Gene Hackman, a legendary actor known for his fierce privacy, left behind a complicated personal legacy following his death in February 2025. Despite his immense fame, his family life was strained by the demands of his Hollywood career. Hackman had three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese but no direct heirs with his second wife, Betsy Arakawa, who passed away shortly before him from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.

Hackman’s health had been in decline, with his advanced Alzheimer’s and heart disease contributing to his death. His final days remain shrouded in mystery, with questions about whether he was aware of his wife’s passing. His daughters expressed grief over his death but maintained that he had been in good health until the end.

Hackman’s complicated relationship with his children, especially his son, Christopher, had been impacted by his career. However, in later years, he worked to rebuild those connections. His $80 million estate is expected to be divided among his children, but his true legacy lies in his unparalleled contributions to Hollywood.