The passing of Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, in February 2025 left many in shock.
As tributes continue to pour in for the Unforgiven star, attention has now turned to his $80 million estate and who stands to inherit his wealth.
Hackman and Arakawa had drafted their wills in 2005, naming each other as primary beneficiaries.
However, with both of them gone, their estate’s execution falls to Julia L. Peters, following the death of their previous executor, Michael G. Sutin, in 2019.
Hackman’s three children from his first marriage—Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie—were acknowledged in the will, though the exact details of their inheritance remain unclear.
The couple also established a charitable trust, which suggests a portion of their fortune may go towards philanthropic efforts.
While their passing was initially believed to be of natural causes, the circumstances have led to ongoing investigations.
Betsy Arakawa reportedly died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, likely contracted from rodent exposure, while Hackman had been battling Alzheimer’s disease.
The couple was found deceased in their Santa Fe home after neighbours raised concerns over their prolonged absence.
Their deaths, though tragic, appear to be unrelated.
Despite the will’s instructions, speculation is mounting over possible legal battles regarding Hackman’s estate.
The presence of a charitable trust and the inheritance details of his children could lead to contested claims in the coming months.
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