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Gene Hackman, who was found dead in his New Mexico home in February 2025 at age 95, is survived by three children.
The legendary actor welcomed son Christopher, daughter Elizabeth and daughter Leslie while married to then-wife Faye Maltese.
The former couple tied the knot in 1956, divorcing three decades later.
Hackman moved on with wife Betsy Arakawa in 1991.
The pianist died alongside Hackman in 2025, as well as their dog, with the Santa Fe County sheriff saying at the time that no foul play was suspected.
Get to know Hackman’s children below in the wake of his passing.
Christopher Allen Hackman
Hackman became a dad in 1960 when Maltese gave birth to baby boy Christopher Allen.
The Oscar winner made rare comments about his son over the years, including confirmation in 1984 that they “still hug[ged] to this day.”
He gushed, “I thank God that we are able to do that. I don’t think we’ll ever have a point where we have to shake hands.”
In a 2011 GQ interview, Hackman explained why he “lost touch” with Christopher “in terms of advice early on.”
He said, “Maybe it had to do with being gone so much, doing location films when he was at an age where he needed support and guidance.
“It was very tough for me to be gone for three months and then come home and start bossing him around,” Hackman continued.
Elizabeth Jean Hackman
In August 1962, Hackman and Maltese expanded their family with Elizabeth Jean.
The Golden Globe winner’s eldest daughter joined him for rare appearances over the years, from the “Superman” screening in 1978 to the “Chamber” premiere in 1996.
While Hackman didn’t specify which daughter he was referring to, he admitted to Cigar Aficionado in 2000 that he “used to borrow” her “piece of s–t Toyota” to drive to Hollywood during a tough time in his career.
While Hackman’s children have maintained their privacy and their careers are not known, the “French Connection” star did once tell the Irish Independent how difficult it was to have him for a father.
“Living in California, they’ve had my success always hanging over their heads,” he explained in 2000.
Leslie Anne Hackman
Christopher and Elizabeth were joined by little sister Leslie Anne in October 1966.
She was by Hackman’s side at the 1984 Golden Globes, also attending the premieres for “The Godfather Part III” and “Class Action” in the ’90s.
While Hackman didn’t specify which daughter he was referring to, he admitted to Cigar Aficionado in 2000 that he “used to borrow” her “piece of s–t Toyota” to drive to Hollywood during a tough time in his career.
