Let’s talk about a Hollywood icon—Gene Hackman. With over 100 films to his name, this legendary actor wasn’t just a star on the silver screen; he was also a devoted father to his three children, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie, and a proud grandpa. His life wasn’t just about the Oscars and blockbusters; it was also about family, love, and legacy. Let’s dive into the life of this incredible man, both in front of the camera and behind closed doors.
Hackman's Family Roots: The Love Story with Faye Maltese
Gene Hackman and his late wife, Faye Maltese, shared a beautiful chapter of their lives together. Their union brought forth three wonderful children: Christopher Allen, born in January 1960, Elizabeth Jean in August 1962, and Leslie Anne in October 1966. Their family was a testament to the love they shared, and even though their marriage ended in 1986, the bond between Gene and his kids remained strong throughout his life.
Gene and Faye were married for three decades, from 1956 to 1986. Even though their marriage ended before it was officially finalized, Gene found love again with his second wife, Betsy Arakawa. The two met in 1984 at a fitness center in Los Angeles, and their love story continued until Gene's passing. They tied the knot in 1991 and built a life together in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Even though Gene and Betsy didn’t have children of their own, he stayed close to his kids from his first marriage. According to a source, Gene often expressed regret about not being around as much as he would have liked during their childhood. But as they grew older, he made it a point to strengthen those bonds, especially with his grandchildren. “He wishes he’d been around more for his children, but now he’s close with them and their kids,” the source told Closer Weekly.
Despite his family staying mostly out of the spotlight, Gene’s devotion to them was clear. While we don’t know exactly how many grandchildren he had, it’s evident that family meant the world to him.
Gene’s illustrious career often took him away from home, and he openly admitted the challenges it posed. In a 2011 interview with GQ magazine, he confessed, “I lost touch with my son in terms of advice early on. Maybe it had to do with being gone so much, doing location films when he was at an age where he needed support and guidance.” He continued, “It was very tough for me to be gone for three months and then come home and start bossing him around.”
By 2004, Gene decided to step away from the limelight, choosing a quieter life. “I haven’t held a press conference to announce my retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer,” he explained in a 2008 interview. “I miss the actual acting part of it, as it’s what I did for almost 60 years, and I really loved that. But the business for me is very stressful.”
In his later years, Gene embraced a peaceful existence. “His health is good, he still bicycles, does yard work, and he’s a great handyman,” an insider revealed to Closer Weekly. “After all the drama of Gene’s career, he loves the peaceful life he shares with the lovely Betsy.”
A Final Chapter: Gene Hackman's Passing
On February 26, 2025, Gene, his beloved wife Betsy, and their dog were found deceased at their Santa Fe home. A neighbor had called authorities for a wellness check, only to discover the heartbreaking scene. Gene was 95 years old, and Betsy was 64 at the time of their passing.
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Though the authorities did not immediately confirm their cause of death, Gene’s daughter, Elizabeth, shared with TMZ her belief that they might have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. Their legacy lives on through their children, grandchildren, and the countless fans who admired Gene’s work.
