Gene Hackman’s Children: Who Are Gene Hackman’s Children?

Hollywood and the world lost a true icon as Gene Hackman, the two-time Academy Award-winning actor, passed away at the age of 95 on February 27, 2025. The news of his passing, along with his wife Betsy Arakawa, sent shockwaves through the industry and among his fans who admired him for decades. His family, including his three children, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement, remembering him not just as an actor but as a loving father and grandfather.

Gene Hackman was more than just an actor—he was a storyteller who brought complex, deeply human characters to life. Whether as Popeye Doyle in The French Connection or the chilling Lex Luthor in Superman, Hackman’s performances were always captivating. But beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, he was a father, a husband, and a man who lived life on his own terms.

Gene Hackman: A Storied Life and Career

Born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Hackman grew up in a working-class family. His early life was anything but glamorous, marked by his father walking out on the family when Gene was just 13. He found solace in acting after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, and by the 1960s, he had begun making a name for himself in Hollywood.

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Hackman’s career spanned over five decades, with roles in iconic films like Bonnie and Clyde (1967), The French Connection (1971), The Conversation (1974), Superman (1978), Mississippi Burning (1988), Unforgiven (1992), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). He won two Academy Awards—Best Actor for The French Connection and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven. Despite his unparalleled success, Hackman chose to step away from Hollywood in 2004 to focus on writing and a quieter life with his second wife, Betsy Arakawa, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

At the time of his passing, Gene Hackman’s estimated net worth was around $80 million, a testament to his incredible career and wise financial decisions.

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A Family Man: Gene Hackman’s Three Children

Though he was a Hollywood giant, Hackman was first and foremost a father. He and his first wife, Faye Maltese, were married for three decades before their divorce in 1986. Together, they had three children—Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie.

Christopher Hackman (Born 1960, Age 65)

Christopher, the eldest of Hackman’s children, had a complicated relationship with his father, as Hackman admitted in a rare 2011 interview with GQ. He struggled with balancing fatherhood and his demanding career, admitting that he “lost touch” with Christopher when it came to giving advice. Christopher briefly pursued acting but ultimately chose a different path, staying out of the Hollywood spotlight.

Elizabeth Jean Hackman (Born 1962, Age 63)

Elizabeth, the middle child, often appeared alongside her father at Hollywood events during the height of his career. She accompanied him to a 1978 screening of Superman and was seen with her stepmother, Betsy, at the 1996 premiere of The Chamber. Like her brother, she has mostly lived a private life, away from the entertainment industry.

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Leslie Anne Hackman (Born 1966, Age 58)

The youngest of the Hackman children, Leslie Anne, has kept her life especially private. However, she did join her father at a few red carpet events, including the Golden Globes in 1984. Hackman once shared that Leslie was deeply affected by his film Misunderstood (1984), which explored the struggles of a father and son navigating life after the mother’s death.

Hackman admitted that his children faced unique challenges growing up in California under the shadow of his fame. He once told Cigar Aficionado that he even borrowed one of his daughter’s old Toyota cars during a rough patch, highlighting that even Hollywood legends experience struggles like the rest of us.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa: A Love Story

After his divorce from Faye Maltese, Hackman found love again with classical pianist Betsy Arakawa. The two married in 1991 and shared a life together in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their relationship was one of deep companionship, away from the prying eyes of Hollywood.

Tragically, Hackman and Arakawa were found deceased in their home, along with one of their family dogs. While an investigation is ongoing, Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth suggested carbon monoxide poisoning as a possible cause. However, authorities have yet to confirm any conclusive findings.

A Hollywood Icon’s Legacy

Gene Hackman’s impact on Hollywood is immeasurable. His intense performances, versatility, and ability to bring characters to life made him one of the greatest actors of all time. Even in retirement, his influence continued, with many of his films standing the test of time as some of the greatest ever made.

He was also a published author, having written several novels after retiring from acting, including Wake of the Perdido Star, Justice for None, and Escape from Andersonville. His storytelling ability transcended the screen, proving his creative genius in multiple forms.