The Untold Truth: Does Gene Hackman Have Children? Inside The $80M Will Controversy

The answer is a resounding yes: legendary, two-time Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman had three children from his first marriage. As of the current date in December 2025, the focus on the Hackman family has intensified following the tragic passing of the actor and his second wife, Betsy Arakawa, in February 2025. This renewed public interest has brought to light the three adult children he shared with his first wife, Faye Maltese: Christopher Allen, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne.

The details of Gene Hackman's private life, particularly his family and estate, have become a major topic of discussion, especially after reports surfaced that his three children were reportedly not named as beneficiaries in his substantial $80 million will. This revelation has cast a spotlight on the lives of his now-adult children and their relationship with the famously private, retired star.

Gene Hackman: A Complete Family & Career Biography

Eugene Allen "Gene" Hackman was an American actor widely regarded as one of the greatest of his generation. His career spanned six decades, earning him two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and countless accolades for iconic roles in films like The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Mississippi Burning.

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• Full Name: Eugene Allen Hackman
• Born: January 30, 1930
• Place of Birth: San Bernardino, California, U.S.
• Died: c. February 18, 2025 (Some sources mention February 27, 2025)
• Age at Death: 95
• First Spouse: Faye Maltese (m. 1956; div. 1986)
• Second Spouse: Betsy Arakawa (m. 1991)
• Children: 3 (Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie)
• Notable Awards: Two Academy Awards (Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor)
• Retirement: Hackman retired from acting around 2004, choosing a quiet life in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he focused on painting and writing novels.

The Three Children of Gene Hackman and Faye Maltese

Gene Hackman’s three children were born during his first marriage to Faye Maltese, a union that lasted for three decades from 1956 to 1986. Unlike their famous father, all three children have maintained a relatively private existence, largely staying out of the intense Hollywood spotlight. Their mother, Faye Maltese, passed away in 2017.

1. Christopher Allen Hackman (Age 65)

Christopher Allen Hackman is the eldest of Gene Hackman’s children and his only son. Born around 1960, Christopher has kept the lowest public profile among the three siblings. His life details are scarce, which is a testament to the family’s commitment to privacy, mirroring their father’s preference for a life away from the celebrity machine after his retirement. Christopher’s professional path and current residence remain largely unknown to the public, though he is now in his mid-sixties.

2. Elizabeth Jean Hackman (Age 63)

Elizabeth Jean Hackman is the Hackmans' first daughter, born around 1962. Similar to her brother, Elizabeth has largely avoided the public eye. However, some historical documents have occasionally mentioned her name, suggesting a life lived outside the entertainment industry. The family’s dedication to a low-key lifestyle is a consistent theme across all the siblings, a stark contrast to the high-profile career of their father, the celebrated actor.

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3. Leslie Anne Hackman (Age 59)

Leslie Anne Hackman is the youngest of the three children, born around 1966. While information about Leslie is also limited, the focus on her, Elizabeth, and Christopher has intensified due to the recent legal proceedings surrounding their father's estate. The adult ages of all three children—Christopher (65), Elizabeth (63), and Leslie (59)—underscore the length of Gene Hackman’s career and the many decades he spent balancing his demanding professional life with his role as a father.

The Shocking $80 Million Will and Estate Controversy

The most compelling and recent development surrounding Gene Hackman's family is the revelation regarding his substantial estate. Following the passing of the actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in early 2025, reports indicated that Hackman’s estate was valued at approximately $80 million. This significant wealth, accumulated over a legendary career, is now the subject of legal scrutiny.

The controversy stems from the widely reported fact that Hackman’s three surviving adult children—Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie—were reportedly not named as beneficiaries in their father's will. The exact reasons behind this alleged exclusion have not been publicly confirmed, leading to intense speculation about the nature of the relationship between the retired star and his grown children.

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What Does This Exclusion Mean for the Hackman Heirs?

In cases where adult children are not explicitly named in a parent's will, the legal situation can become complex. In many jurisdictions, a will is a final statement of intent, and a deliberate exclusion, even of biological children, is often upheld. However, the children, as the actor's only surviving heirs, may still have grounds to contest the will, depending on the specifics of the legal documents and the laws of New Mexico, where Hackman resided.

The legal proceedings will likely determine the final distribution of the $80 million estate, but the current situation raises questions about the dynamic within the Hackman family. Did the children have a close relationship with their father in his later years, or did his long-standing preference for privacy extend to a distance from his family? It is known that Hackman’s second wife, Betsy Arakawa, reportedly maintained a close relationship with his children, which adds another layer of complexity to the family’s situation.

The Hackman family, including the three children, are now facing the emotional and legal challenge of navigating this high-stakes estate settlement. The public will likely continue to follow this story closely as the details of the will and the ultimate fate of the Hackman fortune are revealed.