San Francisco ranks 27th on the list of the world's best cities for quality of life, according to an annual survey.
Hoffman left a bulk of his estate to Mimi O'Donnell, his longtime friend and companion. Just before his death, rumors had it that the couple separated.
The will not only names O'Donnell the main beneficiary of the estate but also appoints her the guardian of Cooper. She will also be the trustee of a fund set up in Cooper's name to support his education, health and maintenance.
The 46-year-old actor was found dead in his Greenwich Village apartment, a needle in his arm and envelopes of heroin nearby, although the cause of his death is still undetermined.
Hoffman's funeral was held earlier this month at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It was attended by O'Donnell, the three children and 400 other mourners comprising of friends and family.
