In brief
The will of Gene Hackman, who passed away just weeks after his wife, raises questions of inheritance and legal claims from his children.
The release of Gene Hackman’s will has cast a shadow over the fate of his $80 million fortune, largely due to the untimely deaths of both him and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The beloved actor, who won two Academy Awards, left everything to Arakawa, who unfortunately passed away just a week prior to him. Consequently, Hackman’s three children from his previous marriage may potentially contest the will under state laws, as they were notably left out as beneficiaries.Hackman and his wife were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, a conclusion drawn after a welfare check. Arakawa, aged 65, died from a rare virus on February 11, and Hackman, aged 95, succumbed to natural causes compounded by severe heart disease a week later. Following their deaths, authorities initially deemed the circumstances “suspicious,” but no foul play was determined.According to legal experts, the exclusion of Hackman’s children—Christopher, 65; Elizabeth, 62; and Leslie, 58—from the will could lead to claims under intestate succession laws in California. Lawyer Tre Lovell highlighted the complexity of the situation, indicating that unless another beneficiary is designated within the trust, Hackman’s estate could default to his children.Arakawa's own will indicates that her assets would be allocated to Hackman, with a stipulation that should they die within 90 days of one another, her estate would then transfer into a trust, ultimately winding up for charitable donations after settling medical expenses. Hackman, renowned for his roles in classic films, often reflected on the challenges of family life amidst an acting career, expressing the sacrifices made through prolonged absences from his children. Despite their public figure status, his children maintained a relatively low profile but occasionally accompanied him at red-carpet events.In a heartfelt statement released after his passing, Hackman’s daughters and granddaughter honored him, remembering the beloved patriarch as more than just a celebrated actor, but simply as Dad and Grandpa. They expressed their sorrow and admiration for the man who resonated with millions through his cinematic prowess but was undeniably cherished within the confines of their family.
