NOT A PENNY

Gene Hackman’s Children Not Mentioned in Deceased Actor’s $80M Will

The actor reportedly penned a will in 1995, leaving everything to his wife Betsy Arakawa. Now, his son has reportedly lawyered up.

Gene Hackman’s children are not mentioned in the deceased actor’s will, as questions grow about what will happen to his $80 million fortune, according to TMZ. Late last month, the actor, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, and dog, Kinna, were found dead in their New Mexico home. Christopher and daughters Leslie and Elizabeth were reportedly left out of his will when he penned the document in 1995. Betsy was named as the sole benefactor, but her death means the future of the estate is unclear. Her will reportedly dictated that most of her assets would go to charity if she and Hackman, who married in 1991, died within 90 days of one another. TMZ also reports that Hackman’s son Christopher, who is the same age as his father’s wife, has already lawyered up in a bid to challenge the will. The fact that the pair lived in a community property state could muddy the waters further. This means that assets acquired during marriage are jointly owned and are shared equally, typically after divorce. However, since Betsy also died, Hackman’s three children are the most direct living heirs to the fortune.