What We Know About Gene Hackman's Grandchildren

After Gene Hackman retired from acting in the early 2000s, he lived a quiet life with his second wife Betsy Arakawa in New Mexico. Tragically, in late February 2025, the couple were found dead at their home. While Hackman and Arakawa didn't have any children, the legendary actor had three children from his first marriage and one grandchild. Hackman's family prioritizes their privacy, and they haven't shared many personal details over the years. After Hackman and Arakawa's death, however, his granddaughter Annie Hackman joined the actor's daughters in releasing a statement to the media. "He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa," Elizabeth Hackman, Leslie Hackman, and Annie informed People. "We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss."

According to Us Weekly, Annie is Elizabeth's daughter. While it's not known when Annie was born, Elizabeth was born in 1962. However, other than supporting her dad at events during his career, Elizabeth has stayed out of the public eye. Beyond expressing her condolences, Elizabeth spoke to the media to posit the theory that carbon monoxide poisoning could have caused Hackman and Arakawa's deaths. However, subsequent testing proved negative.

Along with Annie, Leslie, and Elizabeth's comment about Hackman being a regular parent and grandparent, his nephew Tim Hackman shared a similar view. Speaking to Us Weekly, Tim observed Hackman was "like any other family member" when they visited each other.

In interviews, Gene Hackman wasn't forthcoming with details about his personal life, leading to uncertainty about the specifics of his extended family. While The Sun claimed that the actor's son Christopher Hackman has children, that outlet didn't uncover any info about them. Based on her statement to the press, as well as information about family members in Hackman's obituary, Annie Hackman is the only confirmed grandchild of the late actor.

Decades before his death at age 95, Hackman acknowledged that his family wasn't particularly keen on fame. "It's tough being the son or daughter of a celebrity,” he informed the Irish Independent in 2000. "Living in California, they've had my success always hanging over their heads.” In the same interview, Hackman expressed uncertainty about his children's pursuits, although it's unclear whether this was due to a lack of information, or because he didn't wish to publicize their info. However, Hackman did indicate he sought career advice from them, and they dissuaded him from directing a film.

Hackman's second wife, Betsy Arakawa also enjoyed living a low-key life — a preference that was in harmony with the late actor. Even though he was well-known for his lengthy film resume, Hackman eschewed fame. "Actors get this lousy reputation of being short and rude with people on the street, but all they are trying to do is hold on to some sense of continuity about their lives," he explained to The New York Times in 1989.