Gene Hackman’s will has been made public, but questions remain regarding the fate of his estimated $80 million (£62 million) fortune.
The legendary actor, known for his two Academy Awards and celebrated career, had designated his wife, Betsy Arakawa, as the sole beneficiary of his estate. However, a complication arose when Arakawa, 65, was found dead alongside Hackman in their New Mexico home last month. With her passing occurring just days before his, legal experts suggest that the inheritance could now be up for dispute, possibly shifting to Hackman’s children from his previous marriage.
The couple’s tragic deaths sent shockwaves through Hollywood and their local community. Authorities confirmed that Arakawa passed away on February 11 after contracting a rare virus, while Hackman, 95, succumbed to natural causes on February 18.
Their bodies were discovered on February 26 when neighborhood security conducted a welfare check at their $4 million Santa Fe residence. Initially, law enforcement considered the scene “suspicious,” as Arakawa was found in the bathroom with pills scattered around her, while Hackman was located in the back of the house, dressed in sweatpants and slippers, his cane and sunglasses beside him. However, following an autopsy and investigation, authorities ruled out foul play.
Legal documents obtained by the BBC reveal that Hackman first named Arakawa as his sole beneficiary in 1995, with his last update to the will occurring in 2005. Since his children—Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58, from his late ex-wife Faye Maltese—were not explicitly mentioned in the document, legal experts suggest they may now be entitled to his fortune by default.
Attorney Tre Lovell explained that in cases where a designated beneficiary dies before the estate holder, intestate succession laws could come into effect. If no alternate beneficiaries were named, Hackman’s children would be next in line to inherit.
However, this legal transition is not automatic. Lovell clarified that Hackman’s children would need to establish that the will is now invalid due to Arakawa’s passing before him. The process could involve extensive legal battles, particularly if any undisclosed provisions exist in Hackman’s estate planning.
Additionally, Arakawa’s own will stated that her assets were to be transferred to Hackman, with a stipulation that if they passed away within 90 days of each other, her estate would be placed in a trust. That trust, after covering medical expenses, was set to be donated to charity.
If no contingencies were in place for Hackman’s estate in the event of Arakawa’s death, his wealth could still be redirected according to succession laws.
The unfolding legal dilemma has reignited conversations about Hackman’s relationship with his children, which he had openly discussed in interviews over the years. The actor admitted that his demanding career often kept him away from his family, leading to emotional distance
. In a 1989 interview with The New York Times, he reflected on the sacrifices made for his craft, saying, “You become very selfish as an actor. Even though I had a family, I took jobs that would separate us for three or four months at a time.
The temptations in that, the money and recognition, it was too much for the poor boy in me.” His words painted a picture of a man torn between professional ambition and personal responsibility.
Despite their strained history, Hackman’s children had occasionally accompanied him to red carpet events, though they remained largely out of the public eye. In a 2000 interview with The Irish Independent, Hackman acknowledged the difficulties his children faced growing up with a famous father.
“It’s tough being the son or daughter of a celebrity,” he remarked. “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.” These candid reflections suggest that, while Hackman loved his children, the pressures of Hollywood and his career may have complicated their bond.
Following his death, Hackman’s daughters and granddaughter released a heartfelt statement, expressing their love and grief. “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa,” they shared. “We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.” Their words underscored the personal side of the actor, who, despite his towering public persona, was still a cherished family member.
As legal proceedings unfold, many are watching to see how the estate will be settled. Experts note that high-profile cases like this often result in prolonged disputes, especially when substantial wealth and multiple family members are involved.
If Hackman’s children successfully challenge the will, they could claim his entire fortune. However, if alternative directives are discovered or if Arakawa’s estate planning includes specific instructions regarding Hackman’s wealth, the outcome could be different.
Beyond the legal battle, Hackman’s passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood. The actor, who had retired from acting in the early 2000s, left behind a legacy of critically acclaimed performances, including roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums. His influence on cinema remains undeniable, and his absence is deeply felt by fans and colleagues alike.
For now, Hackman’s estate remains in limbo, with his children at the center of a potential legal struggle. As authorities and legal teams work to determine the rightful heirs, the world watches to see how the final chapter of Gene Hackman’s legacy will unfold.
