The wills of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been revealed following their deaths, sparking potential legal controversy over the distribution of their substantial estate. Hackman, the 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor, left his $80 million fortune to his wife, Betsy, who is named as the successor trustee to his trust. However, it remains unclear whether Hackman’s three children from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese—son Christopher Allen, 65, and daughters Leslie Anne, 58, and Elizabeth Jean, 62—were included as beneficiaries in the will.
The apparent omission of Hackman’s children from the will has raised the prospect of a legal battle over his estate. A legal expert speculated that had Hackman died first and Betsy survived, a conflict could have ensued, with his children potentially contesting the will.
In her own will, Betsy designated her assets to a charitable trust, aimed at benefiting the community and settling medical debts. Hackman, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, signed his most recent will on June 7, 2005, though it is unclear when he was diagnosed with the disease.
Details surrounding the deaths of Gene and Betsy Hackman were recently released by Santa Fe, New Mexico officials. Betsy died on February 11 from a rare virus contracted from mice, while Gene passed away on February 18 from heart disease. Both were found deceased in separate rooms of their home on February 26.
Julia Peters, an attorney, has been appointed as the executor of both Hackman and Arakawa’s wills, although the distribution of the estates remains uncertain, as a copy of the trust is unavailable. Hackman had originally set up a trust, the GeBe Revocable Trust, but in 1994, he amended it, making Betsy the successor trustee. This change was formalized in 1995, and it’s unclear whether the prior version of the trust included provisions for Hackman’s children as beneficiaries.
The recent hiring of prominent trust and estate attorney Andrew M. Katzenstein by Hackman’s son, Christopher, suggests that he may be preparing to challenge the will. The involvement of such a high-profile attorney indicates that Christopher is likely seeking to protect his interests, while the absence of legal representation for Hackman’s daughters, Leslie and Elizabeth, raises questions about the potential for familial conflict.
Betsy’s will specifies that, if Hackman did not survive her, the remainder of her estate would be placed in a charitable trust, with all debts paid promptly after her death. She also noted that a separate list might be created for the distribution of personal belongings such as furniture, jewelry, and artwork.
Hackman’s family life was marked by challenges, including his divorce from Faye Maltese and a strained relationship with his children, particularly his son, Christopher, who felt abandoned during his formative years. While Hackman maintained some contact with his daughters, Leslie and Elizabeth, his absence during their upbringing left emotional scars. His second marriage to Betsy in 1991 reportedly helped mend some of these rifts, with Betsy encouraging Hackman to reconnect with his children and grandchildren.
In his final years, Hackman reportedly grew closer to his children and their families, though he had months-long gaps without seeing Leslie, despite her frequent contact with him and Betsy. Betsy was found in a bathroom, with one of the couple’s dogs, deceased in its crate.#newsafro_
