In a piece of sad news, legendary actor, Gene Hackman, his wife, pianist, Betsy Arakawa and their dog were found dead on February 27, 2025, at their Santa Fe, New Mexico house. The two-time Academy Award winner was 95 while Betsy was 63. The exact cause of death was not revealed but the couple was always known to be private about his personal life. The legendary actor is known for his movies like, The French Connection and Unforgiven. Before meeting Betsy, he was married to Faye Maltese (1956 to 1986) and had three kids, a son, Christopher and two daughters- Elizabeth and Leslie Heckman.
Gene and Maltese met in 1955 and separated in 1986. She passed away in 2017, and after that, he met Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist. It was in 2004 when the actor retired from acting and, in an interview with the Irish Independent, shared that he couldn’t always be home with his kids when they were growing up and then, living in California, they’ve had his success always hanging over their heads.
Gene Heckman’s first son, Christopher passed away at 63
It was in 1960 when Hackman and Maltese were blessed with Christopher. He was known to keep a low profile. It was in 1984 when, in an interview with Leta Powel, a journalist, the Misunderstood actor was asked if he stopped hugging Christopher, who was in his 20’s at that time, but opted for a handshake instead. Gene had said:
“I don’t think we’ll ever have a point where we have to shake hands. That was a real stretch for me in the film, and one of the coldest things that one can do is not be aware of and insensitive to the need for a child to be wrapped in a father’s arms.”
Gene, once in an interview with GQ also spoke about how he had lost touch with his son. The actor reflected upon how he used to be at film locations for three months and could not be around his son when he needed his father the most. Christopher also wanted to be an actor when in New York and Gene used to write him a couple of little monologues.
Gene Hackman used to borrow daughter, Elizabeth’s car to go for interviews
Hackman and Maltese welcomed Elizabeth in August 1962. She liked to remain outside the public glare and avoid the media. Not much is known about Elizabeth, but Gene once revealed of borrowing her car for interviews. Back in the 70’s and 80’s Gene’s daughter, Elizabeth reportedly had a Toyota that Gene used to use. Elizabeth was known to attend many events with Gene. She was seen at the screening of Superman, The Chamber’s premiere in Beverly Hills, California with her sister and step mom, Betsy.
Gene Hackman’s third daughter, Leslie Anne Hackman
Hackman and Maltese were blessed with Leslie in October 1966. It is said that Gene’s film, Misunderstood, had affected Leslie, and she was disturbed. She also used to remain private but attended social events with her dad. She was seen at the 41st Annual Golden Awards, The Godfather Part III, 1990 premiere and the premiere of Class Action.
What do you think of Gene Hackman’s three children?
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