Gene Hackman, the legendary actor known for films like The French Connection and Unforgiven, passed away at the age of 95.
He was found dead at his home in New Mexico on February 26, 2025, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
However, one question after his passing still remains: Who will inherit everything he has left behind?
Gene Hackman’s Cause of Death
Hackman’s cause of death was attributed to heart disease, which advanced Alzheimer’s disease had further complicated. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, a 65-year-old former classical pianist, succumbed to a rare disease known as Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This illness, which is transmitted through rodent exposure, added an unexpected and tragic element to their passing.
Questions Arise Over Hackman’s $80 Million Fortune
With Hackman’s passing, many questions have emerged regarding the fate of his estimated $80 million estate. The actor had stepped away from Hollywood in the early 2000s, but his career spanned decades, earning him significant wealth through films, endorsements, and other ventures.
According to legal documents, Hackman’s will, which was last updated in 2005, listed his wife as the sole beneficiary of his fortune. However, with both of them passing around the same time, the legal distribution of his estate has become a complicated issue.
Could His Children Inherit the Estate?
One of the biggest legal questions is whether Hackman’s three children from his first marriage—Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie—will inherit his fortune. Since his will named Arakawa as the sole beneficiary, and she is now deceased, the next steps depend on the interpretation of succession laws.
Attorney Tre Lovell explained that if it is legally determined that Arakawa passed away before Hackman, then the estate would likely be subject to intestate succession laws. This means that Hackman’s children would be next in line to inherit his wealth. However, if no alternative heirs were named in the will, the legal process could become more complicated.
Legal Complications in the Executor’s Role
Adding another layer of complexity, Hackman and Arakawa had appointed their longtime attorney, Michael G. Sutin, as the executor of their estate. However, Sutin passed away in 2019, leaving a legal gap in the execution of the will.
Their second designated successor, Julia L. Peters, has since taken responsibility for overseeing estate matters. Recent legal filings indicate that she has included Hackman’s three children in estate discussions, suggesting they may ultimately receive his fortune.
What Happens Next?
The situation remains legally complex, and the final distribution of Hackman’s estate will depend on upcoming court proceedings. Legal experts suggest that if no further beneficiaries are named in the will, the estate could either be distributed to his children or be subject to further legal claims.
For now, the legal battle over Hackman’s estate continues, as fans and the film industry remember him for his incredible career and contributions to cinema.
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