Gene Hackman, born Eugene Allen Hackman on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, grew up in a working-class family. His parents, Eugene Ezra Hackman and Anna Lyda Elizabeth Gray, divorced when he was young, leading to a somewhat turbulent childhood.
At just 16 years old, Hackman left home to join the United States Marine Corps, serving as a field radio operator in China and Hawaii. After his military service, he pursued journalism and television production at the University of Illinois, but his true passion lay in acting. He later studied at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he met fellow aspiring actors Dustin Hoffman and Robert Duvall, forming lifelong friendships.
Marriages and Personal Life
First Marriage: Faye Maltese (1956-1986)
Gene Hackman married Faye Maltese in 1956, before he had achieved fame in Hollywood. Faye was a bank secretary working at Rockefeller Center, and she supported Hackman throughout his early struggles as an actor.
The couple had three children:
- Christopher Allen Hackman
- Elizabeth Jean Hackman
- Leslie Anne Hackman
Despite staying together for three decades, their marriage ended in divorce in 1986. Sources suggest that Hackman’s demanding career and long periods away from home contributed to the separation.
Faye Maltese passed away on April 26, 2017, at the age of 88.
Second Marriage: Betsy Arakawa (1991-2025)
In 1991, Hackman married Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist who was 30 years younger than him. The two met while she was working at a gym he frequented in Los Angeles. The couple never had children together but shared a private and peaceful life in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Their home, featured in Architectural Digest, was a beautifully designed Southwestern estate, reflecting Hackman’s love for art and interior design.
Hackman retired from acting in 2004, opting to focus on writing novels, enjoying outdoor activities, and spending time with his wife in Santa Fe.
Gene Hackman’s Children
Despite their father’s Hollywood fame, Hackman’s three children have remained largely out of the public eye.
Christopher Allen Hackman
- The only son of Gene Hackman and Faye Maltese.
- Unlike his father, Christopher did not pursue a career in acting.
- He has maintained a private life, and little is known about his personal or professional endeavors.
Elizabeth Jean Hackman
- Hackman’s eldest daughter.
- Has avoided media attention, choosing a quiet life.
- No publicly available details about her career or family.
Leslie Anne Hackman
- The youngest of Hackman’s three children.
- Like her siblings, Leslie has also stayed out of the spotlight.
- No known public appearances or interviews.
Later Years and Passing
After his retirement, Hackman avoided Hollywood events and interviews, enjoying a simple and private life with his wife in New Mexico. Occasionally, paparazzi spotted him running errands, cycling, or dining out.
On February 26, 2025, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home. Their pet dog was also found deceased.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the deaths, stating that no foul play was suspected. The exact cause of death remains unknown, with authorities awaiting autopsy and toxicology results to determine what happened.
Gene Hackman’s Legacy
Gene Hackman’s six-decade-long career left an indelible mark on Hollywood. He was one of the most respected actors of his generation, winning:
- Two Academy Awards (The French Connection, Unforgiven)
- Four Golden Globes
- Two BAFTA Awards
Beyond acting, Hackman was a talented writer, publishing several novels in his later years.
Though he has now passed, his work will live on, inspiring future generations of actors and filmmakers.