Throughout his career, the iconic actor remained deeply private about his personal life, particularly when it came to his children.
The pressures of fame inevitably affected his relationships with them.

Following the recent passing of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, conversations have arisen regarding his estate. Though the couple did not have children together, he was a father to two daughters and a son from his previous marriage.

Speculation about Gene’s final moments has continued, especially after his daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie Hackman, were seen in public just a day after learning of his passing.

Gene Hackman's daughters, 1 day after he is pronounced dead. Hmmm… pic.twitter.com/y0EtVey1FZ

— Dan Webster (@DanielW91685003) March 1, 2025

Gene’s relationship with his children was known to be complicated. Alongside his daughters, he also had a son, Christopher Hackman. He became a father to all three during the 1960s while married to his first wife, Faye Maltese, whom he wed in 1956.

His demanding career not only strained his bond with his children but also created distance between him and his son, Christopher. Over time, their connection faded, and Gene later admitted that they had lost touch.

However, in later years, his relationship with his children reportedly improved, particularly after his 1991 marriage to Arakawa.
She was believed to have played a key role in encouraging him to reconnect with them, often welcoming them into their home.

With his passing, the focus has now shifted to the distribution of his estate. Estimated at $80 million, it is widely expected that his children will inherit his fortune. Legal analyst Tre Lovell explained that if his will specifies an equal division, the entirety of his assets will be distributed accordingly.

Gene Hackman’s legacy extends far beyond his financial wealth. His impact on Hollywood, dedication to his craft, and efforts to rebuild family connections defined his later years. While he remained guarded about his personal life, those closest to him will remember not only his legendary career but also his commitment to strengthening the relationships that mattered most.