The details of Gene Hackman’s will have come to light, and they include a surprising twist. Now, his son Christopher has reportedly taken legal steps.
The will of legendary actor Gene Hackman has been unveiled, revealing that the two-time Oscar winner left his entire fortune to his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
The documents, which date back to 1995, name Betsy as the sole beneficiary, leaving out Gene’s three children — Christopher, Leslie, and Elizabeth.
His son, Christopher, has reportedly hired high-profile trust and estate attorney Andrew M. Katzenstein, suggesting that he may challenge the will.
The actor had previously acknowledged a strained relationship with his children, admitting he was largely absent during Christopher’s formative years, though they had reconnected in recent years.
Additionally, Julia Peters, a representative for the estate, has filed legal documents requesting a preliminary injunction to block the release of any photos or video evidence related to Gene and his wife’s passing, citing privacy concerns.
As we previously reported, authorities responded to a distressing 911 call after a caretaker stumbled upon an unresponsive Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa inside their home. The caller, audibly shaken, hesitated before stating they had possibly found two bodies.
While the dispatcher urgently dispatched paramedics, the caretaker could be heard sniffling and repeatedly saying, “Damn.” When asked about the individuals inside, they struggled to provide details, uncertain of their ages or genders.
The caller remained outside, unable to enter, only able to see through a window that neither Gene nor Betsy appeared to be moving. “No, dude, they’re not moving. Just send somebody out here really quick,” the caretaker told the dispatcher.
Law enforcement arrived shortly after to confirm the devastating news. The community now mourns the loss of the beloved actor and his wife as investigations continue.
Initial findings from preliminary autopsies showed no external trauma to either individual, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. The couple was found in separate rooms along with their deceased dog.
Authorities say the cause of death remained undetermined at the time of writing, and toxicology tests have been requested. While foul play is not suspected, officials have not ruled it out entirely.
“The circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals [are considered] to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation,” a sheriff’s deputy said in the affidavit for a search warrant.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated, “There was no obvious sign or indication of foul play,” adding that there was no evidence of a struggle or missing items either
However, the couple had been deceased for quite some time before they were found. “The autopsy is going to be key, and the toxicology,” the sheriff said, emphasizing that investigators are proceeding cautiously to ensure accuracy in their findings.
Scattered pills were found near Betsy, who was discovered lying on the bathroom floor next to an open bottle of prescription medication and a space heater. A dog was found dead in a closet nearby.
Gene’s body was located in another room near the kitchen, with the affidavit noting that the deputy suspected he had “suddenly fallen.” Two other healthy dogs were found elsewhere on the property.
The home’s front door was open and unsecured, but there were no signs of forced entry or theft. The actor’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told reporters that the family suspects toxic fumes may have played a role in their deaths.
However, authorities found no immediate evidence of a carbon monoxide or natural gas leak. The search warrant allowed investigators to examine combustible materials, controlled substances, weapons, DNA, and any other potential evidence, though it remains unclear what, if anything, was seized.
In a statement, the iconic actor’s daughters and granddaughter shared their heartbreak, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy.”
“He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely,” the statement continued. As Hollywood mourns, tributes have poured in from fellow celebrities and fans.
Director Francis Ford Coppola, who collaborated with Gene on “The Conversation,” posted, “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”
Award-winning actress Valerie Perrine, who starred alongside Gene in “Superman,” wrote on X, “The great Gene Hackman has passed away. He was a genius & 1 of the greatest to grace the silver screen. I had the honor of working with him on Superman. His performances are legendary. His talent will be missed. Goodbye my sweet Lex. Till we meet again.”
The BAFTAs also honored Gene, sharing, “We are saddened to hear that the much-celebrated actor Gene Hackman has died aged 95. Hackman’s illustrious career spanned over six decades and earned him BAFTA wins for his work in Unforgiven, The French Connection, and The Poseidon Adventure.”
Shortly after the actor’s death on February 26, his nephew, Tim Hackman, revealed that the family had originally planned for Betsy to handle his funeral arrangements, given their 31-year age gap. At the time of their passing, Betsy was 63, and Gene was 95.
As reported by The Daily Mail, Tim, 51, explained, “So the preparedness of it was that he would go first and that we would probably, maybe, depending on whatever it was [Betsy] had set up, would go down there and pay our condolences and everything.”
