The esteemed actor remained private about his personal life throughout his career, especially regarding his children. The pressures of fame inevitably impacted their relationship.
With the recent passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, questions have emerged about his estate. While the couple had no children together, Hackman had two daughters and a son from his previous marriage.
The circumstances of their passing added to the tragedy. On February 26, 2025, Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs were discovered lifeless in their Santa Fe Summit home, leaving the 911 caller deeply shaken.
Officials later confirmed the cause of death. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell revealed that Arakawa succumbed to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a disease primarily transmitted by rodents. Her autopsy classified the death as natural, estimating it occurred around February 11.
In the weeks leading up to their deaths, Betsy Arakawa appeared to be Gene Hackman’s primary caregiver, according to Dr. Michael Baden. He remarked, “It looks like she was really taking good care of him.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Heather Jarrell, who conducted Hackman’s autopsy, determined that he suffered from severe heart disease. Her findings revealed multiple past surgical procedures on his heart, evidence of prior heart attacks, and significant kidney damage caused by chronic high blood pressure.
Dr. Jarrell’s examination also revealed that Hackman had “advanced Alzheimer’s disease,” along with blood vessel damage in the brain associated with chronic high blood pressure.
Additionally, data from his pacemaker recorded an “abnormal rhythm of atrial fibrillation” on February 18. Based on this, Dr. Jarrell concluded that Hackman likely passed away on that date, about a week after Arakawa.
The details of Gene Hackman’s final days remain somewhat unclear. When asked whether the actor had any communication before his passing, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that there was no evidence suggesting he used any form of technology to reach out to others.
Speculation about his last moments grew when his daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman, were spotted in public just a day after receiving the news of his passing.
The sisters were seen leaving a diner in Burbank, California, after arriving together in a gray SUV. Despite the circumstances, they appeared composed, even sharing a smile as they departed.
In an interview, Leslie revealed that the family was still awaiting official confirmation of their father’s cause of death and struggling to process the loss.
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 any major surgeries in recent months.
Leslie emphasized that Gene remained 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 resides in California, Leslie acknowledged that it had been a while since she last saw or spoke with her father, despite their strong bond.
“We were close. I hadn’t talked to them for a couple of months, but everything was normal, and everything was good,” she said.
Gene’s relationship with his children was reportedly complicated. Alongside his daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, he was also the father of a son, Christopher Hackman. He had all three children during the 1960s while married to his first wife, Faye Maltese, whom he married in 1956.
As his career skyrocketed in 1967 with a supporting role in Bonnie & Clyde, the demands of Hollywood began to strain 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 confessed 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.”
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 financially provided for his family, his attention remained fixed on the allure of the industry. Despite the personal sacrifices, his dedication to his craft never faltered, earning him admiration from those who worked alongside him.
In a New York Times opinion piece, Ben Stiller reflected on his performance in The Royal Tenenbaums, emphasizing that he approached 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 motivated by more than just financial gain.
Beyond his work on screen, Gene was known for keeping his personal life private, especially 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 portrayed the everyman. He explained, “I like to keep my personal life fairly common, so that in my art, one can let go and one can soar.”
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 major career decision.
After acquiring the rights to The Silence of the Lambs with the intention of directing, he ultimately decided against it. The actor reflected, “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.”
He also acknowledged the difficulties his success created for his children, saying, “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 strained his relationship with his children but also caused a significant rift with his son, Christopher. He admitted that their bond weakened over time, noting that they had lost contact.
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 challenging to offer the support and guidance his son needed.
As the years passed, Gene’s relationship with his son and daughters reportedly improved, particularly after marrying Arakawa in 1991. She was said to have played a crucial role in encouraging him to reconnect with his children by welcoming them into their home.
A 1994 report 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.
An insider revealed that while Gene wished he had been more present during his children’s 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, attention has turned 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 extends far beyond his financial success. His influence on Hollywood, his unwavering dedication to his craft, and his evolving relationship with his family shaped his later years. Although he kept his personal life private, those closest to him will remember him not only for his iconic roles but for the meaningful connections he worked to rebuild.
