Gene Hackman’s $80M Fortune in Question After Wife’s Passing
The will of legendary actor Gene Hackman has been made public, but uncertainty remains over the fate of his $80 million (£62m) estate.
The two-time Academy Award-winning actor left his entire fortune to his wife of 30 years, Betsy Arakawa. However, both were found dead in their New Mexico home last month, raising legal questions about the inheritance.
Authorities confirmed that Arakawa, 65, passed away seven days before Hackman, potentially leaving his three children—Christopher (65), Elizabeth (62), and Leslie (58)—eligible to inherit his estate under succession laws, despite not being named in his will.
Legal Battle Over Hackman’s Estate
Legal experts suggest that, since Hackman’s will was last updated in 2005, the absence of a secondary beneficiary could result in the estate defaulting to his children.
California attorney Tre Lovell explained:
The estate will be probated under intestate succession laws, meaning Hackman’s children could lawfully inherit the assets if no other beneficiary was named.
Authorities say Arakawa died on February 11 after contracting a rare virus, while Hackman, 95, succumbed to severe heart disease on February 18. Their bodies were discovered on February 26 during a neighborhood security welfare check.
Details of Hackman and Arakawa’s Passing
Investigators initially found the scene “suspicious” but later ruled out foul play. Reports indicate:
- Arakawa was found in the bathroom with pills nearby.
- Hackman was discovered in another room, wearing sweatpants and slippers, with his cane and sunglasses beside him.
- His advanced Alzheimer’s disease was listed as a contributing factor.
Arakawa’s own will allocated her assets to Hackman, with a provision stating that if they died within 90 days of each other, her estate would be placed in a trust and later donated to charity after covering medical expenses.
Hackman’s Relationship With His Children
In past interviews, Hackman expressed regret over his time away from family due to his acting career.
You become very selfish as an actor, he told The New York Times in 1989.
Even though I had a family, I took jobs that separated us for months at a time.
His children, who have largely stayed out of the public eye, occasionally attended red carpet events with him.
In a 2000 interview with The Irish Independent, Hackman acknowledged the struggles his children faced growing up with a famous father.
It’s tough being the son or daughter of a celebrity. My success was always hanging over their heads.
Following his passing, Hackman’s daughters and granddaughter released a heartfelt statement:
He was loved and admired by millions for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was just Dad and Grandpa. We are devastated by his loss.
What Happens Next?
The fate of Hackman’s $80 million estate now depends on legal proceedings, with his children possibly set to inherit under intestate succession laws. If the will is upheld, the estate’s assets could be distributed based on Hackman’s final wishes.
This developing story continues to capture global attention as fans mourn the loss of one of Hollywood’s most legendary actors.
