Gene Hackman's $80 Million Fortune: The Public May Be Left Out On Who Gets His Money

Gene Hackman tragically passed away at his New Mexico residence on February 26, 2025, at 95. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, succumbed to a rare virus just a week earlier. The couple's estates, valued at approximately US$80 million, are now a subject of unfolding details, with their wills still unpublished. Primary insights indicate a preference for a trust to oversee essential assets, granting control through a legal framework that delineates asset management. Hackman’s will appointed Arakawa as a trustee, but her unexpected demise has complicated matters. A court order to name a new trustee has been issued, though the specifics remain confidential. Law specialists emphasize that the situation underscores vital estate planning lessons. Notably, Hackman and Arakawa executed a “pour-over” will alongside a living trust—an efficient planning mechanism to ensure assets transition smoothly without public probate. This scenario serves as a reminder that thoughtful estate planning is crucial regardless of a person's wealth.