Gene Hackman had a will, but the public may never find out who inherits his $80M fortune

Gene Hackman, the legendary actor, passed away in February 2025 at age 95, just one week after his wife, Betsy Arakawa, died from a rare virus. The couple reportedly had an $80 million estate, and while their wills haven’t been made public, estate planning experts say their use of a trust-based plan offers valuable takeaways—especially for blended families.

Hackman and Arakawa created what’s known as a pour-over will and living trust in 2005. This strategy allows all assets to be funneled into a trust at death, avoiding the cost, delay, and publicity of probate. While Hackman’s will was filed in court to transfer any remaining assets, the bulk of his estate is being handled privately through the trust. His children from a prior marriage were mentioned in the will but did not directly inherit through it—raising questions about how the estate will be distributed, especially since Arakawa passed away before the 90-day survival period stated in her own will. Her assets are instead expected to go toward a charitable trust.

This high-profile case illustrates three key lessons: (1) A living trust can simplify updates and offer privacy; (2) Always plan for the possibility that a beneficiary might predecease you; and (3) Thoughtful planning is essential in stepfamilies to avoid confusion or disputes. Whether your estate is large or modest, these tools can help ensure your legacy is passed on according to your wishes—with fewer surprises.

For more information see Naomi Cahn and Reid Kress Weisbord “Gene Hackman had a will, but the public may never find out who inherits his $80M fortune,” The Conversation, July 2025.