Gene Hackman, one of Hollywood’s most iconic and respected actors, spent much of his life in the public eye, but he always maintained a strict level of privacy when it came to his personal affairs. Throughout his long career, Hackman made a conscious effort to shield his family, particularly his children, from the glare of the spotlight. Despite his best efforts, however, the pressures and demands of his career inevitably strained his relationships at home. Now, following the recent passing of both Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, conversations have emerged about the fate of his estimated $80 million estate.

Although Hackman and Arakawa did not have children together, he was the father of three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese—two daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, and a son, Christopher. The dynamics within Hackman’s family have long been the subject of speculation, and with reports suggesting that his children allegedly did not check in on him for weeks leading up to his death, many are curious about who will inherit the actor’s fortune.

Hackman’s relationship with his children was known to be complicated, a situation not uncommon for someone whose life was consumed by the demands of Hollywood success. He married Faye Maltese in 1956, and during the 1960s, they welcomed their three children. However, as Hackman’s acting career skyrocketed, the time he was able to devote to his family declined. His work on countless film sets around the world left little time for fatherhood, and the distance created during those years left lasting scars. His son, Christopher Hackman, was reportedly the most distant of the three children, with Hackman himself admitting in later interviews that they had completely lost touch over the years.

Things appeared to take a turn in 1991, when Hackman married pianist Betsy Arakawa. According to those close to the family, Arakawa played a significant role in encouraging Hackman to reconnect with his estranged children. Friends of the couple said that Betsy often welcomed Gene’s children into their home and did what she could to mend the strained family ties. In his later years, Gene was said to have made an effort to rebuild those relationships, though the bond was never quite as strong as some might have hoped. Despite these attempts at reconciliation, rumors swirled after Hackman’s passing when his daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, were seen in public just one day after learning about his death. The timing sparked speculation about how close they had really been in his final days.

With Hackman’s passing, attention has shifted to the fate of his fortune. Legal analysts suggest that unless there are unusual provisions in his will, it’s likely that his estate will be divided equally among his three children. Tre Lovell, a legal expert, explained that if Hackman’s will specifies an equal division, then his assets—reportedly valued at $80 million—will be distributed accordingly. These assets include real estate, investments, and residual earnings from his illustrious film career. While there has been speculation about the nature of his will, no official documentation has been made public as of yet.

Hackman’s wealth is only one part of the legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to Hollywood are vast and enduring. Over a career that spanned more than five decades, Hackman became one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, starring in films such as The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Hoosiers. He earned two Academy Awards and countless other accolades for his work, and he was widely admired for his ability to portray complex and deeply human characters. But beyond the awards and the box office success, Hackman’s later years were marked by an effort to find peace within his family. Those close to him say that his marriage to Arakawa and his attempts to reconnect with his children helped define the final chapter of his life.

Although Gene Hackman was a man who fiercely protected his privacy, those who knew him best speak of a man who sought to repair old wounds and make peace with his past. Whether his children were as present as some might have hoped during his final days, or whether they will inherit his fortune according to his wishes, remains to be seen. What is certain, though, is that Hackman’s true legacy lies in the impact he made on the world of cinema and in his personal journey toward reconciliation. His story is not just about a fortune or fame, but about a man who, in the end, valued the importance of family and connection above all else.