Death of a Playwright

Arthur Miller died in 2005. He had four children. One child, Daniel, he barely acknowledged while he was living. Daniel was born with Down-syndrome.

Apparently, Daniel was institutionalized immediately after birth and rarely acknowledged by his father...no birthday cards, no goodnight hugs, no holiday gatherings, no trips to the beach, no storytime...with the exception of being added to his will weeks before his (Arthur's) death. Daniel inherited millions from the father he hardly knew.

But, the story has a rather happy ending for the son. (I don't know how the father's story ended).

According to an article in Vanity Fair:

Today, Daniel Miller lives with the elderly couple who have long taken care of him, in a sprawling addition to their home that was built especially for him. He continues to receive daily visits from a state social worker, whom he's known for years. Although his father left him enough money to provide for everything he needs, Daniel has kept his job, which he loves...

The writer goes on to say:

The important part of the story, she says, is that Danny transcended his father's failures: "He's made a life for himself; he is deeply valued and very, very loved. What a loss for Arthur Miller that he couldn't see how extraordinary his son is."