Jill Vandenberg Curtis became known to many people through her marriage to Hollywood actor Tony Curtis, but her story extends beyond that relationship. She shared more than a decade of married life with Curtis, and together they developed a strong connection to horse rescue. Their work eventually led to the creation of Shiloh Horse Rescue, an organization that Jill continued supporting after Tony’s death in 2010.
Today, Jill is known as Jill Curtis-Weber and remains connected to Shiloh Horse Rescue in South Dakota. She also works with her husband, Todd Weber, through The Lucky Horse Co., a family business that helps support the rescue. Her life has therefore moved from being closely associated with a famous actor to having a clear identity centered on horses, animal care, and the rescue work she began with Tony.
Takeaway: Jill Vandenberg Curtis is best known for her marriage to Tony Curtis and her long-running commitment to horse rescue.
Jill Vandenberg Curtis Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
| Full name | Jill Vandenberg Curtis |
| Current name | Jill Curtis-Weber |
| Date of birth | February 27, 1971 |
| Known for | Marriage to Tony Curtis and horse rescue work |
| Tony Curtis marriage | November 6, 1998 |
| Tony Curtis died | September 29, 2010 |
| Current husband | Todd Weber |
| Rescue organization | Shiloh Horse Rescue |
| Current state | South Dakota |
Who Is Jill Vandenberg Curtis?
Jill Vandenberg Curtis is an American horse-rescue advocate who became widely recognized after marrying actor Tony Curtis. Before and during their marriage, horses were an important part of her life, and she eventually helped turn that interest into a larger animal-rescue effort. Her work with Tony became the subject of the 2008 documentary The Jill & Tony Curtis Story, which followed the couple and their efforts to save horses from slaughter.
Her connection with Tony Curtis brought considerable public attention, especially because of their large age difference and his status as a longtime Hollywood star. However, Jill’s own story is strongly connected to the rescue work she developed with him. Shiloh Horse Rescue, which they founded in 2003, remains the clearest part of her continuing public work.
Takeaway: Jill Vandenberg Curtis is more than Tony Curtis’ widow; horse rescue has been a major part of her own life and work.
How Did Jill Vandenberg Meet Tony Curtis?
Jill met Tony Curtis in the 1990s at a restaurant in Los Angeles. According to an account by journalist Nick Thomas, Curtis approached Jill while she was there, and the two exchanged phone numbers before beginning a relationship. Jill later recalled that she felt comfortable with him very quickly and remembered him as funny and kind.
Their relationship developed over the following years and eventually became a marriage. Tony was already an established Hollywood star with a long career behind him, while Jill was strongly interested in horses. Their shared relationship later expanded into a common commitment to rescuing unwanted animals.
Takeaway: Jill and Tony Curtis first met at a Los Angeles restaurant in the 1990s before their relationship became serious.
When Did Jill Vandenberg and Tony Curtis Get Married?
Jill Vandenberg and Tony Curtis married on November 6, 1998. Tony was 73 at the time, while Jill was 27 based on her February 1971 birth date. Their age difference attracted attention, but the couple remained together until Curtis died in September 2010.
Their marriage lasted nearly 12 years. During that period, they traveled together, worked on animal-rescue projects, and appeared together in public events. Their relationship was also documented in The Jill & Tony Curtis Story, which focused partly on their shared efforts to rescue horses.
Takeaway: Jill and Tony Curtis married on November 6, 1998, and remained together until his death in 2010.
Jill Vandenberg and Tony Curtis’ Life Together
Jill and Tony built a life that combined Tony’s established career and Jill’s interest in horses. They lived in Nevada and spent significant time working with animals at their rescue ranch. Tony also continued his creative work as an actor and artist during their marriage, while Jill became increasingly involved in horse rescue.
Their partnership around animal welfare became an important part of their shared life. In 2003, they founded Shiloh Horse Rescue in Las Vegas, creating a place where unwanted horses could be rescued and cared for. Their work was later featured in a documentary, giving viewers a look at the couple outside Tony’s traditional Hollywood career.
Takeaway: Their marriage included a shared commitment to caring for horses and supporting animal rescue.
Did Jill Vandenberg and Tony Curtis Have Children?
Jill Vandenberg and Tony Curtis did not have children together. Tony had children from his earlier marriages, including actors Jamie Lee Curtis and Kelly Curtis, as well as Alexandra, Allegra, and Benjamin; his son Nicholas had died before Tony. Jill therefore became stepmother to Tony’s children rather than having children with him.
The couple’s family story later became connected to Tony’s estate after his death. His final will excluded his five living children from inheriting from his estate, while Jill was named as the main beneficiary. Jill later said that money had also been designated for the education of Tony’s grandchildren.
Takeaway: Jill and Tony did not have children together, but Jill was part of the wider Curtis family through their marriage.
Jill Vandenberg’s Passion for Horses and Animal Rescue
Horses have been one of the most consistent themes in Jill’s life. She has described becoming concerned about unwanted American horses being sent to slaughter and wanting to help them. That concern eventually developed into a rescue operation with Tony, who supported her idea and helped turn it into a working ranch.
The rescue became more than a personal hobby. Jill and Tony worked to provide care for horses that needed a safe place, and Shiloh eventually rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of animals. Current Shiloh information says the organization has rescued more than 700 horses since its founding, with many having been saved from slaughter.
Takeaway: Jill’s commitment to horses developed into a long-term animal-rescue mission that she continues today.
What Is Shiloh Horse Rescue?
Shiloh Horse Rescue is a nonprofit animal sanctuary originally founded by Jill and Tony Curtis in Las Vegas in 2003. The organization now operates in Newell, South Dakota, where it focuses on older and special-needs horses and other rescued animals. Shiloh’s current website describes the ranch as a permanent sanctuary rather than simply a temporary rescue facility.
The organization moved its animals from Nevada to South Dakota in 2019. Jill Curtis-Weber, Todd Weber, and Jill’s mother Sally VandenBerg were involved in the move. After several years of leasing ranch land, Jill and Todd purchased 40 acres on the South Dakota prairie, which became the permanent home of the rescue.
Takeaway: Shiloh Horse Rescue began in Nevada and now provides long-term care for rescued animals in South Dakota.
What Happened to Tony Curtis and His Estate?
Tony Curtis died on September 29, 2010, at his home in Henderson, Nevada, at the age of 85. Contemporary reports said he died of cardiac arrest. Jill was with him during his final period and later spoke publicly about his death.
His estate became a major family issue after his death. Curtis’ final will had been signed in May 2010 and intentionally excluded his five living children from the inheritance, while Jill was named as the principal beneficiary. One of his daughters, Kelly Curtis, challenged Jill’s role in the estate proceedings, but the request to remove Jill was denied.
Takeaway: Tony Curtis left the main portion of his estate to Jill, while his five living children were excluded from the inheritance.
What Did Jill Vandenberg Do After Tony Curtis’ Death?
After Tony’s death, Jill continued with the horse-rescue work that they had started together. Rather than ending Shiloh, she remained involved with the organization and eventually relocated the rescue from Nevada to South Dakota. The move became an important new stage for the sanctuary and its animals.
Jill also began building a new personal life after losing Tony. She later married Todd Weber and continued working with horses and animal rescue. Her life became less connected with Hollywood and more focused on the rescue operation, the animals in her care, and the family business that helps support that work.
Takeaway: After Tony’s death, Jill continued the rescue work they had started while building a new chapter of her personal life.
Who Is Jill Vandenberg Married to Now?
Jill Vandenberg is now married to Todd Weber. In a 2024 interview, Jill explained that she met Todd at a country and western club in Las Vegas and that they married about six months after meeting. The same interview reported that the marriage took place about three years after Tony Curtis died.
Jill now uses the name Jill Curtis-Weber, which also appears in current Shiloh Horse Rescue information. Todd is involved in the rescue alongside Jill and the couple also works with The Lucky Horse Co. in Deadwood, South Dakota.
Takeaway: Jill’s current husband is Todd Weber, and they work together on her continuing animal-rescue efforts.
What Is Jill Vandenberg Doing Today?
Jill remains involved with Shiloh Horse Rescue, which now operates on the South Dakota prairie. The sanctuary cares for older and special-needs horses as well as other animals, including burros, goats, sheep, cows, and chickens. Current Shiloh information says the ranch is home to more than 45 animals.
Jill and Todd also operate The Lucky Horse Co., a handmade souvenir store on Historic Main Street in Deadwood. The store is part of the family’s effort to support the rescue, with sales helping fund the care of the animals. Jill’s mother Sally and sister Sarah are also involved in the family business.
Takeaway: Jill’s current life centers on Shiloh Horse Rescue, animal care, and the family business that helps fund the sanctuary.
Where Does Jill Vandenberg Live Now?
Jill’s current work is based in South Dakota. Shiloh Horse Rescue is located near Newell, South Dakota, while The Lucky Horse Co. operates in Deadwood. These locations are part of the life Jill has built with Todd after leaving her earlier Nevada chapter behind.
The move to South Dakota took place in 2019, when Jill, Todd, and Sally relocated the rescue and its animals from Nevada. Jill and Todd later purchased 40 acres on the South Dakota prairie, creating a permanent home for Shiloh.
Takeaway: Jill’s present-day life and rescue work are based in South Dakota, where Shiloh now has its permanent home.
Jill Vandenberg Curtis’ Life and Legacy
Jill’s public story began to attract attention because of her relationship with one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors, but her lasting work is closely tied to animals. She helped establish Shiloh Horse Rescue with Tony Curtis and remained involved with the organization after his death. That continued commitment gave the rescue a life beyond the years they spent together.
Today, Shiloh represents the part of Jill’s life that she has continued to develop on her own. The organization has moved states, expanded its sanctuary work, and continues to care for rescued animals. Jill’s story therefore connects two very different chapters: her years with Tony Curtis and the ongoing animal-rescue work that became an important part of her own identity.
Takeaway: Jill Vandenberg Curtis’ lasting legacy is closely connected to the horse-rescue work she helped create and continues to support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Old Was Jill Vandenberg When She Married Tony Curtis?
Jill was 27 when she married Tony Curtis on November 6, 1998. She was born on February 27, 1971.
2. What Is Shiloh Horse Rescue?
Shiloh Horse Rescue is a nonprofit sanctuary founded by Jill and Tony Curtis in Las Vegas in 2003. It now operates in Newell, South Dakota.
3. Who Is Jill Vandenberg Married to Now?
Jill is married to Todd Weber. They work together with Shiloh Horse Rescue and The Lucky Horse Co.
4. Where Does Jill Vandenberg Live Today?
Her current work is based in South Dakota, where Shiloh Horse Rescue has its permanent ranch near Newell.
5. Is Jill Vandenberg Still Involved With Horse Rescue?
Yes. Current Shiloh information identifies Jill Curtis-Weber as part of the rescue operation, which continues caring for rescued animals in South Dakota.
6. Did Jill Vandenberg and Tony Curtis Have Children?
No. Jill and Tony did not have children together. Tony had children from his earlier marriages.
7. When Did Tony Curtis Die?
Tony Curtis died on September 29, 2010, at his home in Henderson, Nevada, at age 85.
8. What Does Jill Vandenberg Do Now?
Jill continues to work with Shiloh Horse Rescue and The Lucky Horse Co. with her husband, Todd Weber, in South Dakota.
Concolution
Jill Vandenberg Curtis’ life is closely linked to Tony Curtis, but her story did not end with his death. Their marriage brought her into the public spotlight, while their shared love of horses led to the creation of Shiloh Horse Rescue. After Tony died in 2010, Jill continued that work and helped move the rescue from Nevada to South Dakota.
Today, Jill Curtis-Weber has built a life around animal care, her marriage to Todd Weber, and the continued operation of Shiloh. The rescue’s current work shows that the project she began with Tony remains an active part of her life years later.
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