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It has been over a week since the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were announced. However, the late couple won’t be able to rest peacefully as their names continue to make headlines. The newest update in the famous duo’s case reveals the Hollywood veteran left his entire fortune to his longtime partner.
Gene’s will, obtained by sources, confirmed he left his estate to Betsy in 1995. He made his wife his sole beneficiary four years after they tied the knot, leaving nothing to his children. The French Connection star shared a son and two daughters with his ex-wife, Faye Maltese, who died in 2017.
It appears Gene never updated his will, leaving his son Christopher and daughters Leslie and Elizabeth without a cent. Although his will stipulated his fortune should go to Betsy, the timing of their deaths could influence the distribution outcome. TMZ shared that Betsy’s will similarly left her assets to her spouse with a unique twist.
Gene Hackman’s Children May Contest His Will
Betsy’s will included directions for a situation where she and Gene died within 90 days of each other. She noted their deaths should be considered simultaneous, and all her assets would go to charity. It remains to be seen if this clause would apply to the inheritance she was meant to receive from her husband’s estate.
As for Gene’s three children, although they weren’t mentioned in his will, they might earn a share of his wealth. The late actor’s son Christopher has reportedly enlisted the services of Andrew M. Katzenstein, a renowned trust and estate attorney. As the oldest, he might challenge his father’s will.
While Gene’s kids might have a stake in his inheritance as the most direct living heirs, the family’s complicated history cannot be forgotten. The Hollywood legend was vocal about his complex relationship with his children before his death. He once confessed to being frequently absent during Christopher’s childhood but seemingly became closer with his kids before passing.
Fans Speculate the Reason Gene Hackman Excluded His Children From His Will
Gene’s will sparked conspiracy theories on X, with many speculating the reason his three children were left out. Many believed the trio were undeserving of the actor’s wealth, with someone arguing, “Well, seeing as how they didn’t call or check on himโฆI say he was right.” Another echoed similar sentiments, writing:
“Makes sense. His kids have a 95-year-old father with Alzheimer’s, and they didn’t even check on him for weeks while he laid their dead next to his dead wife and his dead dog.”
A third claimed they “knew something was off with the kids,” while a fourth believed the will signified bad blood. The speculations continued with an X user warning others not to pass judgment while someone lamented the tragic outcome. “What a sad, sad ending,” they mused. Gene’s will was unveiled days after authorities solved the mystery surrounding his passing.
We covered the story, reporting Betsy died first from a rare disease called hantavirus. The virus was transmitted by mice and had a 42% fatality rate, per the state public health veterinarian. Her husband died a week after her, with his pacemaker registering abnormal cardiac activity on February 18.
Will Gene Hackman’s children fight for their share of his estate?
