Gene Hackman Death: Oscar-Winning Actor Hasn’t Named His 3 Kids in Will? Find Out How They Can Still ‘Claim Estate’

Gene Hackman was found dead alongside his wife and dog in their New Mexico home. Amid the passing away of the Oscar-winning actor, his will has been obtained by the media portals.

Written by Rashi Desai , Entertainment Journalist

Published on Mar 16, 2025 | 05:38 PM GMT | 11.5K

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman via Getty Images

Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of death.

Gene Hackman, his wife, and a dog were found dead in their New Mexico home earlier this month. Amid the ongoing investigation of the three deaths, the Oscar-winning actor’s will has surfaced on the internet.

The reports by the media portal suggested that none of the three kids of Hackman have been mentioned in his will. As per the BBC news, the late actor left his entire estate to his wife, Betsy Arakawa.

Hackman shared his three kids with his ex-wife. Despite no mention of them in the will, the kids could still claim their parts in the properties of their father.

In conversation with the media portal, the California attorney, Tre Lovell, revealed, “The estate will actually be probated in accordance with intestate succession laws and the children would be lawfully next in line to inherit.”

He further stated that the children will have to assert that the will stands invalid due to Arawaka passing away prior to the actor. The couple’s bodies were discovered by the sheriff of the area in Santa Fe, along with their pet. While initially the speculations of foul play were scrapped off, the investigative officers have stated natural causes to be the reason for deaths.

As for his career in Hollywood, the actor bagged two Oscars for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven. He enjoyed great success playing different characters in movies and TV shows for decades in the industry.