Gene Hackman’s Will: The Surprising Revelation After His and His Wife’s Passing

Gene Hackman’s Estate Sparks Legal Questions After His and Wife’s Passing

The estate of legendary actor Gene Hackman has been made public, but uncertainty looms over the fate of his $80 million (KSh 10.4 billion) fortune.

The two-time Academy Award winner had designated his wife of 30 years, Betsy Arakawa, as the sole beneficiary of his estate. However, both Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, were found deceased last month in their New Mexico home under tragic circumstances.

Who Will Inherit Hackman’s Wealth?

Legal experts suggest that Hackman’s three children—Christopher (65), Elizabeth (62), and Leslie (58)—could become the rightful heirs despite not being explicitly named in his will.

Authorities determined that Arakawa passed away seven days before Hackman, a crucial detail that could activate succession laws in favor of his children.

According to legal documents obtained by the BBC, Hackman’s will was last amended in 2005, maintaining Arakawa as the sole inheritor. However, since she predeceased him, attorney Tre Lovell explained that intestate succession laws might dictate that his estate defaults to his children.

“The estate will likely be distributed according to intestate succession laws, making his children the next lawful heirs,” Lovell told the BBC.

For this to be confirmed, Hackman’s children may need to present a legal challenge and demonstrate that his will is invalid due to the order of their parents’ deaths.

Tragic Details of Their Deaths

Authorities report that Arakawa succumbed to a rare virus on February 11, while Hackman died seven days later from natural causes.

Concern arose when neighborhood security conducted a welfare check on February 26 and discovered their bodies through a window. Reports indicate that Arakawa was found in the bathroom with pills scattered nearby, while Hackman was located in another part of the house, dressed in sweatpants and slippers, with his cane and sunglasses beside him.

Medical officials later confirmed Hackman’s cause of death as severe heart disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s cited as a contributing factor.

Though the scene initially raised suspicion, investigators ultimately ruled out foul play.

The Fate of Arakawa’s Estate

Arakawa’s own will had designated Hackman as her sole beneficiary. However, a special provision stated that if they passed away within 90 days of each other, her assets would be placed in a trust and later donated to charity after settling any outstanding medical expenses.

Hackman’s Strained Relationship With His Children

Hackman had previously acknowledged that his career created distance between him and his children.

In a 1989 interview with The New York Times, he reflected:

“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—the money and recognition—were too much for the poor boy in me.”

Although he kept his personal life private, his children occasionally joined him at red carpet events.

Speaking to The Irish Independent in 2000, he admitted that his success placed undue pressure on them:

“It’s tough being the son or daughter of a celebrity. I couldn’t always be home with them when they were growing up, and living in California, they’ve had my success always hanging over their heads.”

A Final Family Tribute

Following Hackman’s passing, his daughters and granddaughter released a heartfelt statement:

“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. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”