The renowned actor maintained a guarded approach to his private affairs throughout his career, particularly when it came to his children. The demands of fame inevitably influenced their relationship.
Following the recent deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, questions have arisen about his estate. Although the couple had no children together, he was the father of two daughters and a son from his previous marriage.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman attend the Thalians Ball honoring Liza Minnelli at the Century Plaza Hotel in California on October 8, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
The circumstances surrounding the duo’s passing added to the tragedy. On February 26, 2025, Gene, Arakawa, and one of their dogs were found lifeless in their Santa Fe Summit home. The scene left the 911 caller shaken.
Officials later confirmed the cause of their passing. Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Heather Jarrell, reported that Arakawa died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a disease primarily spread by rodents. Her autopsy classified the death as natural, with estimates placing it around February 11.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race in Long Beach, California, on April 4, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
In the weeks before their deaths, Arakawa appeared to be her husband’s primary caregiver, according to Dr. Michael Baden. He noted, “It looks like she was really taking good care of him.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Jarrell, who conducted the veteran actor’s autopsy, found that he had “severe heart disease, including multiple surgical procedures involving the heart, evidence of prior heart attacks, and severe changes of the kidneys due to chronic high blood pressure.”
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during Celebrity Sports Invitational on November 29, 1991, in Rancho Mirage, California. | Source: Getty Images
Her examination also revealed “advanced Alzheimer’s disease” along with damage to blood vessels in the brain, linked to chronic high blood pressure.
In addition, Gene’s pacemaker recorded an “abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation” on February 18, leading Dr. Jarrell to conclude that he likely died on that date, about a week after Arakawa.
His final days remain somewhat of a mystery. When asked if the actor had any communication before his passing, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated there was no evidence indicating whether he used any form of technology to reach out to others.
Speculation about Gene’s final days continued as his daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman, were seen in public just a day after learning of his passing.
They were spotted leaving a diner in Burbank, California, after arriving together in a gray SUV. Despite the circumstances, they appeared composed and even exchanged a smile as they departed.
In an interview, Leslie, divulged that the family was still awaiting official confirmation on their father’s cause of death and trying to process the loss.
Leslie Hackman and Elizabeth Hackman pictured leaving Denny’s on February 27, 2025. in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images
She added, “There was no indication that there was any problem,” noting that her father had been in “very good physical condition” and had not undergone major surgeries in recent months.
Leslie emphasized that Gene stayed active well into his later years, “He liked to do Pilates and yoga, and he was continuing to do that several times a week. So he was in good health.”
Still, she admitted that his passing was “not terribly shocking because he was 95.” Since she lives in California, Leslie acknowledged that it had been a while since she had last seen or heard from her father, despite their strong bond. “We were close. I hadn’t talked to them for a couple months, but everything was normal and everything was good,” she said.
Gene’s relationship with his children was reportedly complicated. In addition to his daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, he was also a father to a son, Christopher Hackman. He welcomed all three children during the 1960s while married to his first wife, Faye Maltese, whom he wed in 1956.
Gene Hackman pictured with family at Sun Valley on January 1, 1974, in Idaho. | Source: Getty Images
As his career took off in 1967 after landing a supporting role in “Bonnie & Clyde,” the demands of Hollywood placed strain on his role as a father.
“Even though I had a family, I took jobs that would separate us for three or four months at a time,” Gene divulged in a 1989 interview. “The temptations in that, the money and recognition, it was too much for the poor boy in me. I wasn’t able to handle that.”
An undated image of Leslie, Gene, and Elizabeth Hackman attending a celebrity baseball game in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
During a 2004 appearance on “Larry King Live,” the Academy Award winner reflected on the early challenges of his career. When asked how he managed the shift from struggling actor to Hollywood star, he admitted, “I didn’t handle it very well, really.”
He explained that while he provided for his family financially, his focus remained on the allure of the industry. Despite the personal sacrifices, his dedication to his craft never wavered, drawing admiration from those who worked alongside him.
Christopher, Leslie, Elizabeth and Gene Hackman during Presidential Premiere of “Superman” on December 10, 1978, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
In a New York Times opinion piece, Ben Stiller reflected on his performance in “The Royal Tenenbaums,” noting that he played each scene with honesty and commitment while maintaining an underlying sense of humanity. Stiller also compared his approach to “The Poseidon Adventure,” suggesting that his involvement in the project was driven by more than financial gain.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during PCC Celebrity Art Show on September 11, 1991, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Beyond his work on screen, Gene was known for keeping his personal life private, particularly when it came to his children. In a 1989 interview with film critic John C. Tibbetts, the veteran star suggested that audiences connected with him because he embodied an ordinary man. He explained, “I like to keep my personal life fairly common, so that in my art, one can let go and one can soar.”
Gene, Elizabeth, and Leslie Hackman attend the screening of “Superman” on December, 10, 1978, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
More than a decade later, Gene offered a rare glimpse into his role as a father. The California native credited his children for influencing a significant career decision.
After acquiring the rights to “The Silence of the Lambs” with the intention of directing, he ultimately decided against it. The actor stated, “I don’t have any second thoughts about that decision. My kids helped me see that it just wasn’t the best thing for me to do.”
Elizabeth and Gene Hackman during Gene Hackman sighting on Rodeo Drive on March 24, 1979, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
He also acknowledged the difficulties his success created for them, “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.”
Gene’s demanding career not only impacted his relationship with his children but also created a significant distance between him and his son, Christopher. He noted that their bond weakened over time, admitting that they had lost contact.
Leslie and Gene Hackman attend a screening of “Class Action” on March 13, 1991, in Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images
The father of three, who divorced his first wife in 1986, believed that his frequent absences due to filming had contributed to the strain in his relationship with Christopher. He felt that being away for extended periods made it difficult to provide the support and guidance his son needed.
Returning home after months on location and attempting to assert authority as a parent proved to be a challenge, further distancing their relationship.
Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 19, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
As the years passed, Gene’s relationship with his son and daughters reportedly improved, especially after marrying Arakawa in 1991. She was said to have played a key role in encouraging him to reconnect with the kids by welcoming them into their home.
A report from 1994 described these reunions as “invaluable” to Gene. By 2020, four years before he stepped away from acting, sources confirmed that his bond with his children and grandchildren had been fully restored.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend a premiere of “The Chamber” at the Academy Theater, Beverly Hills, California, on October 2, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
An insider revealed that while Gene wished he had been more present during their childhood, he had since grown close to them and their families. In his later years, his circle remained small, with family among the few people he regularly spent time with.
Now, in the wake of his passing, focus has shifted to the distribution of his estate. His fortune, estimated at $80 million, is expected to be divided among his children. Legal analyst Tre Lovell explained in an interview that if his will specifies an equal split, the entirety of his assets will go directly to them.
Gene Hackman’s legacy reaches far past his financial success. His impact on Hollywood, his dedication to his craft, and his evolving relationship with his family defined his later years. Though he remained private about his personal life, those closest to him will remember him not just for his iconic roles but for the connections he worked to rebuild.
