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Gene Hackman made only a handful of rare public appearances during the later years of his life. The celebrated actor, known for his role in The Royal Tenenbaums, concluded his illustrious film career at the age of 74 and sadly passed away at the age of 95 in February 2025. His retirement from acting marked the end of an era for many fans who cherished his contributions to cinema.
Tragically, Gene and his beloved wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered deceased in their New Mexico home, alongside their loyal dog. The cause of death was officially revealed over a week after their discovery, with Betsy succumbing to Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome a week prior to Gene’s passing. Gene’s death was attributed to complications from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), with Alzheimer’s disease recognized as a significant contributing factor to his declining health.
Gene is remembered fondly by his three children, whom he shared with his ex-wife, Faye Maltese. The couple was married from 1956 until their divorce in 1986, and during this time, they welcomed three children: Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie Anne. Gene later found love again and married Betsy in 1991, but his legacy also lives on through his children, who carry forward the family name.
In the wake of Gene and Betsy’s passing, details regarding Gene’s will have surfaced, revealing that his children were not designated as beneficiaries. Reports from TMZ indicate that Betsy was named the sole beneficiary, a decision Gene made back in 1995, which has sparked discussions about family dynamics and estate planning among fans and followers of the star.
Discover more about Gene Hackman’s children and their lives below.
Meet Christopher Hackman: Gene’s Firstborn Son
Gene and Faye welcomed their first child, a son named Christopher Allen, in January 1960. Although he did not pursue a career in acting, Christopher chose to follow his father into the entertainment industry by working behind the scenes. He has built a career as a camera operator and camera assistant, contributing to films such as the 1986 classic Hoosiers, in which Gene starred, and the 1987 film Made in USA. Additionally, Christopher showcased his creative side by directing the documentary Chris & Don: A Love Story in 2007, which explores a poignant love story and the complexities of relationships.
With Gene being one of the most prominent actors of his time, he often found himself away from home for extended filming periods, which affected his relationship with Christopher during his formative years. In a candid conversation with GQ, Gene expressed his regret over missing significant moments in his son’s upbringing. “I lost touch with my son in terms of advice early on. Maybe it had to do with being gone so much, doing location films when he was at the age where he needed support and guidance,” Gene reflected. This sentiment highlights the challenges many parents face in balancing their careers with family responsibilities.
Unveiling the Lives of Elizabeth and Leslie Anne Hackman
Elizabeth Jean entered the world as Gene and Faye’s second child in August 1962, followed by her baby sister, Leslie Anne, who was born four years later in October 1966. Both daughters have chosen to lead very private lives, resulting in minimal public information about their personal endeavors and achievements. Their decision to stay out of the limelight reflects a desire for privacy and normalcy, despite their father’s immense fame.
