Who Did Gene Hackman Leave His $80 Million Fortune To? Inside His Last Will

In the weeks following the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, their wills have been revealed, shedding new light on the distribution of Hackman’s estimated $80 million estate.

Documents reveal that the two-time Oscar winner designated Betsy as his sole beneficiary in a trust established in 1995. Notably, his three children — son Christopher and daughters Leslie and Elizabeth, from a previous marriage to Faye Maltese—were not mentioned in the will.

However, the distribution of the estate could change depending on timing. Betsy’s will adds another layer to the story. She also left most of her assets to Gene. In her will, it stipulates that if she and Gene died within 90 days of each other, their deaths would be considered simultaneous, and her assets would then be directed to charitable organizations.

Given that New Mexico, where they lived, is a community property state, and assuming no prenuptial agreement existed, Betsy’s estate could encompass a substantial portion of their combined wealth. In this scenario, her share would be allocated to charity.

As for Gene’s estate, despite his children not being named in the will, they are his direct living heirs and would presumably inherit his portion.

​These circumstances may lead to legal disputes among the heirs, as the exact distribution of the estate hinges on the interpretation of the wills and the timing of the couple’s deaths. ​

Reports indicated that the legendary actor and his wife, Betsy, signed their wills in 2005, and this could make any potential challenge difficult to win. Trust and family law attorney David A. Esquibias, who is not involved in the case, explains why.

“In this situation, Gene Hackman and his wife did not sign their will and trust in 2025 or 2024,” he said. “But, had that been the case, I think there was more likelihood that there’s gonna be a contest.”

Instead, the documents were finalized in 2005, when Gene was still active in Hollywood. At that time, he was younger and presumed to be of sound mind.

Challenging a 20-year-old document is far harder than contesting one signed on a deathbed, Esquibias added. Since Gene and Betsy named each other as the personal representatives of their estates, the structure of the wills was firmly in place long before their passing.

However, there are signs of a possible legal dispute. Reports indicate that Gene’s son, Chris, has hired prominent estate attorney Andrew M. Katzenstein. This suggests he may contest the will despite the legal hurdles.

Gene had spoken openly about his strained relationship with his children. He admitted he was absent for much of Chris’ early years. In recent years, he had worked on mending those relationships. Whether that will play a role in any legal challenge remains to be seen.

The Oscar-winning actor and his wife were found dead in their Santa Fe home on February 26, 2025. He left behind an estate worth millions, a fortune amassed through decades of success in Hollywood and literature. However, the division of his wealth has sparked online discussions, particularly regarding his three children.

The legendary actor and novelist and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were discovered deceased in their home, raising questions about the circumstances of their passing.

The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator and the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office provided answers, shedding light on the details of their deaths.

These findings may also influence the distribution of their estate, including their $3.8 million Santa Fe residence and other assets that sum up to about $80 million.

As a legal process unfolds, speculation continues about how Gene’s estate will be allocated and whether his children stand a chance in inheriting some of his fortune.

Some social media users strongly believe that Gene’s children should not get his fortune, citing their alleged lack of involvement in his later years.

One person was adamant, saying, “Well, I hope that fortune goes to anybody but his children! Sorry, I disliked my dad because of his wife, and I still called them once or twice a week to check on them…. This man was 95 with dementia for Gods [sic] sake! And you don’t check in on him??? I hope the two remaining German shepherds get their fortune!!!”

Another netizen echoed this sentiment, “Kids should get nothing so long these people are gone and no once checked on them [sic].” One person expressed disbelief at the situation, “3 children? Nobody check [sic] on them daily? Sad.”

Many people pointed to the lack of communication between Gene and his children, “His kids didn’t care to check on their father, but you best believe they’ll find plenty of time to get every single penny from him. IMO [sic], they don’t deserve jack.”

A comment with similar views read, “His children shouldn’t get any of his money! A simple phone call to their dad, especially knowing the health conditions he had.” One individual bluntly stated, “His two daughters are so devastated by his death, they didn’t even know he had died for two weeks?? If only they had given him a call.”

The debate continues online, with many convinced that Gene Hackman’s estate should go to someone, or something, other than his children. Under New Mexico law, if a couple passes away within 120 hours of each other, their deaths are classified as simultaneous.

This legal distinction could impact inheritance proceedings, particularly since Betsy, who is from Hawaii, had no children of her own.

According to legal experts, estate laws in New Mexico generally require a person to outlive their spouse by at least five days to inherit under standard wills. Since Gene survived Betsy by a week, the estate’s distribution will follow the terms outlined in his legal documents.

In many cases, estate plans mirror state laws, but some may establish different conditions for inheritance. It is common for married couples to leave everything to each other, but with Betsy passing first, the primary question now is who Gene designated as his beneficiaries.

John Budagher, an attorney specializing in estate law, noted that people often name their children as heirs but sometimes choose friends, caretakers, or even charitable organizations. “It’s your money. You’re allowed to give it to whomever you want, including a donkey sanctuary in Connecticut,” he noted.

The timeline of Gene’s legal documents could also play a crucial role. In case his will or trust was updated recently, especially given his battle with Alzheimer’s, it may be subject to scrutiny.

Challenges could arise if significant changes were made in later years, particularly if assets were redirected to unexpected beneficiaries.

Other potential factors include the presence of any pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements and whether Gene’s children or other parties will make claims to his estate.

While legal proceedings could begin soon, New Mexico law allows up to three years for probate cases to be filed, meaning the final resolution may take time.

As legal matters regarding Gene’s wealth are being figured out, authorities recently held a press conference shedding light on the final hours of his wife, before her passing. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza detailed her movements on February 11, the day authorities said Betsy died.

Mendoza revealed that Betsy engaged in a routine day that ended with unanswered emails and a lingering mystery. Her day began with an email to her massage therapist in the morning, followed by a trip to a grocery store in the afternoon.

Surveillance footage later captured her making a quick stop at CVS Pharmacy. Mendoza noted that she wore a mask in public that day, a habit friends say she followed to protect her husband, who had Alzheimer’s, from illnesses.

Her errands continued with a visit to a pet food store before she returned home around 5:15 p.m. That marked the last known activity from Betsy, as she did not respond to any emails after that.

Mendoza also shared that two days earlier, on February 9, Betsy had picked up Zinna, the couple’s dog, from a veterinary procedure, which may explain why the pet was found crated.

However, apart from what she did, information about what Betsy failed to do on February 11 has also been shared. Gene’s wife never picked up the prescription dog food and medication she had ordered for one of her beloved pets from Gruda Veterinary Hospital in southwest Santa Fe.

For years, Betsy had been a regular at the clinic, always ensuring her three dogs, Zinna, Bear, and Nikita, had everything they needed. When she failed to collect the order, the clinic staff grew concerned.

A week later, after February 17, the veterinary office attempted to reach her, leaving reminders that the food was ready for pickup. But there was no response as it was too late by then.

Robert Gruda, the hospital’s owner noted, “She was devoted to those dogs. She was consistent, predictable. We knew something was wrong when she didn’t pick up the food on time.”

When asked whether anyone was assisting with Gene’s care, Mendoza stated there was no evidence of a caretaker at the residence. Betsy seems to have been the only one caring for her husband, managing many aspects of his daily routine.

The classical pianist arranged his golf outings, monitored his diet due to his long-standing heart issues, and even diluted his wine with soda water. As a dedicated companion, she also typed and edited his handwritten novels.

In his final years, she took on the full weight of caregiving, determined to be by his side until the very end. Sadly, as per authorities, Gene and Betsy passed away just a week apart, both from natural causes.

Betsy passed away, likely on February 11. Her body was found on the bathroom floor of the home she shared with Gene. She had succumbed to a rare but deadly rodent-borne illness, hantavirus.

Alone in the house, Gene, suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s, lived for another week before he passed away due to heart disease on February 18. He collapsed in a mudroom with a cane and sunglasses nearby.

Questions remain about those final days. Did Gene realize his wife was gone? Was he aware that one of their dogs, 12-year-old Zinna, had also died inside a crate? The details of his last moments remain a mystery.