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Hold onto your popcorn, folks, because the latest Hollywood drama isn't on the big screen—it's unfolding in the courtroom. The late, great Gene Hackman, who passed away at 95, has left behind more than just a legacy of stellar performances. His $80 million fortune is now the center of a potential family showdown.
Hackman's will, last updated in 2005, named his wife, Betsy Arakawa, as the sole beneficiary. This means his three children from a previous marriage—Christopher, 65, Leslie, 58, and Elizabeth, 62—weren't mentioned in the will. Talk about a plot twist!
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyBut here's where it gets juicier. Arakawa's will had a clause stating that if both she and Hackman died within 90 days of each other, their assets would be considered as if they passed simultaneously, directing her estate to charitable causes. Since she died just a week before Hackman, this clause might come into play, potentially diverting the fortune away from the family.
Family Ties and Legal Knots
Given the circumstances, Hackman's children might have a legal leg to stand on. His son, Christopher, has already lawyered up, hinting at a brewing legal battle, per Page Six.
New Mexico's community property laws could further complicate matters. If there's no prenuptial agreement, Arakawa's estate might include a significant portion of Hackman's assets, especially since she predeceased him. This scenario could lead to a tug-of-war between the charitable intentions outlined in Arakawa's will and the inheritance rights of Hackman's children.
Will Hackman's children contest the will? Will the charitable clause in Arakawa's hold up? Only time—and the courts—will tell.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arawaka’s mysterious death
Gene Hackman, known for his roles in classics like "The French Connection," had a history of heart problems. Investigators found that his pacemaker recorded his last activity on February 17, 2025, potentially pinpointing his time of death. Hackman was found in the foyer of the home, while Arakawa was lying in the bathroom.
© NY Daily News via Getty ImagesBetsy was found with pills scattered on the countertop, immediately sparking speculation. Forensic expert James Gill dismissed a "joint suicide" scenario, as Hackman could move independently, suggesting he didn’t die helplessly after Betsy Arakawa.
After investigations, Hackman's cause of death was ruled as complications from his Alzheimer's and heart disease. He reportedly died after Arakawa, with medical specialists believing that it could be a possibility that he died without knowing that Arakawa had passed. “I’m not aware of what his normal daily functioning capability was. He was in a very poor state of health. He had significant heart disease, and I think ultimately that is what resulted in his in his death," said the chief medical investigator at New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator.
