Who Will Likely Inherit Gene Hackman’s $80M Fortune, Considering His 3 Kids Allegedly Didn’t Check on Him for Weeks?
Throughout his illustrious career, the renowned actor fiercely guarded his private life, especially when it came to his children. However, the relentless demands of fame inevitably cast a shadow over their relationship.
Following the recent passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, intense scrutiny has fallen upon their estate. While the couple had no children together, Gene was a devoted father to two daughters and a son from his previous marriage.
The tragedy deepened with the unsettling circumstances of their deaths. On February 26, 2025, Gene, Arakawa, and one of their dogs were found lifeless in their Santa Fe Summit home. The harrowing scene left the 911 caller visibly shaken, adding a chilling layer to an already heartbreaking loss.
Authorities later confirmed the causes of their deaths, shedding light on the tragic events. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell revealed that Betsy Arakawa succumbed to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a rare but deadly disease primarily transmitted by rodents. Her autopsy confirmed a natural death, with estimates placing her passing on February 11.
Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden noted that Arakawa appeared to have been her husband’s primary caregiver in his final weeks, stating, “It looks like she was really taking good care of him.” Gene Hackman’s autopsy, also conducted by Dr. Jarrell, uncovered severe heart disease, a history of multiple heart surgeries, prior heart attacks, and significant kidney damage linked to chronic high blood pressure.
Additionally, tests revealed the presence of advanced Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral blood vessel damage, further exacerbated by his long-term hypertension, painting a heartbreaking picture of his final days.
Dr. Jarrell further determined that Gene Hackman likely passed away on February 18, nearly a week after Arakawa. His pacemaker recorded an “abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation” on that day, suggesting it was his final moment.
Yet, questions remain about his last days. When asked if the legendary actor had any communication before his death, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that there was no evidence of him reaching out through digital means.
Speculation intensified when, just a day after news broke of Gene’s passing, his daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman, were seen in public. They arrived together in a gray SUV at a diner in Burbank, California, sharing a quiet meal before leaving. Despite the weight of the moment, they appeared composed, even exchanging small smiles as they departed.
In a rare interview, Leslie shared that the family was still coming to terms with the profound loss and awaited official confirmation of their father’s cause of death.
Leslie Hackman further emphasized that her father had been in “very good physical condition” before his passing, with no recent major surgeries or health concerns. “There was no indication that there was any problem,” she stated.
She highlighted Gene’s dedication to staying active, revealing that he regularly practiced Pilates and yoga multiple times a week, maintaining an impressive level of fitness well into his 90s. “He enjoyed doing Pilates and yoga, and he was continuing to do that several times a week,” she added.
However, Leslie acknowledged that while his death was deeply saddening, it wasn’t entirely unexpected given his age. “It was not terribly shocking because he was 95,” she admitted. Despite their close bond, she revealed that it had been a while since she last spoke to her father due to living in California. “We had a tight relationship. Even though I hadn’t spoken to him in a few months, everything was fine and normal,” she reassured.
Gene Hackman’s relationship with his children had long been a subject of speculation. In addition to his daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, he had a son, Christopher Hackman. He married his first wife, Faye Maltese, in 1956, and they welcomed their three children throughout the 1960s.
His meteoric rise to fame, however, came at a cost. After landing a small role in Bonnie & Clyde (1967), his career skyrocketed, but the demands of Hollywood placed immense strain on his role as a father. Reflecting on this in a 1989 interview, he confessed, “Even though I had a family, I took jobs that would separate us for three or four months at a time. The poor boy in me couldn’t handle the temptations, the money, and the recognition. That was too much for me to bear.”
In a 2004 interview on Larry King Live, the Academy Award winner opened up about the challenges he faced early in his career. When asked how he navigated the transition from struggling actor to Hollywood star, he admitted, “I didn’t handle it very well, really.”
While he always ensured his family was financially supported, he couldn’t resist the industry’s allure. His colleagues admired his unwavering dedication to his craft, even when it came at the cost of personal sacrifice.
Reflecting on Gene Hackman’s performance in The Royal Tenenbaums, actor and director Ben Stiller penned a heartfelt editorial for The New York Times, praising his unwavering dedication to every scene. Stiller highlighted Hackman’s ability to bring depth and honesty to his character while maintaining a subtle sense of humanity.
He also drew a comparison to The Poseidon Adventure, suggesting that Hackman’s motivation for taking on projects wasn’t purely financial but driven by a deeper artistic purpose. Beyond his on-screen brilliance, Hackman was equally known for his fiercely guarded personal life, particularly when it came to his children.
In a 1989 interview with film critic John C. Tibbetts, the legendary actor explained why audiences connected with him so deeply. “Viewers identified with me because I represented a regular guy,” he said. He went on to express how he kept his personal life “fairly common” to maintain a sense of grounded authenticity. “In my art, one can let go and one can soar.”
More than a decade later, Hackman provided rare insight into his role as a father, revealing that his children played a significant role in shaping one of the most crucial career decisions of his life.
Gene Hackman initially set his sights on directing The Silence of the Lambs after acquiring the rights, but ultimately stepped away from the project—a decision he never regretted. “I don’t have any second thoughts about that decision,” he admitted. “My children helped me realize it wasn’t the best path to take.”
He reflected on the impact his career had on his family, acknowledging that his relentless work schedule kept him away during their formative years. “I couldn’t always be home with them when they were growing up, and then, living in California, they’ve had my success always hanging over their heads,” he shared, recognizing the unintended burden his fame placed on them.
Among his three children, his relationship with his only son, Christopher, suffered the most. The demands of Hollywood had created a deep divide between them, one that only widened over time. Hackman admitted that as his career took off, their bond began to fray, leaving little room for the father-son connection Christopher needed.
After his divorce from his first wife in 1986, the strain only intensified. His long absences for filming made it difficult to provide the guidance and presence his son required. And when he did return home after months on set, the challenge of stepping back into a parental role often led to further tension. The struggle to reestablish authority and mend their relationship proved to be one of the more painful consequences of his success.
Over time, Gene Hackman managed to rebuild his relationship with his children, especially after marrying Betsy Arakawa in 1991. Arakawa played a crucial role in encouraging him to reconnect with his family, inviting his children into their home and fostering a renewed bond.
By 1994, Gene described these reunions as “invaluable,” emphasizing their significance in his life. According to sources, by 2020—four years before he fully stepped away from public life—he had completely mended his relationships with his children and grandchildren.
An insider revealed that Gene cherished his time with his family, making a conscious effort to be present in their lives after years of regretting his past absences. As he aged, his social circle remained small, with family being among the few people he consistently spent time with.
Following his passing, focus has now shifted to the fate of his estate. With an estimated net worth of $80 million, speculation has arisen regarding how his fortune will be distributed. Legal analyst Tre Lovell explained that if his will calls for an equal division, “all of his assets will go directly to his children.”
Gene Hackman’s legacy reaches far beyond his financial success. His final years were defined by his enduring impact on Hollywood, his unwavering dedication to his craft, and the evolving bond he shared with his family. Even in retirement, his presence loomed large, inspiring both aspiring actors and longtime admirers with his body of work.
Though he once prioritized his career over family, he spent his later years reconnecting with his children, ensuring that the relationships he once struggled to maintain were ultimately restored. His journey—from a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence to a man who found peace in family—underscores a life of remarkable depth, resilience, and transformation.
